The National Writers Association Guide to Writing for Beginners: A How-To Reference for Plot, Dialogue, Nonfiction, Internet Publishing, and More

by Sandra Whelchel

Overview

The National Writers Association Guide to Writing for Beginners has been used successfully as printed handouts for over twenty-five years with college classes and conference workshops. Unlike many writing books, this guide is broken into small chapters with specific areas of writing addressed within. This gives the beginning writer a chance to read the chapter and then utilize the knowledge on their own projects.

By utilizing the instruction, supplemental readings, and exercises, each chapter is designed to address the problem areas of writing and give the reader the information necessary to be successful. Additional chapters give information on other aspects of the writing business, such as publishing, marketing, finding agents and publishers, and copyright applications.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781578866854
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	10/08/2007
Pages:	132
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.44(d)

About the Author

Sandy Whelchel is executive director of the National Writers Association and author of six nonfiction books, five coloring books, and two novels.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Getting Started
Chapter 2 Ideas, Ideas, Ideas
Chapter 3 Where Are You Going?
Chapter 4 Proper Manuscript Format
Chapter 5 Great Beginnings
Chapter 6 Plots and Storylines
Chapter 7 Characterization
Chapter 8 Dialogue
Chapter 9 Narrative
Chapter 10 Glitches
Chapter 11 Nonfiction
Chapter 12 Internet Publishing
Chapter 13 Rights and Copyright
Chapter 14 Queries, Synopses, Cover Letters, Proposals, and Outlines
Chapter 15 The Writer as an Editor
Chapter 16 To Agent or Not to Agent
Chapter 17 Publishing and Not Publishing
Chapter 18 Marketing and Selling Your Work
Chapter 19 Final Thoughts
Chapter 20 Appendix A: Sample Synopsis of A Year of Hearts
Chapter 21 Appendix B: Sample First Page of a Book
Chapter 22 Appendix C: Sample First Page of a Short Story or Article
Chapter 23 Appendix D: Sample Query
Chapter 24 Appendix E: Sample Outline of a Book
Chapter 25 Appendix F: Sample Cover Letter
Chapter 26 Appendix G: Major Character Profile
Chapter 27 Appendix H: Minor Character Profile
Chapter 28 Appendix I: Sample Vita Sheet
Chapter 29 Appendix J: Suggested Release Form for Interviews

Editorial Reviews

A clever approach to writing instruction that manages to avoid the usual cliches hurled at would-be authors...

Coleman Stokes

This book provides an all inclusive education for the beginning writer and hopeful author. It's an amazing classroom in a book.

Patricia Fry

This book is a nuts and bolts treatment of writing that begins with the tools necessary for the craft, then covers the techniques of creating good works. I find it to be a good reference and a tool a writer can use to help stay focused.

Gerald Kinro