Product Description
Here is the book to help you move from beginning writer to professional. This practical text on the fine art of writing is designed to encourage you to develop your God-given talent. Along with the theoretical aspects of writing, the reader is provided in-depth writing assignments to practice their craft. Perfect for classroom or individual study.

Eleven comprehensive chapters and ten appendices discuss nearly every element of the writing process. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Useful book
If you're a new Christian writer or a Christian who wants to write, buy this book. Ethel Herr will help you understand how God views success as a writer, how to write for publication, and how to organize your writing life.

An Introduction to Christian Writing
I found this little book to be very helpful. It covered what should and shouldn't be done and the cliche's to avoid like the plague.

A Discouraging Book
I was severly disappointed in 'An Introduction to Christian Writing: An Indepth Companion to the Complete Writing Experience' by Ethel Herr. Oddly enough for someone who is supposed to have a Christian viewpoint, Ms. Herr seems to totally discount inspiration of any kind for a writer. Perhaps that's why I found her writing to be uninspired and uninspiring. She insisted writers use a cycle of endless writing and rewriting. It left me wondering when you get to the part about actually getting published. She had one valid point, in that authors may not make substantial amounts of money from writing (although that is the reason for being published) and should take solace in having done what God asked. Perhaps she hasn't heard about Internet marketing and promotion, although it's possible she wouldn't be inspired by it if she had.
A caveat for those who take a writing course using this as a textbook--you will not find encouraging words here.

An Introductin to Christian Writing
As a novice writer this has been an invaluable resource. For the person that wants to improve technique in a practical way, Ms. Herr has included assignments to complet to use the skills that she discusses. Very worth while the time and effort to read and complete.

A Great Help
I have been struggling with writing something that I believe God called me to write.This book really helped me look at the reasons as to why I am writing from a completely different point of view.I highly recommend this to anyone who believes they have been called to write, but are having hardships or difficulty starting at the beginning or getting to the end.It doesn't tell you how to write - but it inspires you to let poetry drip from your tongues like honey!If you are called to write for Him...you have one heck of a duty on your shoulders. ... Read more

Product Description
Writing the Christian Romance provides readers with detailed instruction for creating a storyline that is reflective of Christian values with authentic well constructed principled characters. This comprehensive book shows writers how to develop an engaging, passionate, conflict-driven romantic storyline without the use profanity, gratuitous violence, or sexually explicit content. Writers will learn to construct stories using the three threads around which Christian romance is centered: the characters' personal growth, the growth of the romance, and the characters' spiritual growth, which is as irrevocably tied to the storyline as the first two threads. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Review of informative book
Writing the Christian Romance by Gail Gaymer Martin has been a god-send to me. The book is thorough and comprehensive. As a beginning writer, I have found the book to contain just the right information at the right time.

Beyond greatful
I have been wanting to write a Christian romance for at least 2 years. And this book was just want I need to get my foot in the door. It says all the no no's in this writing and offers great examples. The only draw back is that it only takes of being published and not self publish which is what I plan on doing. Even without that tiny section the book is filled with great information and comes at a really great price. Buy it.. you won't be sorry. If God blessed you to write then write you should.

Really helpful, but would have like to see more of a variety of authors discussed in text
I found this book to be really well written and helpful. The book is practical and straight to the point. I also enjoyed the helpful writing excercises that are offered as well. The only thing I would have changed about this book is that I would have included more authors to draw from. Otherwise, this book is an excellent resource.

My opinion on ' Writing the Christian Romance'
This book is absolutely fantastic. My first Christian Novel is currently in the hands of an editor in N.Y. Just before I sent it over, I thought it was ready to approach the people concerned. However, after reading this book, I learnt SO MUCH! Even little things like'said tags,' explaining how to bring in the feelings of each character, making sure it was 'feelings' not sight by the main character, which is impossible. It has enabled me to produce a far better Manuscript. I have been able to bring so much more emphasis on the emotions and senses of both my Hero and Heroine after reading Gail's explanations. By the time I sent my M.S. over, it was a much better novel.I thoroughly encourage any aspiring writer of this genre to grab this book!Many many thanks, Gail.

A Writer's Bible
This was on my wish list for a long time and I'm so impressed with it, I think I might need an extra copy.I keep referring to the book and the great chapter ending exercises that the book looks used and beaten.

Ms. Martin gives a comprehensive look at writing the Christian Romance, using examples from her own work, as well as other respected authors.From plot to character to the spiritual emphasis of the book, no stone is left unturned.

What makes me love this book even more is that in the Christian romance genre, perhaps several names could have written it.But Gail Martin did, giving up secrets and tips in order to help others.It'sgenerous gift, this book, and I feel blessed to have it in my hands. ... Read more

Product Description
The Christian fiction genre has been around since the late sixties, but the Left Behind series made it explode. This book walks you through the genre—what it is and isn’t, how plot integrates with a Christian message, how to approach edgy subjects, how to navigate Christian and mainstream publishers, and more. Coverage includes discussion of everything from mystery and romance, to historical and young adult.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

Just what I needed to read
All my writing life I have wanted to write a christian fiction novella, this book is really going to make that so much easier. I had no idea how to start off and what to right about. This book is great for those who are just starting to write and want to make a living as a christian writer. It's well written, easy to read and offers information on just about any christian fiction subject you can think of! Buy it.. you won't be sorry!

Excellent
"Complete Idiot's Guide to Writing Christian Fiction" is an excellent book. Ron Benrey supplies the question posed by the book's title, too, and he gets to the point while doing it. Every word tells the reader how to write Christian fiction without the addition of useless information.

"Guide to Writing Christian Fiction" is also a valuable source for learning what will and/or won't work in Christian fiction, i.e., the rules.

Good Overview of the Christuan Market
I have read numerous books on Fiction Writing, and a few on Christian Fiction in particular, and this one is excellent. I would give it four-and-a-half stars if I could.

The author does not try to cover everything there is to know about writing fiction (which would be impossible in one book) but he does a good job of covering the full scope of topics. Though the book does not go into each topic in depth, I did learn new information in several. The section on four act story structure was well done, and handled more concisely than other treatments I have seen.

The author lays out the prospects for success in sobering terms. Such honesty is refreshing. And his dealing with pride, neglect of other responsibilities, confusion over calling, impatience, and other problems that plague Christians who desire to write is well done and much needed.

Excellent, but the field is intimidating
Ron Benrey includes everything you need to know and more, which is why I was a bit depressed after I read halfway through TCIGTWCF.

He's realistic, and that's great. This field is not only overcrowded, but it's extremely hard to break into.Now Benrey levels about that, which is what we want, but after reading this book I decided NOT to pursue writing Christian fiction.He saved me a lot of time and frustration, so I thank him for that.

Writing for publication is bucking the odds, and it's getting harder, not easier.If you're bound and determined, I say all God's best to you, but go into it expecting disappointment and frustration.We all think we're capable of writing the next bestseller, but talent alone isn't enough.

As far as this book goes, it thoroughly covers the subject matter in a clear, understandable style.If you want to learn about this field, you can't go wrong with this book.

A good guide for non-fiction writers as well as fiction writers.
I aquired the book,"The Complete Guide to Writing Christian Fiction," in a group of several otherbooks I wanted to buy to help me learn how to write non-fiction books. What I didn't see was that it was for fiction writers, and I am a non-fiction writer. I decided that I really had wasted my time and money. But I decided to check it out anyway, because I didn't want to send it back.

I was very pleasantly suprised to find out that many of the principles that Ron Benery was directing toward fiction writers also worked well for me.

To tell you the truth, I got more out of his book than I did from some of the other so called non-fiction guidline books.

So if your are not sure if you want to stick with one genre, this book would be a great choice for you to have no matter what direction you go.

BTW.. I met Ron Benrey at a writer's conference, and you know what? He breathes the same air I do. He is a very friendly, caring, concerned, guy, and it shows in his work. ... Read more

Product Description
The Little Style Guide to Great Christian Writing and Publishing provides a fresh understanding and distinctively Christian examination of style and language. It covers all the basic rules of grammar, style, and editing and will be of immediate interest to Christian writers and editors. The Little Style Guide will be cross-referenced with the Chicago Manual of Style, Fifteenth Edition and will be a welcome companion to the CMS in handling concerns that are unique to Christian writing and editing.

The burgeoning field of electronic publishing has greatly increased the number of Christian writers. In the U.S. alone, there are over 500 Christian writers conferences and guilds each year. The Little Style Guide will serve the needs of the largest publishing houses and their authors and editors along with the smallest churches who weekly publish a newsletter and communicate through a Web site. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Writing Resource
It is a simple book that gives some insight on christian writing and publishing. I felt it covered more on the writing aspects than publishing. Editing resource too.

Keep this Solid Reference Book Nearby
If you want to be prepared for the unexpected while working on your Christian writing, then pick up this well-done reference book and keep it close at hand. It's true what they say about any type of printed work--the devil is in the details. This book provides you with the details for excellence.

Len and Carolyn Goss have spent years inside different publishing companies and write with authority about the details of publishing. Whether you are wondering how a book is produced or questioning some tricky spellings of words, this reference book is easy to use.

Recommended for every Christian writer and editor--whether you are working on your church newsletter or writing your next best-selling book or editing a regional church magazine. I believe the work in this book will stand the test of time--provided the public reads it and uses it.

Concise and thorough
As a psych undergrad I was taught the APA style of writing and citation. Law school exposed me to the Harvard BlueBook, a high standard for formats and citations that only added to the nervousness of the school experience. Recently a Christian publisher accepted a manuscript I submitted. The publisher's criteria for submission stated that the manuscript must conform to Goss' style guide. Although Goss' guide is not as extensive as either the APA format or the Harvard BlueBook, I find it a very useful tool. I highly recommend it for anyone wanting to submit articles or manuscripts to pulishers of Christian materials.

Little Style Guide to Great Christian Writing Hits the Mark
This little guide for Christian writers is quickly becoming my new best friend. Packed full of useful information, I keep it handy whenever I'm writing. As a quick resource for proper punctuation, it's the tops. And, what I find most beneficial is the section "Writing for Religious Publishers" -- great detailed information to help me succeed.
Brenda Berry-Rucker ... Read more

Product Description
Artist and CraftsmanAs a Christian novelist, you're both. You know the soaringcreativity of the Creator and the serious discipline of theartisan. And you feel the impulse to excel in each.So grab a steaming mug of your favorite hot drink and comelearn the art and craft of Christian fiction from one of itsmaster teachers. You'll learn:»» How to find your story amidst all your ideas»» How to bring your characters onstage the first time»» How to convert your telling into showing»» How to handle profane characters in Christian fiction»» How to use the dumb puppet trick»» How to write for the (approving) audience of OneThe Art & Craft of Writing Christian Fiction is the complete schoolof fiction from Jeff Gerke, popular writer's conference teacher,professional book doctor, and Christian novelist. It includesand expands upon his influential Fiction Writing Tip of theWeek column at WhereTheMapEnds.com.** Christy Award-winning editor Jeff Gerke entered theChristian fiction publishing industry as a novelist. Under thepen name Jefferson Scott, Jeff has had six of his Christian novelspublished. He has served on the editorial staff of Multnomah,Strang Communications, and NavPress. Novels that Jeff has editedor acquired have won multiple Book of the Year awards. Heis the founder and publisher of Marcher Lord Press. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Most Comprehensive and Applicable Writing Book I've Read

I love writing books. I collect them. But this is the new favorite!

Short applicable chapters. Amusing and sincere writing style. So much amazing information.

A MUST READ!

Helpful, well-written, and amusing
Jeff Gerke has created a brillant overview of the craft of writing fiction.Gerke's humor makes this such an enjoyable read, I forgot I was learning all kinds of new, profound things. :) There are helpful examples of what to do (and what NOT to do), as well as crystal-clear instruction on how to improve one's work.After reading this book, I knew the areas into which I needed to study a little deeper to further improve my fiction.I would highly recommend this resource to anyone looking to take their writing to the next level!

A fantastic reference for writers!
I just read the most wonderful book, The Art & Craft of Writing Christian Fiction, by Jeff Gerke. It had been on my shelf for a while, because I'd beenbusy with deadlines and such, but while recovering from surgery this past week I finally read it.And now, I'm kicking myself for not reading it months ago, because it is absolutely packed with excellent advice.Reading it was like sitting down with the author and receiving an in-depth workshop in my own home.

I'd recommend it whether you're an aspiring author, or have dozens of books under your belt.I've sold twenty-eight books or so now, and in addition to the great nuts-and bolts information (which I loved) he gave me so many new insights on the art of writing Christian fiction.I would recommend this book to any Christian writer, at whatever place they might be along the spectrum from beginner to advanced.

I'm going to order another copy to give to a critique friend, who is hoping to break into the Christian market. What a perfect Christmas present!

Roxanne Rustand

Good enough to give as a gift.
I teach workshops on writing and am glad to add Jeff's book to my list of recommendations. I liked it so much that I bought several to give as gifts to my writing friends. Now what better praise is there than that!

Well written, fun resource for new writers
I don't know if Jeff's book was the most helpful book I've ever read on writing. I do know it was the most entertaining. It was also the most well-organized. Each area is broken down into manageable chunks that make it easy to go back to a section you want to look up later. I will remember sections and look them up again too--if just for the fun of it. I loved the way he explained things with creative language, references to popular movies and excerpts from his own writing... I felt as if I were talking to someone who was coaching me through the process in a fun, approachable way.

Make no mistake, there is plenty of good information wedged between those softcovers. Each time he added a mistake new writers make, or some horrible manuscript that had crossed his desk, I shuddered to think how he would respond to my manuscript.

Perhaps that and keeping his book placed prominently on my desk will be enough for me to avoid making some of those errors. Maybe I should read it again--just to make sure I've crafted my lightsaber properly.
... Read more

Product Description
Many Christians have a desire to communicate the gospel through the medium of writing but do not understand the basics of writing for publication. This helpful volume of 22 brief chapters provides encouragement for budding Christian writers to continue in their work, instruction in the craft of writing, and instruction in the basics of the Christian writing business.Contributors include Jerry B. Jenkins, Jerry Brecheisen, Liz Curtis Higgs, James Scott Bell, James L. Garlow, Sally Stuart, Stan Toler, and Karen Ball. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Learn from the Pros
Whatever aspect of Christian writing you're interested in, this book can help you realize your dream. This is not so much a how-to book as it is a book of insights into what it takes to get published in the discipline you choose to pursue. Highly recommended.

Good stuff!
Writers on Writing is full of tibits on how to write both fiction and nonfiction and how to get published. No matter if you are just beginning your writing career, or have been published--you can learn more about the craft of writing through reading this book.

Sound Advice from Seasoned Writers
Here's a terrific smorgasbord about different aspects of the writing business. Whether you want to write magazine articles, devotionals, fiction or nonfiction, humor or screenplays, you will gain a taste of what it takes from someone who practices this particular discipline.

The information is organized into three parts: The Writer, The Craft and The Business. Each contributor includes critical information for their subject. For me, the value of this entire book is captured in the excellent chapter from long-time fiction editor and best-selling author Karen Ball. She covers the seven editing checkpoints to ensure your story is a well-crafted as possible. While the emphasis is fiction, many nonfiction writers can also profit from the different points.

Writers at various stages in their career--beginning, intermediate or experienced--can learn from these chapters. I recommend this book. ... Read more

Product Description
A guide to writing and selling a Christian novel which covers plot development, editing, the nature of the Christian literary market, and gives tips on submitting effective book proposals.Amazon.com Review
Writing for the Christian-fiction market has its benefits. Onegenerally doesn't need an agent to get one's manuscriptconsidered. Though the quality of Christian fiction has improvedgreatly in the past decade or so, publishers are still willing to takea chance on a newcomer. And most Christian publishing houses aresmall, making the publishing process a warmer, more personalexperience. But be forewarned. Christian, or evangelical, fictionisn't just about characters who "pray, preach and sing gospel songs,"says Penelope J. Stokes. It's about "living, breathing spiritualbeings who grapple with the hard questions of life and find ... hopein the reality of God's presence in the world." Stokes has edited (andwritten) Christian fiction for 15 years; her Complete Guide toWriting & Selling the Christian Novel is a fantastic resource forthe writer of Christian fiction.

In addition to providing advice from which any fiction writer wouldbenefit, Stokes does a fine job of defining Christian fiction. It is,she says, first and foremost fiction. It is not sermonizing. It is notabout saving lost souls ("Rarely," she says, "does a religious novelfind an audience among the unconverted"). It best not be full ofreligious jargon or Bible-quoting zealots. Still, it must have "adistinctly religious viewpoint, usually marked by the personalconversion of one or more characters." And just because, as abeliever, you see your writing as a gift and a calling, don't thinkfor a minute that your work is beyond revision. "Creation is not theend of the process," says Stokes. "It's the beginning. In the image ofour Creator, we continue the work of ongoing re-creation. We revise,refine, reorganize and rewrite. And at the end of the day we, too, canrest and say, 'It is good.'" --Jane Steinberg ... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

A good guide to writing
This book to me was a must to help with the advancement of my Christian and inspiration writing. It portrays several aspects and spiritual truths, which was a great help to keep me encouraged. Inspirational writing is a wonderful way to tell the world of God's love and help for all of us, no matter where we stand on religion. Thank you for this book.Sincerely yours, Shirley Kalpin-Olson Author of inspirational books, "The Truth Shall Set You Free", "Train Wreck in the Sierras" and new book to come out soon under Shirley Olson, "Life After Death"

Solid Teaching from a Novelist and Long-time Christian Editor
It seems like almost everyone I meet is trying to write a novel these days. Maybe that's because I acquire fiction for a Christian publishing house and end up rejecting hundreds of submissions. Each of those would-be fiction writers should get a copy of this book, devour it, read and re-read it. Then these writers can recraft their submissions and get them on track.

Penelope J. Stokes writes with authority. She's a best-selling novelist yet also a long-time editor of many Christian novels. She writes with clear understandable instruction. From start to finish, this book helps writers develop a clear plan for creating excellent prose for the Christian marketplace.

Weak Christian vs. Strong Christian
I am an aspiring AA Christian fiction writer.However, I believe some of the things in this book, but for the most part, many Christian fiction that contains sexual explicit language and profanity are popular moreso than literary and have proven to be successful, such as, "Casting The First Stone" and the sequel, "Too Much of a Good Thing," and "Promises Beyond Jordan."I recognize that this type of Christian fiction is geared towards getting the weaker Christians to see themselves and turn from their wicked ways before it's too late.I've recently been turned on to a novel called, "Lust of the Flesh," another Christian fiction with has a very strong and critical message to the weak Christians.I highly recommend this read.These types of Christian books are written for a different type of Christian group. It is to get them to look in a mirror at their lives and to show them the error of their ways.Once they reach this level, they will graduate to a higher degree of Christianity.

This higher degree of Christianity is directed to a diffent Christian group which are the stronger Christians to encourage their walk.These types of books are:"Temptation," "No Regrets," and "That Faith, That Love, That Trust."

We must keep in mind which Christian group we are writing for.Are we writing to encourage the strong Christian to remain stedfast and unmovable?Or are we writing to mirror the weak Christian to turn from his/her wicked ways and seek the face of God so that he/she can move on to perfection as a strong Christian?

Christian fiction that contacts sex and profanity will turn off a strong Christian because he/she has moved on to perfection from that lifestyle.However, sexual language and profanity will appeal to a weak Christian because he/she has not graduated yet.We must use wisdom.

I think this about sums it up between which Christian audiencean author is attempting to reach.

Helpful for Hopeful Writers of Christian Fiction
Ms. Stokes offers honest, helpful advice and instruction for aspiring writers of Christian fiction.She cites statistics and knowledge regarding the Christian fiction market that writers need to know.She seems to have a good grasp on what the publishers and booksellers are also wanting, and this is what it comes down to knowing when trying to sell a Christian novel to a publisher.

In addition to sharing her knowledge of the industry, Ms. Stokes writes about some of the common errors Christian fiction writers make.She provides solid instruction about several things the writer needs to check before submitting a book for review.

Overall, I found this to be a wise, general teaching tool for me.It also gave me some other resources to read.

I agree with a previous reviewer that there are peculiarities in the Christian fiction market that are frustrating, such as what I would consider the lack of realistic stories.Ms. Stokes discusses the type of Christian novel that is published and it is a conservative, evangelical book for the most part.Christian publishers may avoid a book that presents a different view of Christians from what they think is congruent with readers' values.Essentially, Ms. Stokes lets us know that there is a precise type of Christian fiction that most of the Christian publishers are looking for.

If you are trying to write and publish Christian fiction, this is a good learning tool for you. It was for me.

Good advice, but beware
Loads of wise advice fills this book, but on page eight, I found the definition of the Christian novel I feared: "a work of fiction that derives from a conservative evangelical perspective." It is responsible of Stokes to acknowledge this immediately, and she adds that several great otherwise Christian novels of the 20th century would not be included in this definition.This is sad and frightening, but it is the reality.I wonder if Jesus himself could publish his stories within the narrow confines of the Christian publishing perspective. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (6)

The Other Book is better for Christian Writing
This book gave some insight and examples of other christian writing. It only had great information and insight in the beginning chapter (introduction). The rest was a waste of buying and only could have gotten their other book on christian writing and publishing.

Helpful Tool
This is a very helpful little tool to help aspiring writers cut through the underbrush that clogs the way to publishers and actually seeing your manuscript in print! I found it an important guide.

A good, illuminating read
This book is so good that I read all 250 pages in two sittings.It is for beginners and gives information aimed at them which includes the common mistakes to avoid your first time.

If you want to know how to contact publishers, buy "Christian Writers Market Guide" which has about 600 pages of information aboutpublishers and how to reach them.It also has a CD so that you can do searches of the book.

A "little" handbook indeed
I bought this book and "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Christian Writing" at the same time and read this one first.Good thing I did, because I'd have been horribly disappointed if I had first read "Complete Idiot's Guide" -- which is jam-packed with details, how-to's, checklists, suggestions, personal stories, and reminders about keeping God at the center.Compared to the other book, this one seems thin, even in its advice on how to connect successfully with publishers.Not that it's horrible; it's not bad at all.But if you can only afford one book on Christian writing/getting published, this isn't the one.

Superb resource
If you are a writer--Christian or otherwise--you will find something you need in this book.It is stuffed with ideas, encouragement, and know-how.I wish I'd had it ten years ago! ... Read more

Product Description
Good writing "doesn't just happen," say the authors. It takes work and a basic understanding of rhetorical situations. "Whatever our goals, we want readers to be affected by our writing," they assert. "The work of writing clarifies who we are in relation to both God and the world about us."In the World equips readers to become better writers. It also introduces quality writing with over forty classic and contemporary selections from numerous writers, including Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, John Donne, Henri Nouwen, Walter Wangerin Jr., and Charles Darwin. This second edition contains a completely updated and revised rhetoric section and added contemporary essays that represent a broad range of ethnicity, gender, and point of view. ... Read more

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Product Description
In this groundbreaking work, contemporary writers of erotica reflect on how their work originates, how their sexuality shapes their words, and, more important, how their words have affected their sexuality. Patrick Califia-Rice, Jack Fritscher, Cecilia Tan, Thomas Roche, Carol Queen, Felice Picano, Shar Rednour, Laura Antoniou, and Simon Sheppard are just a scattering of the names brought together by noted erotica writer M. Christian to deliver an eye-opening, thought-provoking examination of the craft of writing about sex.Amazon.com Review
Erotica takes another sauntering, spike-heeled step toward the literary mainstream with this anthology of stories by some of the best-known sex writers in America, each paired with a memoir or personal commentary on the work. The editor's introduction can be skipped, but the rest of the book should intrigue devotees of this developing genre, especially those who wonder about the relationship between writers' sex lives or desires and the stories they write. In "Porno, Ergo Sum," for example, Jack Fritscher confesses that he breathes in experience and exhales fiction. In "Screaming Underwater," Lucy Taylor describes her attempt to merge the erotic and the spiritual. And Carol Queen, in an introduction to pages from The Leather Daddy and the Femme, provides perhaps the most articulate--and politically explicit--piece of writing in the book, a defense of her reputation as "Rebecca of Sunnyf**k Farm." Cecilia Tan may say it best, however, in the memoir that accompanies her early story, "Telepaths Don't Need Safewords": "Writing is identity and loss of identity at the same time." You may learn something here about the personalities of the writers included, but there is really no explaining the ways that fiction moves us, or the reasons writers write. --Regina Marler ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Entertaining Read
This is not a "how to write dirty stories" book, as it is more the method and ideas leading erotica writers take to writing their stories. Not only do they each have their own thoughts on how they write their stories, and what "works" for them and what doesn't, you get some idea of what they're like as people. I have written my own erotica for years but am finding out especially after reading books like this that I may have a bit of a ways to go to match the work these authors have done.

Writers, at least the good ones can really be thought of as "word magicians" in how they can turn a phrase, how they develop their characters and their stories, making them not only entertaining but hot as well. The stories collected here (each author's personal favorite (s)he has written), as well as each author's essay are informative and highly entertaining.

Too narrowly focused
As the title says "Sex writers talk about sex writing." And they do, quite candidly. It addresses the "why" and offers some examples of the work of some established, published erotica writers. (This is not a nuts-and-bolts how-to, if that's what you're looking for.)

Having said all that, I'm disappointed. As a straight woman who writes gay male and straight erotica, I found the book too narrowly focused. Looking over the selection of writers and their personal stories, you'd think that most sex writers were either lesbigay and/or fetishist. There are very few straight writers represented here at all and almost no writers of 'vanilla' straight sex (which, while it may not be as colorful as S/M or B/D, it's still sex).

If it's "Sex writers on sex writing," I'd have liked to see a broader representation of them than this book provides.

Utterly Confusing
This is a writer guide?I didn't fall off the turnip truck yesterday. As a freelance writer and associate instructor at a nearby college, trust me, I know what I'm talking about.
This is a jumbled and poorly planned book.Maybe even poorly laid out, but it's kind of hard to tell when the editor of the story doesn't make his purpose of writing the book very clear.
If someone handed me the book, without letting me see the title and without telling me what it was about, I'd read it and say that it is a mostly a collection of whiney writers telling about their problems, with a few good erotic stories.
If I were to rename this book I think I would go with something like, "Erotica Writers of America Come out of the Closet"
Overpriced, Overhyped by the first couple reviewers, and certainly not a place to look for writing instruction or ideas.

Everything You Always Wanted To Know About WHY
I found this an interestingly informative and humourous book. It reminded me that while writers may be able to do something I can't, or at least not very well, and seem to belong up their on their ivory pedestals, they're still human like me. So, before I loved the writing, now I can love them as well.

Good book.

Fantastic read
If you've ever read erotica and wondered about the men and women who write it, this is the book for you.Even if you just want to write, this is a great book.The essays are insightful and wonderful and the stories are incredibly hot and fun. ... Read more

Product Description
Packed full of great ideas and how-to's, this book will prove to be an invaluable tool for writers of all levels. Initially created by Northwest Christian Writers Association members Agnes Lawless and Lorinda Newton as the Beginning Writers' Packet, this work has now blossomed into a well-rounded handbook for all Christian writers.Join experienced, professional, and highly published authors, editors andPublishers as they share with you how to:Improve your work spaceRecognize market trendsUtilize internet resources for writersUnderstand writing termsWrite queries and proposalsGet your manuscript into the correct formatPublicize and market your bookKeep good recordsHandle rejectionDetermine if you need an agentStart a speaking careerWrite personal experience, devotionals and fictionAnd much, much more. ... Read more

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The student projects presented in this book demonstrate a powerful approach to teaching writing - one that requires no special equipment or resources and can be adapted for students of any age. The key is getting students involved in action research and writing about issues that are important to them and their communities. Written by public school teachers, these chapters describe projects covering a variety of issues that include avoiding teenage health risks, preserving oral histories, fighting racism, investigating environmental hazards, decreasing instances of teen pregnancy, and much more. Based on a process-model of writing instruction, these projects will show teachers how to engage their students while also teaching the basic skills that appear in educational standards and assessment frameworks. ... Read more

Product Description
Writing & Grammar 7 Student Worktext presents clear instruction and offers plenty of practice in writing and grammar, including an overview of the Writing Process and many focused writing activities. Teach all eight parts of speech, the five basic sentence patterns, usage concepts such as subject-verb agreement and clear pronoun reference, and mechanics. Introduce adjective clauses and complex sentences. Reference chapters include dictionary skills, library skills, study skills, and an overview of the Writing Process. Writing projects include a biographical sketch, an in-class essay, a letter to the editor, a book report, and poetry.
-Bob Jones University Press ... Read more

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This digital document is an article from Exceptional Children, published by Council for Exceptional Children on March 22, 2009. The length of the article is 10168 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

From the author: This study evaluates the quality of the research and evidence base for a writing intervention called Self-Regulated Strategy Development (SRSD; Graham & Harris, 1989; Harris & Graham, 1996) for students with and at risk for learning disabilities, using criteria for group research studies suggested by Gersten et al. (2005) and single-subject research studies suggested by Horner et al. (2005). Five experimental and quasi-experimental studies and 16 single-subject studies investigating SRSD were analyzed on numerous methodological dimensions. Both the group design and single-subject studies also met proposed standards for an evidence-based practice. The potential value of analyzing approaches and interventions using the proposed quality indicators and standards for evidence-based practices is discussed, as are implications for research and practice.

Citation Details
Title: Teaching writing to at-risk students: the quality of evidence for self-regulated strategy development.(Report)
Author: Scott K. Baker
Publication: Exceptional Children (Magazine/Journal)
Date: March 22, 2009
Publisher: Council for Exceptional Children
Volume: 75Issue: 3Page: 303(16)

Article Type: Report

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