Creative Writing Exercises For Dummies - Paperback

by Maggie Hamand (Author)

Turn your inspiration into a story with clear, expert guidance

Creative Writing Exercises For Dummies is a step-by-step creative writing course designed to hone your craft, regardless of ability. Written by the founder of the Complete Creative Writing Course at London's Groucho Club, this activity-based guide walks you through the process of developing and writing in a wide range of genres including novels, short stories and creative nonfiction. The book includes writing prompts, exercises, mind maps, flow charts and diagrams designed to get your ideas flowing. You'll get expert guidance into character development, plot structure and prose, plus extensive insight into self-editing and polishing your work.

Whether you're a new writer with a seed of an idea you would like to develop, or are looking to strengthen your creative writing skills, this book has you covered. Covering every aspect of narrative, from setting initial goals to formatting a manuscript, Creative Writing Exercises For Dummies provides the tools and instruction you need to make your story the best it can be.

• Learn to spark your imagination and sketch out ideas
• Create compelling characters and paint a picture with description
• Develop your plot and structure and maintain continuity
• Step back from your work and become your own ruthless editor

The rise of e-books has opened up the publishing world, even to non-established writers. If you have a story you're dying to tell but aren't sure how, Creative Writing Exercises For Dummies is the clear, concise solution you need.

Back Jacket

An activity-based guide to improving your creative writing

Whether you're a new writer or looking to strengthen your skills, this step-by-step creative writing course is designed to help you hone your craft, spark your imagination and become your own ruthless editor. Inside, you'll find writing prompts, exercises, flow charts and diagrams designed to get your ideas flowing - and put on paper.

• Take first things first - set your writing goals, define your genre and start using some writing exercises to brainstorm and sketch out your ideas
• Know your characters - get guidance on creating believable and in-depth characters, developing your dialogues, exploring points of view and effectively conveying your characters' thoughts
• Map the world of your story - find out how to paint a picture with words, from describing senses and actions to observing objects and creating suspense
• Plot your course - discover how to expertly develop your writing's plot and structure, keep up the tension, expand the narrative and tie up loose strands for a killer ending
• Put on your editor's cap - get helpful tips on revising and editing your own work to make it shine

Author Biography

Maggie Hamand, a novelist, journalist and nonfiction writer, is the founder of the popular Complete Creative Writing Course at the Groucho Club, London, and has been teaching aspiring writers there for 15 years.