A book-length essay by the forefront literary critic takes readers on a philosophical tour of the art of the novel, in a wide-ranging piece that explores such topics as the definition of style, the connection between realism and real life, and the qualities that make a story. 35,000 first printing. Reprint.

A step-by-step guide to writing and managing the writer's life covers each portion of a written project, addresses such concerns as writer's block and getting published, and offers awareness and survival tips

Offers advice on writing creatively, discusses the importance of discipline, and suggests writing exercises

A collection of essays on life as a writer urges aspirants to the craft to take chances, learn self-acceptance, and make a daily commitment to writing

The author of the Easy Rawlins mystery series shares professional tips on how to write a novel, counseling aspiring writers on how to create and adhere to a daily writing schedule, determine a personal narrative voice, and work through the challenging initial stages. Reprint.

Filled with a how of insider and trade secrets, a guidebook for writers of serious nonfiction explains how to tailor academic writing to a general readership without losing ideas, how to write the perfect editorial proposal, the art of using simple structure to express complex ideas, how to create a great introduction, and the best ways to get a book published. Reprint.

Now in paperback Many of the illustrious contributors to The New York Review of Books have had deep and abiding relationships–both personal and intellectual–with other poets, writers, artists, composers, and scientists of equal stature. The Company They Kept is a collection of twenty-seven accounts of these varied friendships–most of them undeniably fraught with “idiosyncratic complexities.” From Anna Akhmatova’s dreamlike description of wandering through Paris with the impoverished Modigliani to Joseph Brodsky’s account of his first meeting with Isaiah Berlin (from which he returned to report, around the kitchen table, to Stephen Spender and W. H. Auden), these pieces are tantalizing glimpses into the lives of those who have made The New York Review of Books into what Esquire magazine calls “the premier literary-intellectual magazine in the English language.”

Collects the writing wisdom of the Loft Literary Center community, with contributions coming from such writers and editors as Rick Bass, Vivian Gornick, Tess Gallagher, Kate DiCamillo, Mark Doty, Pete Hautman and many more.

Some of the nation's leading journalists and writers offer practical advice, personal anecdotes, and helpful writing techniques and suggestions in a volume that includes essays by Tom Wolfe on the emotional core of the story, Gay Talese on writing about private lives, and other contributions by Malcolm Gladwell, Nora Ephron, Alma Guillermoprieto, and others. Original. 20,000 first printing.

In this resource for fiction writers, psychologist and author Edelstein explains the inner workings and behavior of a wide variety of personality types. Edelstein begins with some tips for creating believable characters. Next, she outlines the traits of various adult, child and adolescent personality types. Subsequent chapters deal with (for example) psychological disorders, criminal types, sexual issues, family relationships, and career traits. The second edition contains exercises designed to help writers incorporate personality details into their stories. Annotation ©2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)