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Word Painting
by Rebecca McClanahan • 2014
Most writing advice says 'show, don't tell.' This one teaches you how, sense by sense.
4.13
816
Word Painting Summary
Word Painting 90%
Most writing advice says 'show, don't tell.' This one teaches you how, sense by sense.
by Rebecca McClanahan 2014
4.13
816 ratings
Wired for Story
by Lisa Cron • 2012
Your reader's brain evolved to crave story. Neuroscience now knows what it expects from yours.
4.20
6k+
Wired for Story Summary
Wired for Story 90%
Your reader's brain evolved to crave story. Neuroscience now knows what it expects from yours.
by Lisa Cron 2012
4.20
6k+ ratings
Description
by Monica Wood • 1995
Description isn't decoration: the craft of building a world readers can see, hear, and feel.
4.06
610
Description Summary
Description 89%
Description isn't decoration: the craft of building a world readers can see, hear, and feel.
by Monica Wood 1995
4.06
610 ratings
Techniques of the Selling Writer
by Dwight V. Swain • 1965
Master the rhythm of conflict and emotional reaction that makes any story impossible to put down.
4.33
2k+
Techniques of the Selling Writer Summary
Techniques of the Selling Writer 89%
Master the rhythm of conflict and emotional reaction that makes any story impossible to put down.
by Dwight V. Swain 1965
4.33
2k+ ratings
Description & Setting
by Ron Rozelle • 2005
Harvest details. Deploy the senses. Make setting an engine for character, mood, and plot.
4.02
954
Description & Setting Summary
Description & Setting 89%
Harvest details. Deploy the senses. Make setting an engine for character, mood, and plot.
by Ron Rozelle 2005
4.02
954 ratings
Wordcraft
by Jack R. Hart • 2021
Writing isn't magic. A step-by-step method for clear, powerful prose, from idea to final polish.
4.13
107
Wordcraft Summary
Wordcraft 89%
Writing isn't magic. A step-by-step method for clear, powerful prose, from idea to final polish.
by Jack R. Hart 2021
4.13
107 ratings
Self-Editing for Fiction Writers
by Renni Browne • 1993
The self-editing techniques that find and fix the flaws keeping your novel from publication.
4.25
7k+
Self-Editing for Fiction Writers Summary
Self-Editing for Fiction Writers 89%
The self-editing techniques that find and fix the flaws keeping your novel from publication.
by Renni Browne 1993
4.25
7k+ ratings
Make a Scene
by Jordan Rosenfeld • 2007
A novel lives or dies scene by scene. A blueprint for making every moment count.
4.07
1k+
Make a Scene Summary
Make a Scene 89%
A novel lives or dies scene by scene. A blueprint for making every moment count.
by Jordan Rosenfeld 2007
4.07
1k+ ratings
The 38 Most Common Fiction Writing Mistakes
by Jack M. Bickham • 1992
Thirty-eight mistakes that mark your fiction as amateur, and how to fix every single one.
3.78
1k+
The 38 Most Common Fiction Writing Mistakes Summary
The 38 Most Common Fiction Writing Mistakes 89%
Thirty-eight mistakes that mark your fiction as amateur, and how to fix every single one.
by Jack M. Bickham 1992
3.78
1k+ ratings
The Emotion Thesaurus
by Angela Ackerman • 2012
Emotion drives story. This reference replaces clichéd sighs and shrugs with hundreds of body cues.
4.53
6k+
The Emotion Thesaurus Summary
The Emotion Thesaurus 89%
Emotion drives story. This reference replaces clichéd sighs and shrugs with hundreds of body cues.
by Angela Ackerman 2012
4.53
6k+ ratings
Stein on Writing
by Sol Stein • 1995
The editor's craft: making dialogue bristle, scenes unfold in real time, and flab vanish.
4.28
5k+
Stein on Writing Summary
Stein on Writing 88%
The editor's craft: making dialogue bristle, scenes unfold in real time, and flab vanish.
by Sol Stein 1995
4.28
5k+ ratings
Dynamic Characters
by Nancy Kress • 1998
Before you outline another scene, ask what your character fears. The answer is your plot.
4.09
562
Dynamic Characters Summary
Dynamic Characters 88%
Before you outline another scene, ask what your character fears. The answer is your plot.
by Nancy Kress 1998
4.09
562 ratings
How to Grow a Novel
by Sol Stein • 1999
The editor's craft playbook: what makes readers abandon a novel, and how to keep them turning pages.
4.06
845
How to Grow a Novel Summary
How to Grow a Novel 88%
The editor's craft playbook: what makes readers abandon a novel, and how to keep them turning pages.
by Sol Stein 1999
4.06
845 ratings
The Emotional Craft of Fiction
by Donald Maass • 2016
Move past showing versus telling: design a story that gives readers their own emotional journey.
4.25
3k+
The Emotional Craft of Fiction Summary
The Emotional Craft of Fiction 88%
Move past showing versus telling: design a story that gives readers their own emotional journey.
by Donald Maass 2016
4.25
3k+ ratings
The Positive Trait Thesaurus
by Angela Ackerman • 2013
A thesaurus of positive traits and the craft of making goodness as compelling as a flaw.
4.62
2k+
The Positive Trait Thesaurus Summary
The Positive Trait Thesaurus 88%
A thesaurus of positive traits and the craft of making goodness as compelling as a flaw.
by Angela Ackerman 2013
4.62
2k+ ratings
Writing for Emotional Impact
by Karl Iglesias • 2005
Only ink on the page. Emotional techniques for making a script reader feel what movie would.
4.27
710
Writing for Emotional Impact Summary
Writing for Emotional Impact 88%
Only ink on the page. Emotional techniques for making a script reader feel what movie would.
by Karl Iglesias 2005
4.27
710 ratings
Several Short Sentences About Writing
by Verlyn Klinkenborg • 2012
Writing isn't about flow or formulas; it's about one clear sentence, then another.
4.13
4k+
Several Short Sentences About Writing Summary
Several Short Sentences About Writing 88%
Writing isn't about flow or formulas; it's about one clear sentence, then another.
by Verlyn Klinkenborg 2012
4.13
4k+ ratings
Creating Characters
by Dwight V. Swain • 1990
Characters are built, not found. The nuts-and-bolts system for creating people readers believe in.
3.92
240
Creating Characters Summary
Creating Characters 88%
Characters are built, not found. The nuts-and-bolts system for creating people readers believe in.
by Dwight V. Swain 1990
3.92
240 ratings
Characters, Emotion & Viewpoint
by Nancy Kress • 2005
Viewpoint controls what your readers know, who they root for, and what the story finally means.
4.05
2k+
Characters, Emotion & Viewpoint Summary
Characters, Emotion & Viewpoint 87%
Viewpoint controls what your readers know, who they root for, and what the story finally means.
by Nancy Kress 2005
4.05
2k+ ratings
Storyworthy
by Matthew Dicks • 2018
Find the hidden moments in your life and a structure to turn them into unforgettable stories.
4.26
8k+
Storyworthy Summary
Storyworthy 87%
Find the hidden moments in your life and a structure to turn them into unforgettable stories.
by Matthew Dicks 2018
4.26
8k+ ratings
Documentary Storytelling
by Sheila Curran Bernard • 2010
From research to final cut: the craft rules for making nonfiction films that grip like fiction.
4.00
148
Documentary Storytelling Summary
Documentary Storytelling 87%
From research to final cut: the craft rules for making nonfiction films that grip like fiction.
by Sheila Curran Bernard 2010
4.00
148 ratings
Invisible Ink
by Brian McDonald • 2010
Forget formulas: the deep craft of story is a hidden framework of theme, pain, and dramatic irony.
4.38
2k+
Invisible Ink Summary
Invisible Ink 87%
Forget formulas: the deep craft of story is a hidden framework of theme, pain, and dramatic irony.
by Brian McDonald 2010
4.38
2k+ ratings
The Art of Fiction
by John Gardner • 1984
Master the craft that makes readers forget the page and live inside your story.
3.99
6k+
The Art of Fiction Summary
The Art of Fiction 87%
Master the craft that makes readers forget the page and live inside your story.
by John Gardner 1984
3.99
6k+ ratings
The Art and Craft of Storytelling
by Nancy Lamb • 2008
Fiction's core toolkit: structure that moves, characters who breathe, and revision that polishes.
4.06
204
The Art and Craft of Storytelling Summary
The Art and Craft of Storytelling 87%
Fiction's core toolkit: structure that moves, characters who breathe, and revision that polishes.
by Nancy Lamb 2008
4.06
204 ratings
The Storytelling Code
by Dana Norris • 2020
The craft rules for finding, shaping, and delivering a story that holds any audience, any setting.
4.01
163
The Storytelling Code Summary
The Storytelling Code 87%
The craft rules for finding, shaping, and delivering a story that holds any audience, any setting.
by Dana Norris 2020
4.01
163 ratings
Writing Short Films
by Linda J. Cowgill • 1997
Minutes, not hours. The structural rules for short films that features never taught you.
3.70
303
Writing Short Films Summary
Writing Short Films 87%
Minutes, not hours. The structural rules for short films that features never taught you.
by Linda J. Cowgill 1997
3.70
303 ratings
Dialogue
by Robert McKee • 2016
Dialogue is action, not conversation. The real meaning lives in what characters won't say.
4.32
2k+
Dialogue Summary
Dialogue 87%
Dialogue is action, not conversation. The real meaning lives in what characters won't say.
by Robert McKee 2016
4.32
2k+ ratings
How to Tell a Story
by Meg Bowles • 2022
Find your story's stakes, build its scenes, and deliver it so a room leans in.
3.86
3k+
How to Tell a Story Summary
How to Tell a Story 87%
Find your story's stakes, build its scenes, and deliver it so a room leans in.
by Meg Bowles 2022
3.86
3k+ ratings
Crafting Short Screenplays That Connect
by Claudia Hunter Johnson • 2000
Conflict isn't enough for short screenplays. Find resonant moments in your own life.
3.91
150
Crafting Short Screenplays That Connect Summary
Crafting Short Screenplays That Connect 87%
Conflict isn't enough for short screenplays. Find resonant moments in your own life.
by Claudia Hunter Johnson 2000
3.91
150 ratings
Screenplay
by Syd Field • 1979
The structural template that turned screenwriting into a learnable craft, from setup to final draft.
3.99
9k+
Screenplay Summary
Screenplay 87%
The structural template that turned screenwriting into a learnable craft, from setup to final draft.
by Syd Field 1979
3.99
9k+ ratings
Consider This
by Chuck Palahniuk • 2020
Most writing advice avoids the craft that actually builds authority, tension, and voice.
4.37
6k+
Consider This Summary
Consider This 87%
Most writing advice avoids the craft that actually builds authority, tension, and voice.
by Chuck Palahniuk 2020
4.37
6k+ ratings
Screenwriting Is Filmmaking
by Brian Dunnigan • 2020
Write screenplays that think like a camera: the craft of making films from the page up.
3.33
3
Screenwriting Is Filmmaking Summary
Screenwriting Is Filmmaking 87%
Write screenplays that think like a camera: the craft of making films from the page up.
by Brian Dunnigan 2020
3.33
3 ratings
Writing With Emotion, Tension, and Conflict
by Cheryl St. John • 2013
For novelists: how to build stories on emotion, tension, and conflict so readers cannot look away.
4.06
372
Writing With Emotion, Tension, and Conflict Summary
Writing With Emotion, Tension, and Conflict 87%
For novelists: how to build stories on emotion, tension, and conflict so readers cannot look away.
by Cheryl St. John 2013
4.06
372 ratings
The Anatomy of Story
by John Truby • 2007
The organic alternative to formula: how character, plot, and theme grow from a single premise's DNA.
4.25
7k+
The Anatomy of Story Summary
The Anatomy of Story 87%
The organic alternative to formula: how character, plot, and theme grow from a single premise's DNA.
by John Truby 2007
4.25
7k+ ratings
100 Ways to Improve Your Writing
by Gary Provost • 1985
Concrete techniques that turn stiff sentences into music and hesitant writers into confident ones.
4.03
2k+
100 Ways to Improve Your Writing Summary
100 Ways to Improve Your Writing 87%
Concrete techniques that turn stiff sentences into music and hesitant writers into confident ones.
by Gary Provost 1985
4.03
2k+ ratings
Story Engineering
by Larry Brooks • 2011
Six storytelling skills and a four-part map that transform an idea into a novel that works.
4.10
3k+
Story Engineering Summary
Story Engineering 87%
Six storytelling skills and a four-part map that transform an idea into a novel that works.
by Larry Brooks 2011
4.10
3k+ ratings
The Storyteller's Secret
by Carmine Gallo • 2016
Master the three-act structure and emotional hooks that turn any story into a force for influence.
3.85
3k+
The Storyteller's Secret Summary
The Storyteller's Secret 87%
Master the three-act structure and emotional hooks that turn any story into a force for influence.
by Carmine Gallo 2016
3.85
3k+ ratings
A Swim in a Pond in the Rain
by George Saunders • 2021
Seven Russian classics, read one line at a time, reveal the hidden machinery of great fiction.
4.53
26k+
A Swim in a Pond in the Rain Summary
A Swim in a Pond in the Rain 87%
Seven Russian classics, read one line at a time, reveal the hidden machinery of great fiction.
by George Saunders 2021
4.53
26k+ ratings
Long Story Short
by Margot Leitman • 2015
Your life is a goldmine of stories. The practical guide to mining it and captivating any audience.
3.80
1k+
Long Story Short Summary
Long Story Short 87%
Your life is a goldmine of stories. The practical guide to mining it and captivating any audience.
by Margot Leitman 2015
3.80
1k+ ratings
Writing Better Lyrics
by Pat Pattison • 1995
Seven senses, zero clichés, and the structural secret that makes a chorus land harder each time.
4.22
1k+
Writing Better Lyrics Summary
Writing Better Lyrics 87%
Seven senses, zero clichés, and the structural secret that makes a chorus land harder each time.
by Pat Pattison 1995
4.22
1k+ ratings
Presentation Zen Design
by Garr Reynolds • 2009
Slides packed with text bore audiences. Better visuals, type, and space make them pay attention.
4.19
2k+
Presentation Zen Design Summary
Presentation Zen Design 87%
Slides packed with text bore audiences. Better visuals, type, and space make them pay attention.
by Garr Reynolds 2009
4.19
2k+ ratings
The Sense of Style
by Steven Pinker • 2014
Why can't smart people write clearly? A cognitive scientist blames one mental blind spot.
4.04
9k+
The Sense of Style Summary
The Sense of Style 87%
Why can't smart people write clearly? A cognitive scientist blames one mental blind spot.
by Steven Pinker 2014
4.04
9k+ ratings
TED Talks Storytelling
by Akash Karia • 2013
One thing all great TED talks share, and the 23 techniques that make it work.
3.73
2k+
TED Talks Storytelling Summary
TED Talks Storytelling 87%
One thing all great TED talks share, and the 23 techniques that make it work.
by Akash Karia 2013
3.73
2k+ ratings
How to Write Short Stories And Use Them to Further Your Writing Career
by James Scott Bell • 2016
One moment, properly placed, can make a short story unforgettable and launch a career.
3.87
743
How to Write Short Stories And Use Them to Further Your Writing Career Summary
How to Write Short Stories And Use Them to Further Your Writing Career 87%
One moment, properly placed, can make a short story unforgettable and launch a career.
by James Scott Bell 2016
3.87
743 ratings
Hooked
by Les Edgerton • 2007
The inciting incident is page one. Cut the backstory and open with trouble: here is how.
4.02
2k+
Hooked Summary
Hooked 87%
The inciting incident is page one. Cut the backstory and open with trouble: here is how.
by Les Edgerton 2007
4.02
2k+ ratings
The Art of Subtext
by Charles Baxter • 2007
What a character won't say, can't hear, and can't admit: the hidden engine of unforgettable fiction.
4.02
1k+
The Art of Subtext Summary
The Art of Subtext 87%
What a character won't say, can't hear, and can't admit: the hidden engine of unforgettable fiction.
by Charles Baxter 2007
4.02
1k+ ratings
Writing to Be Understood
by Anne H. Janzer • 2018
Turn the cognitive science of attention, curiosity, and memory into writing that actually gets read.
4.19
275
Writing to Be Understood Summary
Writing to Be Understood 87%
Turn the cognitive science of attention, curiosity, and memory into writing that actually gets read.
by Anne H. Janzer 2018
4.19
275 ratings
Making a Good Script Great
by Linda Seger • 1987
Script doctor's toolkit: structure fixes, subplot craft, and momentum rules that sell a screenplay.
3.88
1k+
Making a Good Script Great Summary
Making a Good Script Great 87%
Script doctor's toolkit: structure fixes, subplot craft, and momentum rules that sell a screenplay.
by Linda Seger 1987
3.88
1k+ ratings
Crafty Screenwriting
by Alex Epstein • 2002
Write the hook they can't forget and the package they can't resist: the rules of screenwriting.
3.85
120
Crafty Screenwriting Summary
Crafty Screenwriting 87%
Write the hook they can't forget and the package they can't resist: the rules of screenwriting.
by Alex Epstein 2002
3.85
120 ratings
Immediate Fiction
by Jerry Cleaver • 2002
A no-jargon writing method that centers on conflict and emotion, and how to finish the stuck draft.
4.14
755
Immediate Fiction Summary
Immediate Fiction 87%
A no-jargon writing method that centers on conflict and emotion, and how to finish the stuck draft.
by Jerry Cleaver 2002
4.14
755 ratings
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