NSU Alvin Sherman Library Writing Workshops: Evaluation & Recordings
A guide to the Alvin Sherman Library's free adult virtual writing workshops and online resources.
Evaluation Form
Dialogue V. Narrative (Jul. 10, 2021)
Ask the Agent (Aug. 7, 2021)
Telling and Time (Aug. 21, 2021)
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The Art of Fiction by This classic guide, from the renowned novelist and professor, has helped transform generations of aspiring writers into masterful writers--and will continue to do so for many years to come. John Gardner was almost as famous as a teacher of creative writing as he was for his own works. In this practical, instructive handbook, based on the courses and seminars that he gave, he explains, simply and cogently, the principles and techniques of good writing. Gardner's lessons, exemplified with detailed excerpts from classic works of literature, sweep across a complete range of topics--from the nature of aesthetics to the shape of a refined sentence. Written with passion, precision, and a deep respect for the art of writing, Gardner's book serves by turns as a critic, mentor, and friend. Anyone who has ever thought of taking the step from reader to writer should begin here.ISBN: 9780679734031Publication Date: 1991-06-04 -
How Fiction Works by What makes a story a story? What is style? What's the connection between realism and real life? These are some of the questions James Wood answers inHow Fiction Works, the first book-length essay by the preeminent critic of his generation. Ranging widely--from Homer to David Foster Wallace, fromWhat Maisie KnewtoMake Way for Ducklings--Wood takes the reader through the basic elements of the art, step by step.The result is nothing less than a philosophy of the novel--plainspoken, funny, blunt--in the traditions of E. M. Forster'sAspects of the Noveland Strunk and White'sThe Elements of Style. It sums up two decades of insight with wit and concision. It will change the way you read.ISBN: 9780374173401Publication Date: 2008-07-22 -
Characters and Viewpoint by Vivid and memorable characters aren't born: they have to be made. This book is a set of tools: literary crowbars, chisels, mallets, pliers and tongs. Use them to pry, chip, yank and sift good characters out of the place where they live in your memory, your imagination and your soul. Award-winning author Orson Scott Card explains in depth the techniques of inventing, developing and presenting characters, plus handling viewpoint in novels and short stories. With specific examples, he spells out your narrative options-the choices you'll make in creating fictional people so "real" that readers will feel they know them like members of their own families. You'll learn how to: draw the characters from a variety of sources, including a story's basic idea, real life-even a character's social circumstances make characters show who they are by the things they do and say, and by their individual "style" develop characters readers will love-or love to hate distinguish among major characters, minor characters and walk-ons, and develop each one appropriately choose the most effective viewpoint to reveal the characters and move the storytelling decide how deeply you should explore your characters' thoughts, emotions and attitudesISBN: 0898799279Publication Date: 1999-03-15 -
Aspects of the Novel by E. M. Forster's guide sparkles with wit and insight for contemporary writers and readers. With lively language and excerpts from well-known classics, Forster (author of A Passage to India, Howards End, and A Room With a View) takes on the seven elements vital to a novel: story, people, plot, fantasy, prophecy, pattern, and rhythm. He not only defines and explains such terms as "round" versus "flat" characters (and why both are needed for an effective novel), but also provides examples of writing from such literary greats as Dickens and Austen. Forster's original commentary illuminates and entertains without lapsing into complicated, scholarly rhetoric, coming together in a key volume on writing."Forster's casual and wittily acute guidance...transmutes the dull stuff of He-Said and She-Said into characters, stories, and intimations of truth."??--??Harper'sISBN: 9780156091800Publication Date: 1956-09-14 -
Just Write Creating Unforgettable Fictio by Enthrall your readers, love the process, & become the writer you are meant to be! Writers are given a wealthy of opportunities to cultivate a successful writing life, break out, and find an audience for their work. Yet so many writers, from beginners to veterans, find their careers stuck in neutral. The solution is simple: Just write. Write yourself past fears, doubts, and setbacks, and use your desire for writing excellence to deeply immerse yourself in the craft. In Just Write, best-selling author and veteran writing coach James Scott Bell shows you how to develop unforgettable stories while leading a rewarding writing life. You'll learn how to master the nuances of fiction, discover what readers really want, and persevere through the challenges of getting started, conquering writer's block, and dealing with rejection. Look inside to discover how to: * Brainstorm new concepts for your fiction and develop a believable premise. * Create memorable characters that keep your readers coming back for more. * Study classic & contemporary novels to improve your writing. * Effectively market yourself as a writer. * Manage your time to maintain peak efficiency. Fulfilling writing careers are developed through hard work, an investment in practice, and complete dedication to the process. Don't succumb to excuses or procrastination. Dive into your career with gusto and enthusiasm. Fall in love with writing every day. Just write.ISBN: 9781599639703Publication Date: 2016-05-26 -
Writing Fiction, Tenth Edition by A creative writerss shelf should hold at least three essential books: a dictionary, a style guide, and Writing Fiction. Janet Burroway's bestselling classic is the most widely used creative writing text in America, and for more than three decades it has helped hundreds of thousands of students learn the craft.This new edition continues to provide advice that is practical, comprehensive, and flexible. Burroway's tone is personal and nonprescriptive, welcoming learning writers into the community of practiced storytellers. Moving from freewriting to final revision, the book addresses "showing not telling," characterization, dialogue, atmosphere, plot, imagery, and point of view. It includes new topics and writing prompts. And the examples and quotations throughout the book feature a wide and diverse range of today's best and best-known creators of both novels and short stories.This book is a master class in creative writing that also calls on us to renew our love of storytelling and celebrate the skill of writing well. There is a very good chance that one of your favorite authors learned the craft with Writing Fiction. And who knows what future favorite will get her start listening to this edition?ISBN: 9781630151867Publication Date: 2019-06-28
