Creative Writer's Handbook (4th Edition) [Paperback]

Philip K. Jason (Author), Allan B. Lefcowitz (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 30, 2004 | ISBN-10: 0131893718 | ISBN-13: 978-0131893719 | Edition: 4

This handbook is the perfect reference for beginning creative writers. It offers abundant illustrations, exercises, and useful techniques in all genres. While emphasizing problem-solving and the mastery of literary conventions, this handbook also takes the apprentice writer on a journey from inspiration to revision. Explores the work of ¿classic¿ modern as well as active contemporary writers through examples of effective stories, essays, poems and plays. An extensive look at fundamental creative writing issues includes attitudes, habits, journal-keeping, point of view, language, invention and research, and more. Appropriate for apprentice creative writers.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Combining theory, practical advice, and examples in each chapter, this introduction to creative writing not only explores the elements of effective writing that are applicable to ALL genres, but considers the creative writing enterprise and the necessary "writerly attitude." --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 432 pages
• Publisher: Prentice Hall; 4 edition (July 30, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0131893718
• ISBN-13: 978-0131893719
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.8 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,005,133 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars I basically agree with Mr. Samuelson: far too much advice., April 23, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Creative Writer's Handbook (3rd Edition) (Paperback)

Though the text has some good discussion of the writing process and useful exercises, the authors tend to set down at times questionable "rules" and much too much advice. The price is also out of line for most students in public universities and colleges, especially adult education students who want to write as a means of personal enrichment--and it is the latter type of student rather than the next Hemingway or Frost who is most likely to register for a creative writing courrse.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Helpful but full of typos, February 19, 2006

By 

Joanna Montell "Joanna" (LA, Ca) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Creative Writer's Handbook (4th Edition) (Paperback)

The other people reviewing this should have kept in mind that this book was intended to introduce novices to the basic concepts of creative writing. I did not feel it was condescending or distracting. I thought it was helpful and thorough as well as specific. Not meant for the literary types who've convinced themselves that they are "writers" and therefore above the practical advice this book offers. It was used as a text book for a class I took: "Intro to Creative Writing." I found it very helpful and useful. I learned a lot!

Caution: This edition is filled with typos.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Unprofessional and patronizing, August 16, 2002

By 

mattaca (Boston, MA, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Creative Writer's Handbook (3rd Edition) (Paperback)

While I'm not the most prolific or most experienced writer, I am familiar enough with the field to not be talked down to like a 6th grader in a father-son chat. While the authors attempts to be "chumy" with the reader, they really do no more than patronize and make apparent their academic lack. There were no new ideas presented here--even for a beginning text, I would recommend looking elsewhere for a better basic understanding of the guidelines that will help your work work.