Publisher's Synopsis
This book has been written for you with one simple aim: to present the fundamentals of creative writing in a practical, accessible way that you can apply straight away to your own work.
Each chapter takes you through the principles of the craft, combining the best advice from professional writers, artists, and editors with examples from classic and contemporary literature. The Handbook is full of "toolbelt tips"; applicable advice on every dimension of the craft; from story development to genre, narrative structure to writing voice, and characterisation to world-building & setting.
This is what other writers have been saying about the Creative Writer's Toolbelt Handbook:
"A unique and comprehensive handbook... it lays the foundations and then helps you build."
"A refreshing change to many writing books."
"I've found so few advice givers as competent and informative as Andrew Chamberlain"
The handbook divides into eight chapters, each focusing on dimension of the craft, with sections in each chapter giving you a range of tools that you can apply straight away to your own writing.
Chapter 1: Creating a Story
Learn the classic shape of stories and understand why throughout history, one approach to story construction has been so successful.
Chapter 2: Characters and characterisation
Explore the two primary aspects of characterisation: character essence and goal, motivation, and passion. Learn why getting these right is most of the hard work of character development.
Chapter 3: Setting, world-building, and research
Understand the two critical requirements of a setting - that it be credible and immersive. Grounded with examples, we also look at the best way to gather and apply research, with expert insights into the process, and guidance on the important issue of understanding and writing 'the other'.
Chapter 4: Tools of the trade
Understand how to use the most important tools of the craft; from 'showing not telling' to point of view, and foreshadowing to exploiting the power of sensory description.
Chapter 5: The building blocks of writing
Explore the techniques for harnessing the power of punctuation and structure, understand the power of verbs in driving the pace of a sentence.
Chapter 6: The sound of your writing
Unlock the secrets of tone, style, and voice, and wield the sharpest tools in the toolbelt: clarity, brevity, and precision.
Chapter 7: Story identity - Genre and theme
Explore the strategies for harnessing genre and trope tooth reassure and absorb the reader. See how symbol, dilemma, and innovation interweave with theme and moral, and how to apply these aspects to enrich and enhance our work
Chapter 8: The Writer's Life
Think about living well. From physical health to mental and emotional wellbeing, the handbook offers suggestions for the writer's life. This chapter also explores the author experience with publishers and some thoughts on how to effectively market both ourselves and our work.
The Creative Writer's Toolbelt Handbook gives you practical, accessible advice that you can apply straight away to your own writing.
Find out more about the Handbook and the Creative Writer's Toolbelt Podcast at andrewjchamberlain.com
