"Are you ready to take your writing to another level? In BEYOND THE FIRST DRAFT: Writing Techniques of the Pros, bestselling, award-winning author, editor, and writing instructor, Linda Style shares the lectures from her popular Bootcamp for Novelists classes on advanced writing techniques that will make your stories stand out from the crowd." --

From debut author Alyssa Hollingsworth comes a story about living with fear, being a friend, and finding a new place to call home. They say you can't get something for nothing, but nothing is all Sami has. When his grandfather’s most-prized possession—a traditional Afghan instrument called a rebab—is stolen, Sami resolves to get it back. He finds it at a music store, but it costs $700, and Sami doesn’t have even one penny. What he does have is a keychain that has caught the eye of his classmate. If he trades the keychain for something more valuable, could he keep trading until he has $700? Sami is about to find out. The Eleventh Trade is both a classic middle school story and a story about being a refugee. Alyssa Hollingsworth tackles a big issue with a light touch. 2020 UKLA Award Winner

For students and writers alike, a brilliant guide to the craft of writing by the National Book Award–winning author of Spartina. National Book Award winner John Casey is a masterful novelist who is also an inspiring and beloved teacher. In Beyond the First Draft he offers essential and original insights into the art of writing—and rewriting—fiction. Through anecdotes about other writers’ methods and habits (as well as his own) and close readings of literature from Aristotle to Zola, the essays in this collection offer “suggestions about things to do, things to think about when your writing has got you lost in the woods.” In “Dogma and Anti-dogma” Casey sets out the tried-and-true advice and then comments on when to apply it and when to ignore it. In “What's Funny” he considers the range of comedy from pratfalls to elegant wit. In “In Other Words” he discusses translations and the surprising effects that translating can have on one’s native language. In “Mentors” he pays tribute to those who have guided him and other writers. Throughout the fourteen essays there are notes on voice, point of view, structure, and other crucial elements. This book is an invaluable resource for aspiring writers and a revitalizing companion for seasoned ones.

As a published author, experienced editor, and literary agent, L. Edward Hazelbaker has been helping Christian writers develop their books, hone their skills, and improve their writing for many years. And this book is the expression of his desire to help more writers than he can assist one on one. Now many more writers can benefit from his experience. This book is designed to encourage, equip, and educate Christian writers. If you’re joining or already a member of God’s army of great-commission writers, it’s time to enter Boot Camp for Christian Writers, where you’ll be inspired and challenged to be all you can be when answering God’s call to write.

Take Command of Your Novel! It's time to plan and execute a writing strategy that's in sync with your ultimate mission objective: getting published. In Novelist's Boot Camp, author Todd A. Stone, a former assistant professor at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, draws on his experience as novelist, writing instructor, and military officer to help get you and your writing into tip-top shape. This boot-camp-in-a-book includes 101 carefully crafted drills designed to show you how to: Identify and develop story ideas with laser-like perception Create realistic "alpha" characters who can take charge of any scene Know what motivates your protagonist's enemy so that you can amp up the conflict Outline your story to avoid sneak attacks from flawed plot twists Dodge the land mines of bad writing like Deadly Modifier Buildup (DMBU) Triage your scenes to ensure a thorough and precise revision process Plus, there's a twelve-week boot camp battle plan that you can use to stay the course and finish your novel. Novelist's Boot Camp provides you with all the ammunition you need to approach your work with dedication, confidence, and skill. Now, report for duty and start writing that bestseller!

Have You Been Waiting to Write the Book of Your Dreams? Authoring a book will skyrocket your business to new heights. But many would-be authors believe writing a book is inexorably complicated, painful, and frustrating. Book Writing Boot Camp exists to prove otherwise. In fact, anyone willing to dedicate time and effort can publish a book using the Paperback Expert 7-Step Authorship Process. This process includes: Step 1: Plan. Identifying your Key Motivator, determining the Core Message, and picking out your Focus Market Step 2: Prepare. Generating ideas during the Brain Dump, organizing during the Outline Session, and brainstorming a title Step 3: Create. Actually writing the content, returning later to revise it, and potentially hiring an editor or proofreader Step 4: Bookify. Turning the manuscript into a real book, including adding front and back matter Step 5: Enhance. Enriching the book by inserting images and laying out the interior Step 6: Design. Creating a stunning cover Step 7: Publish. Finally! Making your book available worldwide When you have finished reading this book, you will know how to author your own book from start to finish. And once you publish and market your author status, you will experience increased credibility and authority. These always results in more clients and business growth. If you've been waiting to write the book of your dreams, now is the time. Get a copy of Book Writing Boot Camp and watch your dreams come true.

#1 New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Laurens returns to romantic Scotland to usher in a new generation of Cynsters in an enchanting tale of mistletoe, magic, and love. It’s December 1837 and the young adults of the Cynster clan have succeeded in having the family Christmas celebration held at snow-bound Casphairn Manor, Richard and Catriona Cynster’s home. Led by Sebastian, Marquess of Earith, and by Lucilla, future Lady of the Vale, and her twin brother, Marcus, the upcoming generation has their own plans for the holiday season. Yet where Cynsters gather, love is never far behind—the festive occasion brings together Daniel Crosbie, tutor to Lucifer Cynster’s sons, and Claire Meadows, widow and governess to Gabriel Cynster’s daughter. Daniel and Claire have met before and the embers of an unexpected passion smolder between them, but once bitten, twice shy, Claire believes a second marriage is not in her stars. Daniel, however, is determined to press his suit. He’s seen the love the Cynsters share, and Claire is the lady with whom he dreams of sharing his life. Assisted by a bevy of Cynsters—innate matchmakers every one—Daniel strives to persuade Claire that trusting him with her hand and her heart is her right path to happiness. Meanwhile, out riding on Christmas Eve, the young adults of the Cynster clan respond to a plea for help. Summoned to a humble dwelling in ruggedly forested mountains, Lucilla is called on to help with the difficult birth of a child, while the others rise to the challenge of helping her. With a violent storm closing in and severely limited options, the next generation of Cynsters face their first collective test—can they save this mother and child? And themselves, too? Back at the manor, Claire is increasingly drawn to Daniel and despite her misgivings, against the backdrop of the ongoing festivities their relationship deepens. Yet she remains torn—until catastrophe strikes, and by winter’s light, she learns that love—true love—is worth any risk, any price. A tale brimming with all the magical delights of a Scottish festive season. A Cynster novel – a classic historical romance of 71,000 words. Praise for the works of Stephanie Laurens “Stephanie Laurens’ heroines are marvelous tributes to Georgette Heyer: feisty and strong.” Cathy Kelly “Stephanie Laurens never fails to entertain and charm her readers with vibrant plots, snappy dialogue, and unforgettable characters.” Historical Romance Reviews. “Stephanie Laurens plays into readers’ fantasies like a master and claims their hearts time and again.” Romantic Times Magazine