The sixteen essays in Writing Off the Hyphen approach the literature of the Puerto Rican diaspora from current theoretical positions, with provocative and insightful results. The authors analyze how the diasporic experience of Puerto Ricans is played out in the context of class, race, gender, and sexuality and how other themes emerging from postcolonialism and postmodernism come into play. Their critical work also demonstrates an understanding of how the process of migration and the relations between Puerto Rico and the United States complicate notions of cultural and national identity as writers confront their bilingual, bicultural, and transnational realities. The collection has considerable breadth and depth. It covers earlier, undertheorized writers such as Luisa Capetillo, Pedro Juan Labarthe, Bernardo Vega, Pura Belpré, Arturo Schomburg, and Graciany Miranda Archilla. Prominent writers such as Rosario Ferré and Judith Ortiz Cofer are discussed alongside often-neglected writers such as Honolulu-based Rodney Morales and gay writer Manuel Ramos Otero. The essays cover all the genres and demonstrate that current theoretical ideas and approaches create exciting opportunities and possibilities for the study of Puerto Rican diasporic literature.

The bestselling workbook and grammar guide, revised and updated! Hailed as one of the best books around for teaching grammar, The Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation includes easy-to-understand rules, abundant examples, dozens of reproducible quizzes, and pre- and post-tests to help teach grammar to middle and high schoolers, college students, ESL students, homeschoolers, and more. This concise, entertaining workbook makes learning English grammar and usage simple and fun. This updated 12th edition reflects the latest updates to English usage and grammar, and includes answers to all reproducible quizzes to facilitate self-assessment and learning. Clear and concise, with easy-to-follow explanations, offering "just the facts" on English grammar, punctuation, and usage Fully updated to reflect the latest rules, along with even more quizzes and pre- and post-tests to help teach grammar Ideal for students from seventh grade through adulthood in the US and abroad For anyone who wants to understand the major rules and subtle guidelines of English grammar and usage, The Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation offers comprehensive, straightforward instruction.

(Applause Books). Television Writing from the Inside Out is a how-to book with a difference: Larry Brody is a television writer-producer who has helped shape the medium. The book is rooted in experience, and told in the breezy style that is the trademark of Brody and his award-winning website TVWriter.Com, which has helped launch the careers of many new writers. The information given by Brody and the manner in which he gives it has made him a writing guru to thousands of hopefuls. Television Writing from the Inside Out covers: what writing jobs are available; the format, structure and stages of teleplay development; tips on the writing of different genres drama, comedy, action, the television film, soap opera, animation; and sample teleplays by Brody and others, with analyses of why they were written the way they were in terms of creativity, business, production and "insider politics." Television Writing from the Inside Out presents all that Larry Brody has learned about writing, selling and surviving in the television industry. The best-kept secret in show business has been that it is a business, but Brody's readers will know the truth and armed with their new knowledge, they will have a significant edge as they set out to conquer this fascinating field.

An updated edition of the classic tip-a-day grammar guide from New York Times bestselling author and creator of the Grammar Girl podcast, Mignon Fogarty. One hundred million podcast downloads say it all: Mignon Fogarty's kicky, practical, and easy-to-remember advice about style and usage has won her fans around the globe. Her first book, Grammar Girl's Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing, hit the New York Times bestseller list, and her weekly grammar podcast has been hailed by USA Today as "authoritative but warm." Here in tip-a-day form, Grammar Girl offers 365 lessons on language that are sure to inspire. Chock-full of bite-sized writing tips, fun quizzes, and efficient memory tricks, The Grammar Daily gives you the tools you need to improve your grammar and become an even better communicator, one day at a time. This revised edition of the book, previously published as The Grammar Devotional, has been updated throughout with new lessons and revised content to reflect shifting concerns in style and usage since initial publication.

Writing from the Core is more than a handbook: it is a roadmap that leads to correct and effective writing. -An effective writing style begins with well-written sentences: sentences that speak to the reader clearly and concisely. - Structure and style cross paths at the sentence core: gain control of the sentence core, and you also gain control of your editing and revising skills. - In fact, once you can edit and revise with skill, you may spend more time mulling over your writing and reaching deeper insight, improving substance as well as style. Writing from the Core takes the mystery out of how to produce correct, clear, and concise writing, building confidence along with skill. I love this approach; it's practical yet personal. Writing from the Core is a guide with personality - it takes theory and makes it real. -Elizabeth Anderson, Writing Instructor, College of DuPage A straight-forward handbook that has been infinitely more useful than any handbook or workbook I've used in college. -Dominic Schiralli, Fine Arts major, Indiana University Northwest Students who use this method have a much easier time with composition. Structure becomes easy, so they can focus on building their writing skills. This is a great method producing fantastic results. - Peggy Patlan, Adult Education Instructor, Moraine Valley Community College

Captivate the hearts and minds of young adult readers! Writing for young adult (YA) and middle grade (MG) audiences isn't just "kid's stuff" anymore--it's kidlit! The YA and MG book markets are healthier and more robust than ever, and that means the competition is fiercer, too. In Writing Irresistible Kidlit, literary agent Mary Kole shares her expertise on writing novels for young adult and middle grade readers and teaches you how to: • Recognize the differences between middle grade and young adult audiences and how it impacts your writing. • Tailor your manuscript's tone, length, and content to your readership. • Avoid common mistakes and cliches that are prevalent in YA and MG fiction, in respect to characters, story ideas, plot structure and more. • Develop themes and ideas in your novel that will strike emotional chords. Mary Kole's candid commentary and insightful observations, as well as a collection of book excerpts and personal insights from bestselling authors and editors who specialize in the children's book market, are invaluable tools for your kidlit career. If you want the skills, techniques, and know-how you need to craft memorable stories for teens and tweens, Writing Irresistible Kidlit can give them to you.