Help! For Writers

210 Solutions to the Problems Every Writer Faces

By: Roy Peter Clark

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Paperback | 1 January 2013 | Edition Number 1

At a Glance

Paperback
304 Pages

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2.3 x 14.2 x 21.1

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The craft of writing offers countless potential problems: The story is too long; the story's too short; revising presents a huge hurdle; writer's block is rearing its ugly head.

In Help! For Writers, Roy Peter Clark presents an "owner's manual" for writers, outlining the seven steps of the writing process, and addressing the 21 most urgent problems that writers face. In his trademark engaging and entertaining style, Clark offers ten short solutions to each problem. Out of ideas? Read posters, billboards, and graffiti. Can't bear to edit yourself? Watch the deleted scenes feature of a DVD, and ask yourself why those scenes were left on the cutting-room floor. Help! For Writers offers 210 strategies to guide writers to success.

Industry Reviews

"[Roy Peter] Clark takes readers through a well-paced presentation...he conveys the magic that is to be found in English, in its ever active evolution."--Margaret Heilbrun, Library Journal
"A fine common-sense guide to the proper use of language."--Barbara Fisher, Boston Globe
"A streamlined, accessible, witty book...[Clark] is a coach rather than a scold, encouraging readers to 'live inside the language.'"--Colette Bancroft, St. Petersburg Times
"An engaging and witty exploration of the shifting rules of English grammar...Clark shows breathtaking knowledge of how language is used in the real world and a passionate commitment to helping writers make good choices."--Chuck Leddy, Minneapolis Star Tribune
"Who knew that a discussion of grammar could induce laughter? This is an eminently readable, extremely enjoyable guide that readers will find highly useful on their path to development, not just as writers, but as readers."--Publishers Weekly
Praise for The Glamour of Grammar

"A grammar manual for the 21st century--a little more earthy, a little more relaxed. A welcome addition to the bookshelf of anyone who cares about language."--Ammon Shea, New York Times Book Review

"A wealth of practical advice delivered with a welcome side of gentle reassurance, Roy Peter Clark's Help! For Writers breaks the writing process down into seven steps, spotlighting 21 problems that befall writers along the way and addressing them with 210 solutions. No matter where you get stuck, dip into this book and you'll find tips and tricks to get yourself moving again -- all accompanied by the humor, wit and cheerful sympathy that have made Clark one of the country's most beloved and effective writing teachers."--Jason Fry, blogger, Reinventing the Newsroom

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You Can Find This Book In

Non-Fiction Language & Linguistics Reference, Dictionaries & Guides Writing & Editing Guides Linguistics Semantics & Discourse Analysis Reference, Information & Interdisciplinary Subjects Encyclopaedias & Reference Works Reference Works Literature, Poetry & Plays Non-Fiction Prose Creative Writing & Creative Writing Guides

Introduction: The Seven Steps of the Writing Process	p. 3
How to Get Help!	p. 9
Getting Started	p. 11
I can't think of anything to write	p. 17
I hate writing assignments and other people's ideas	p. 28
I have trouble doing all the research	p. 38
Getting Your Act Together	p. 49
My work habits are so disorganized	p. 55
I can never find what I need when I need it	p. 66
I have too much material to handle	p. 75
Finding Focus	p. 87
I don't know what my story is really about	p. 93
I struggle with the beginning	p. 104
I have problems selecting my best stuff	p. 119
Looking for Language	p. 129
My vocabulary is so limited	p. 135
My early drafts are littered with clichés	p. 146
My words don't make things clear	p. 156
Building a Draft	p. 167
I am totally blocked	p. 173
I can't stop procrastinating	p. 184
I have trouble working from a plan	p. 194
Assessing Your Progress	p. 205
I'm slow and miss my deadlines	p. 211
My middles sag	p. 220
It never ends well	p. 228
Making It Better	p. 239
I don't know what to revise and run out of time	p. 245
My work is way too long	p. 254
I resent criticism and editing	p. 265
Keeping the Faith	p. 273
25 Favorite Writing Books	p. 277
Acknowledgments	p. 283
Index	p. 285
Excerpt from Writing Tools	p. 297
Table of Contents provided by Ingram. All Rights Reserved.

Help! For Writers

210 Solutions to the Problems Every Writer Faces

At a Glance

Paperback

Industry Reviews

Shipping

How to return your order

Defective items

You Can Find This Book In

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