Research Writing

J. K. Rowling's magical tale, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, has captivated millions of readers for decades, transporting them into a world where a young boy discovers he is not only a wizard but also the key to a larger, hidden world of magic. As Harry navigates the challenges of his new life at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, he uncovers secrets about his past and faces the ultimate test of courage and friendship. For writers, Rowling's work stands as an aspirational model of world-building and character development.

In the wake of the September 11 attacks and the US-led invasion of Iraq, Suzy Hansen, who grew up in an insular conservative town in New Jersey, was enjoying early success as a journalist for a high-profile New York newspaper. Increasingly, though, the disconnect between the chaos of world events and the response at home took on pressing urgency for her. Seeking to understand the Muslim world that had been reduced to scaremongering headlines, she moved to Istanbul.

All fiction is character-driven, according to William Bernhardt, despite what you might have heard elsewhere. If your characters don’t interest readers, even the most exciting plots will fail. “Action is character,” Aristotle wrote, but what does that mean, and how can you use that fundamental principle to create dynamic fiction that will captivate readers? This audiobook explains the relationship between character and plot, and how the perfect melding of the two produces a mesmerizing story.

In this unique book, author and editor Jean Marie Stine shows writers how to avoid the errors that keep most self-help books from finding publishers and off the best-seller lists if they are published.

Struggling to find inspiration or battling writer’s block? Whether you’re an aspiring author, a seasoned storyteller, or someone just looking to reconnect with the joy of writing, this book is your ultimate guide to unlocking your creative potential. With 101 unique exercises, you’ll dive into character creation, sensory details, dialogue, and even explore new genres like mystery, fantasy, or romance.

From Pickwick to Scrooge, Copperfield to Twist, how did Dickens find the perfect names for his characters? What was Dickens' favourite way of killing his characters? When is a Dickens character most likely to see a ghost? Why is Dickens’ trickery only fully realised when his novels are read aloud? In 13 entertaining and wonderfully insightful essays, John Mullan explores the literary machinations of Dickens’ eccentric genius, from his delight in clichés to his rendering of smells and his outrageous use of coincidences.

Reclaim Your Author Career is the insightful guide you’ve been looking for to build a writing life that fits like a glove, brings you the satisfaction you’ve dreamed of, and empowers you to create a life worth celebrating. If you like individualized advice, fresh storytelling strategies, and deeper self-knowledge, then you’ll love Claire Taylor’s revolutionary approach to unlocking the creative life you deserve.

Thanks to comedy writing guru John Vorhaus (author of The Comic Toolbox: How to Be Funny Even If You're Not), writing situation comedy is easier than ever. In The Little Book of Sitcom, you'll find a whole trove of tools, tricks, and problem-solving techniques that you can use - now, today - to be the sitcom writer of your wildest dreams. Ready to write? Ready to have fun? The Little Book of Sitcom is the big little book for you.

Are you an author interested in preparing your book for audiobook narration? Do you need advice on narrator-friendly writing and editing for voiceover and audio production? This practical guide to radio writing techniques will help you prepare your book for a voice artist or your own narration. Discover how to: edit with your narrator in mind; use audio flow words and phrases; convey information with clarity; write from an audio-first viewpoint; and much more.

Crafting a personal story with a purposeful message can seem challenging. You may feel your stories aren’t worth telling, feel trapped in an outdated narrative or uncertain about which words will make an impact. Join Beverley Glick, a seasoned wordsmith, coach and former national newspaper journalist, on a life-enhancing journey. She introduces you to a unique method that will help you navigate your life stages and create a personal ‘life dictionary’, providing profound insights into your identity, motivations and passions.

The Art of Wit is your essential guide to understanding the science, psychology, and cultural impact of humor. This engaging audiobook explores the anatomy of a great joke, the power of comedic timing, and how humor transcends cultures and generations. Learn how to craft your own jokes, revive ancient humor for modern audiences, and navigate the ethical boundaries of comedy.

What makes a fantasy fantastic? Magic, of course! Whether it’s unearthly beasts, scheming sorcerers, legendary swords, or locales that defy logic and physics, a compelling fantasy story needs magical elements. The tricky part is that in order for the story to work, you have to get your reader or player to believe the unbelievable. The Kobold Guide to Magic takes you behind the scenes to learn the secrets of designing and writing about magic from 20 top fantasy authors and game designers.

Creating a unique, immersive setting one life form at a time. This book is a detailed how-to guide on inventing the heart of every imaginary world - life. With chapters on creating gods, species/races, plants, animals, monsters, heroes, villains, and even undead, it draws on the author's quarter century of world building experience. Pointed questions, and an examination of answers and their repercussions, will help readers decide on goals, how to reach them, and whether they are even worth pursuing.

Rand takes listeners step by step through the writing process, providing insightful observations and invaluable techniques along the way. She discusses the psychological aspects of writing and the roles played by the conscious and subconscious mind. She talks about articles and books, explaining how to select a subject and theme, how to identify your audience, and how to write the first draft.

Writing fantasy stories is a fun and exciting way to really put your creative skills and imagination to the test and bring your readers into an exciting and enchanting world of your own making. Not only is writing fantasy fun, but millions of people love reading it! If your story is good enough, you might even find yourself published. Like writing any genre of fiction, fantasy writing is a craft and requires a great deal of practice to get it right. Since fantasy stories are usually very unique and original, it takes an extra amount of hard work and dedication to master fantasy writing.

Transform your knack for creating compelling resumes into a profitable business with How to Start a Resume Writing Business. Discover the essential steps to build a successful resume writing service, from understanding market demands and crafting personalized resumes to acquiring clients and scaling your business. Whether you are a seasoned HR professional or a writing enthusiast, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in the competitive resume writing industry.

Jason Hamilton—overnight YouTube success and practicing fantasy author—introduces The Plot Module, a groundbreaking guide that simplifies novel plotting like never before. This comprehensive 40-chapter roadmap tells you exactly what to include in each chapter, bridging the gaps most story structure books leave behind.

This is the book that guides you on your journey to becoming a successful self-help author. It gives you everything you need to write, publish, and promote a book that does justice to your ideas and expertise.

Do you want your readers to feel like they're really there - in the place where the story happens? Whether you want to enrich stark prose with atmospheric detail, add vibrancy to a dull piece, or curb waffling descriptions, this guide can help. Learn how to make your settings intense, realistic, and intriguing. This is the 10th book in Rayne Hall's acclaimed Writer's Craft series.

Are you ready to become a published author and earn passive income from your knowledge, skills, or passion? In this practical, no-fluff audiobook, self-publishing expert Evelyn Grace Harper walks you through everything you need to know to successfully write, publish, and market your first eBook or audiobook—even if you’ve never written a book before.