The Creative Writing Workbook

'...you get out of this book what you put in - work. There is research to be done, lots of reading and of course writing. On almost every page 'write' appears in bold, so sharpen your pencil, refill your inkwell, find that chewed up biro, this definitely is a work book...Reading is as important an outcome for this book as writing, one of Singleton's five guiding principles states 'Good readers make good writers'. Singleton's other principles set out his 'vision' for creative writing; imagination, self-awareness and a challenge to look at life...The book has nearly one thousand exercises, they are well researched and use a wide range of cultural references. Some took me back to old favourites, others introduced some new names. There is a logical progression in the book and a developmental aspect, but it is possible to dip in at any point...This is a creative thinking book as well as a creative writing book. It made me think of why as well as how, a valuable resource to me as a workshop leader and an inspiration as a creative writer.' - Barry Tench, trAce Online Writing Centre 'Excellent. Dizzying in its breadth of reference, creative advice, range of suggestions. Wise, rich - a treasure house.' - Maggie Butt, Middlesex University

It is very much aimed at the individual writer, based on the idea that real writing comes from within and that writing is a craft, skill with determination, art with attitude. It focuses on three major areas - the writer's roots (family, class and gender), the writer's resources (memory and language) and the writer's art (form and technique).This is a companion to The Creative Writing Handbook - now in its second edition. It is very much aimed at the individual writer, based on the idea that real writing comes from within and that writing is a craft, skill with determination, art with attitude. The book is filled with useful ideas and inspiring techniques for exploring and exploiting resources available, both within and without. It focuses on three major areas - the writer's roots (family, class and gender), the writer's resources (memory and language) and the writer's art (form and technique). Chapters focus on many topics, including how memory shapes a writer's material, the pro-creative force of words and the ambiguities of art and artfulness. Many examples of established writers' works are cited to give the fledgling writer much practical help.