EPL Picks: Bird by Bird and BeyondLike this list

11 items

• Gather

  Richard Van Camp on the Joy of Storytelling

  Van Camp, Richard

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  There are all sorts of way to live and be as a writer. Richard Van Camp says that something that makes helps make him a good storyteller is that he “believe[s] in miracles.” We don’t exist as writers in a bubble and Van Camp reminds writers that…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• 1000 Words

  a Writer's Guide to Staying Creative, Focused, and Productive All Year Round

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  Attenberg has as a goal 1000 words a day which she says is “about four typed pages double-spaced.” Using this method has meant that she publishes a book every two years and has for 18 years. Hard to argue with that sort of math!

• Gentle Writing Advice

  How to Be a Writer Without Destroying Yourself

  Wendig, Chuck

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  Wendig was once known for his harsh writing advice. With this book he has turned over a new leaf. A humorous look at the stereotypical rule books of writing with practical advice on when to follow rules and when to just live – which as it turns out…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Draft No. 4

  on the Writing Process

  McPhee, John, 1931-

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  Draft four, for John McPhee, is where the serious enjoyment of writing happens. Small adjustments at the level of the sentence, a precise care for the meaning of words, and a reverence for structure are McPhee’s jam. His gems on craft are…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Letters to a Writer of Color

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  The editors gather essays about craft and how to be in the world by 17 international writers. “We need more stories,” they say, “from more cultures, races, communities, and nations...” This collection is of interest to both writers and readers…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Writing in Color

  Fourteen Writers on the Lessons We've Learned

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  For writers who have been historically silenced, these essays encourage writers to be courageous. The essays act to remind that the writing journey need not be lonely. Advice on craft is offered alongside practical advice on how to navigate the…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Out of Line

  Daring to Be An Artist Outside the Big City

  MacDonald, Tanis, 1962-

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  Speaking as a self-styled “Duchess of Uncoolness,” Tanis MacDonald gives useful help for those who feel like hidden weirdos, outliers, and those who have ever “stepped out of line.” For anyone creating art outside of the big city or received centers…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Meander, Spiral, Explode

  Design and Pattern in Narrative

  Alison, Jane, 1961-

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  If you’ve ever wanted to experiment with narrative structure and break out of the classical scheme of the narrative arc, Jane Alison leads writers to a multitude of other possibilities. She alerts writers to texture, colour, symmetry and draws on…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Capital City Press

  [Database]

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  Find and support your community of writers with Capital City Press. Blog posts by local writers, advice from featured writers, and events and talks featuring authors.

• Meet with Edmonton Public Library's Writer in Residence

  View on epl.ca

  Did you know that you can book an individual manuscript consultation through the writer in residence program? The writer in residence is a font of knowledge on all things writing and publishing. You can meet with the writer either virtually or…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Bird by Bird

  Some Instructions on Writing and Life

  Lamott, Anne

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  The classic that inspired this list.