When the Australian Mystery Writers' Society invited me to their crime-writing festival aboard the Ghan, the famous train between Darwin and Adelaide, I was hoping for some inspiration for my second book. Fiction, this time: I needed a break from real people killing each other. Obviously, that didn't pan out. The program is a who's who of crime writing royalty: the debut writer (me!) the forensic science writer the blockbuster writer the legal thriller...

"Drawing on the lessons learned throughout a distinguished writing career and nearly 20 years as a teacher of creative writing, McCann delivers a collection of essays that combines practical advice, creative inspiration, and a profound call to arms for anew generation of writers to bring truth and light to a dark world through their art. Addressing subjects such as "The Terror of the White Page," "Embrace the Critics," and "If You're Done, You've...

Provides advice for aspiring novelists on preparing a manuscript for a literary agent or editor, writing readable dialogue, and using other techniques to begin a work so that publishers will want to publish it and readers will want to read it.

When the Little Read Hen, who loves to read and write, asks Dog, Cat, and Pig to help her create a story, they decline, so she researches, outlines, drafts, edits, and proofs the story by herself.

Twelve-year-old Greg, who has always been good at moneymaking projects, is surprised to find himself teaming up with his lifelong rival, Maura, to create a series of comic books to sell at school.

"Explores the use of poetry as a tool for self-discovery and emotional healing"--