Creative Writer’s Sourcebook

 Creative Writer’s Sourcebook

Reviewed By  Janet Mawdesley       May 17, 2024

 

Author  John Gillard

Distributor:      Exisle Publishing
ISBN:                 9781921966279
Publisher:         Exisle Publishing
Release Date:   May 2024  

Website:    https://exislepublishing.com/product/creative-writers-sourcebook/ 

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50 Great Authors & 175 Writing Exercises

What a treasure to have come across Creative Writers Sourcebook fromJohn Gillard, who has chosen fifty famous authors to discuss. Each author is given a double page spread which lists the genre they have written in. Their birthdate, nationality, and death date are given as well as their key works.

A background description of the author’s education, place of birth and influencing factors is shown. Then either one piece, or several pieces of the most outstanding works are discussed and analysed. The following double page spread suggests exercises for those who wish to practice writing styles.

John has excelled in writing for understanding. His text is clear and to the point. For example, in discussing “The Great Gatsby,” he writes, “ Color is used throughout the book to represent themes, from the white of apparent purity to the green of hope. …Daisy is the essence of the flower of her name- white purity on the outside, yellow centre of decadence and self-interest on the inside.”

When discussing A.A. Milne, John talks about the dialogue used to “Propel the action forward and inform the reader about the character’s personality.” Haruki Murakami, “Blends stark biological detail with the ethereal. Somewhere in his body- perhaps in the marrow of his bones – he would continue to feel her absence.”

Following the details of an author, John sets out a plan for writing in a similar style. For Jane Austen, he suggests ways of emulating the irony with which she writes, he describes how she manipulates the text and gives a backhanded compliment. He then suggests that the reader practice free indirect speech which he explains, and then suggests an exercise that outlines characters clearly.

So many people would benefit from this amazing book. Those who love reading, discussing authors, developing knowledge of writing styles and those who have favourite stories and much-loved books. Creative Writers Sourcebook is a keeper.

Non Fiction