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The Art and Science of Crafting a Piece of Writing: Challenges, Opportunities, and the Path to Excellence
Author: Dr. Eleanor Vance, PhD in Creative Writing and Rhetoric, Professor of English at the University of California, Berkeley. Dr. Vance has published extensively on the theory and practice of writing, including two award-winning books on the subject.
Keywords: a piece of writing, writing process, creative writing, academic writing, effective writing, writing challenges, writing opportunities, writer's block, editing, publishing
Summary: This article explores the multifaceted nature of "a piece of writing," analyzing both the inherent challenges and the boundless opportunities it presents. It examines the writing process from conception to publication, addressing issues such as writer's block, effective structuring, stylistic choices, and the importance of revision. The article emphasizes the crucial role of audience awareness and the significance of clear communication in achieving the goals of any given piece of writing. Finally, it offers practical advice and strategies for overcoming common writing hurdles and maximizing the potential of every piece of writing undertaken.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP). OUP is a globally renowned academic publisher with a long-standing reputation for producing high-quality scholarly works across various disciplines, including literature, linguistics, and writing studies. Their commitment to rigorous peer review ensures the accuracy and reliability of their publications.
Editor: Dr. James Ashford, PhD in English Literature and expert in writing pedagogy. Dr. Ashford has over 20 years of experience editing academic journals and books focused on writing and communication.
1. The Genesis of a Piece of Writing: Idea Generation and Planning
Creating "a piece of writing" begins long before the first word is written. The initial spark, the nascent idea, can originate from anywhere: a personal experience, a news article, a philosophical question, or a simple observation. This initial phase requires introspection, brainstorming, and freewriting to explore the potential of the idea. Once a central theme or argument emerges, careful planning becomes crucial. Outlining, mind-mapping, or using other organizational tools helps to structure the piece logically and ensures a coherent flow of thought. The planning stage is critical; a well-structured plan significantly reduces the challenges encountered during the drafting process. Without a solid foundation, even the most eloquent prose can lack impact. This initial conceptualization is paramount to the ultimate success of a piece of writing.
2. Navigating the Challenges: Writer's Block and Perfectionism
The writing process is rarely linear. Many writers encounter writer's block, a frustrating state characterized by an inability to produce new content. Overcoming this hurdle requires a multifaceted approach. Techniques like freewriting, mind-mapping, and changing environments can help jumpstart the creative process. Breaking down the writing task into smaller, more manageable parts can also alleviate feelings of overwhelm. Perfectionism, another common obstacle, can lead to procrastination and self-doubt. Embracing imperfection and focusing on the iterative nature of writing—that is, the understanding that writing is a process of continuous improvement through revision—is key to overcoming this challenge. The initial draft of a piece of writing is rarely perfect; it's a starting point, a foundation upon which a more polished and effective piece will be built.
3. The Craft of Writing: Style, Structure, and Voice
Effective writing transcends mere communication; it engages the reader, evokes emotions, and persuades. Style, structure, and voice are interwoven elements that contribute to the overall impact of a piece of writing. Style refers to the writer's distinct choice of words, sentence structure, and tone. A formal style is appropriate for academic papers, while a more informal style might suit a blog post. Structure involves the arrangement of ideas and information to create a logical and coherent narrative. Common structures include chronological order, compare-and-contrast, and problem-solution. Voice, the writer's unique personality and perspective, adds authenticity and personality to a piece of writing. Finding the right balance between style, structure, and voice is essential to creating a compelling and effective piece of writing.
4. Audience Awareness: Tailoring the Message
A crucial element often overlooked is audience awareness. "A piece of writing" is not written in a vacuum; it is intended for a specific audience with particular needs and expectations. Understanding the audience's background knowledge, interests, and potential biases is paramount in crafting a message that resonates. The language, tone, and level of detail should be tailored to the intended audience. For instance, a scientific paper written for fellow researchers will differ significantly from a popular science article intended for a broader audience. Ignoring the audience can render even the most well-written piece of writing ineffective. Knowing your audience is a crucial ingredient in ensuring the impact and success of a piece of writing.
5. The Importance of Revision: Polishing and Refining
Revision is not simply correcting grammatical errors; it's a transformative process that elevates a piece of writing from a draft to a polished final product. It involves re-examining the structure, style, and content, ensuring clarity, coherence, and accuracy. Revision might require significant restructuring, rephrasing sentences, adding or deleting information, and refining the overall argument. Seeking feedback from others, particularly trusted peers or editors, can provide valuable perspectives and identify areas for improvement. The process of revision is integral to the creation of any successful piece of writing. It is a stage where weaknesses are identified and rectified, culminating in a superior final piece of writing.
6. From Manuscript to Publication: The Publishing Process
Once a piece of writing is deemed ready, the journey to publication begins. This process varies depending on the type of writing and the chosen publication venue. Academic papers typically undergo peer review, a rigorous process of evaluation by experts in the field. Submitting work to literary journals or agents requires adherence to specific guidelines and formats. Regardless of the publication route, understanding the process and adhering to the requirements are crucial for a successful outcome. The publishing journey for a piece of writing can be challenging but ultimately rewarding. It is the culmination of the author's effort and a testament to the significance of the completed piece of writing.
7. The Opportunities Presented by a Piece of Writing
"A piece of writing" presents numerous opportunities beyond mere communication. It can serve as a platform for self-expression, creative exploration, and knowledge dissemination. It can influence opinions, inspire action, and foster empathy. For academic writers, it can contribute to scholarly discourse and advance knowledge in their field. For creative writers, it can provide an outlet for imagination and emotional expression. Regardless of the genre or purpose, a piece of writing has the potential to connect with readers on a profound level, leaving a lasting impact. This potential for significant impact is a key reason why crafting a piece of writing is such a worthwhile endeavor.
8. The Ever-Evolving Landscape of Writing: Adapting to New Technologies
The digital age has profoundly impacted the landscape of writing. New technologies have transformed the way we create, share, and consume "a piece of writing." From word processing software to online publishing platforms, writers now have a vast array of tools at their disposal. However, this evolving landscape also presents challenges. Navigating the complexities of digital publishing, managing online presence, and adapting to changing audience expectations requires adaptability and a willingness to learn new skills. Embracing these technological advancements allows writers to reach wider audiences and expand the impact of their work.
9. Conclusion
Crafting "a piece of writing," regardless of its form or purpose, is a complex yet rewarding process. It requires careful planning, creative expression, meticulous revision, and a deep understanding of the intended audience. While challenges such as writer's block and perfectionism are inevitable, they can be overcome through strategic planning, perseverance, and a willingness to embrace the iterative nature of writing. Ultimately, the opportunities presented by a piece of writing—to connect with readers, share knowledge, inspire action, and leave a lasting impact—far outweigh the difficulties encountered along the way. The art and science of writing are continually evolving, and by embracing new technologies and methodologies, writers can harness the immense potential of "a piece of writing" to achieve their goals and leave their mark on the world.
FAQs:
1. What is the most important element in a piece of writing? Clarity and coherence are paramount. No matter how eloquent the language, if the reader cannot understand the message, the piece has failed.
2. How can I overcome writer's block? Try freewriting, brainstorming, changing your environment, or breaking the task into smaller parts.
3. What is the difference between editing and revising? Editing focuses on surface-level corrections (grammar, punctuation), while revising involves broader structural and content changes.
4. How do I know who my audience is? Consider the publication venue, the purpose of the writing, and the expected readership.
5. What is the best way to structure a piece of writing? This depends on the purpose and genre, but a logical flow of ideas and a clear introduction and conclusion are crucial.
6. How can I improve my writing style? Read widely, experiment with different sentence structures, and seek feedback from others.
7. What is the role of voice in a piece of writing? Voice adds personality and authenticity, making the writing more engaging and memorable.
8. How important is research for a piece of writing? Research is essential for credibility and accuracy, particularly in academic and journalistic writing.
9. Where can I get feedback on my piece of writing? Seek feedback from trusted peers, writing groups, or professional editors.
Related Articles:
1. The Power of Narrative in Non-Fiction Writing: Explores the use of storytelling techniques to enhance engagement and impact in non-fiction pieces.
2. Overcoming Writer's Block: Practical Strategies and Techniques: Provides a detailed guide to overcoming creative obstacles.
3. The Art of Persuasive Writing: Crafting Compelling Arguments: Examines the principles of rhetoric and argumentation.
4. The Importance of Revision in the Writing Process: A deeper dive into the iterative nature of writing and the role of feedback.
5. Understanding Your Audience: Tailoring Your Message for Maximum Impact: Provides practical advice on audience analysis and message crafting.
6. Mastering the Art of the Essay: Structure, Style, and Argumentation: A comprehensive guide to essay writing.
7. The Role of Editing and Proofreading in Professional Writing: Explains the importance of precise language and error-free text.
8. Navigating the Publishing World: A Guide for Aspiring Writers: Offers guidance on submitting work to journals, agents, and publishers.
9. The Future of Writing: Adapting to the Digital Landscape: Discusses the changing landscape of writing in the digital age and the implications for writers.
| a piece of writing: Why I Write George Orwell, 2021-01-01 George Orwell set out ‘to make political writing into an art’, and to a wide extent this aim shaped the future of English literature – his descriptions of authoritarian regimes helped to form a new vocabulary that is fundamental to understanding totalitarianism. While 1984 and Animal Farm are amongst the most popular classic novels in the English language, this new series of Orwell’s essays seeks to bring a wider selection of his writing on politics and literature to a new readership. In Why I Write, the first in the Orwell’s Essays series, Orwell describes his journey to becoming a writer, and his movement from writing poems to short stories to the essays, fiction and non-fiction we remember him for. He also discusses what he sees as the ‘four great motives for writing’ – ‘sheer egoism’, ‘aesthetic enthusiasm’, ‘historical impulse’ and ‘political purpose’ – and considers the importance of keeping these in balance. Why I Write is a unique opportunity to look into Orwell’s mind, and it grants the reader an entirely different vantage point from which to consider the rest of the great writer’s oeuvre. 'A writer who can – and must – be rediscovered with every age.' — Irish Times |
| a piece of writing: Structuring Your Novel K. M. Weiland, 2013 Acclaim for Structuring Your Novel I have long wished for a book like this. Structuring Your Novel is so much more than a writing craft book-it's a recipe to help writers structure a deep, meaningful journey for their hero that will captivate readers from beginning to end.-Angela Ackerman, Author of The Emotion Thesaurus There is absolute gold in this book-and I am grateful that the author has a real talent for distilling some of the somewhat clunky information found elsewhere, into really simple-to-understand and easy-to-follow techniques.-Robert Scanlon This book shows a writer how to structure their novel from beginning to end in a no-nonsense manner. It's fast and easy reading, and MAKES SENSE -Carrie C. Spencer About the Book Is Structure the Hidden Foundation of All Successful Stories? Why do some stories work and others don't? The answer is structure. In this IPPY and NIEA-Award winning guide from the author of the bestselling Outlining Your Novel, you will learn the universal underpinnings that guarantee powerful plot and character arcs. An understanding of proper story and scene structure will show you how to perfectly time your story's major events and will provide you with an unerring standard against which to evaluate your novel's pacing and progression. Structuring Your Novel will show you: How to determine the best techniques for empowering your unique and personal vision for your story. How to identify common structural weaknesses and flip them around into stunning strengths. How to eliminate saggy middles by discovering your centerpiece. Why you should NEVER include conflict in every scene. How to discover the questions you don't want readers asking about your plot-and then how to get them to ask the right questions. Story structure has enabled countless bestselling and classic authors. Now it's your turn More Praise for Structuring Your Novel K.M. Weiland delivers another exceptional resource for writers-offering practical guidance on everything from crafting a book's hook to its resolution.-Elizabeth Spann Craig, Author of the Myrtle Clover Mysteries Structuring Your Novel will give you the blueprint for making your story more powerful. I'm taking this one with me to my desert island -Jennifer Ibarra After finishing the book, I reviewed my own writing and was easily able to see where the story wasn't working, understand why it wasn't, and figure out what I needed to do to fix it.-Abby Geiger More storytelling assistance from K.M. Weiland: Outlining Your Novel: Map Your Way to Success-Can outlining help you write a better story? |
| a piece of writing: Writing, Redefined Shawna Coppola, 2020 Writing, Redefined asks educators to reflect critically on the kinds of writing - and the kinds of writers - traditionally valued in school spaces and offers a compelling argument for broadening our ideas around composition in order to honor the stories, the voices, and the lived experiences of all students-- |
| a piece of writing: Writing with Intent Margaret Atwood, 2006-07-18 The first collection of nonfiction work by the author in more than two decades features fifty-seven essays and reviews on a wide range of topics, including John Updike, Toni Morrison, grunge, September 11th, and Gabriel Garca Mrquez, among others. Reprint. |
| a piece of writing: Advice to Writers Jon Winokur, 2000-05-09 In Advice to Writers, Jon Winokur, author of the bestselling The Portable Curmudgeon, gathers the counsel of more than four hundred celebrated authors in a treasury on the world of writing. Here are literary lions on everything from the passive voice to promotion and publicity: James Baldwin on the practiced illusion of effortless prose, Isaac Asimov on the despotic tendencies of editors, John Cheever on the perils of drink, Ivan Turgenev on matrimony and the Muse. Here, too, are the secrets behind the sleight-of-hand practiced by artists from Aristotle to Rita Mae Brown. Sagacious, inspiring, and entertaining, Advice to Writers is an essential volume for the writer in every reader. |
| a piece of writing: A Little Life Hanya Yanagihara, 2016-01-26 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A stunning “portrait of the enduring grace of friendship” (NPR) about the families we are born into, and those that we make for ourselves. A masterful depiction of love in the twenty-first century. NATIONAL BOOK AWARD FINALIST • MAN BOOKER PRIZE FINALIST • WINNER OF THE KIRKUS PRIZE A Little Life follows four college classmates—broke, adrift, and buoyed only by their friendship and ambition—as they move to New York in search of fame and fortune. While their relationships, which are tinged by addiction, success, and pride, deepen over the decades, the men are held together by their devotion to the brilliant, enigmatic Jude, a man scarred by an unspeakable childhood trauma. A hymn to brotherly bonds and a masterful depiction of love in the twenty-first century, Hanya Yanagihara’s stunning novel is about the families we are born into, and those that we make for ourselves. Look for Hanya Yanagihara’s latest bestselling novel, To Paradise. |
| a piece of writing: Will Grayson, Will Grayson John Green, David Levithan, 2010-04-06 Two award-winning and New York Times–bestselling author join forces for a collaborative novel of awesome proportions. One cold night, in a most unlikely corner of Chicago, two teens—both named Will Grayson—are about to cross paths. As their worlds collide and intertwine, the Will Graysons find their lives going in new and unexpected directions, building toward romantic turns-of-heart and the epic production of history’s most fabulous high school musical. Hilarious, poignant, and deeply insightful, John Green and David Levithan’s collaborative novel is brimming with a double helping of the heart and humor that have won them both legions of faithful fans. A New York Times Book Review Editor’s Choice An ALA Stonewall Honor Book “Will Grayson, Will Grayson is a complete romp. [It is] so funny, rude and original that by the time flowers hit the stage, even the musical-averse will cheer.” —The New York Times Book Review ★“Will have readers simultaneously laughing, crying and singing at the top of their lungs.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review “It is such a good book. [Green and Levithan] are two of the best writers writing today.” —NPR’sThe Roundtable |
| a piece of writing: A Shepherd to Fools Drew Mendelson, 2021-08-12 A Shepherd to Fools is the second of Drew Mendelson’s trilogy of Vietnam War novels that began with Song Ba To and will conclude with Poke the Dragon. Shepherd: It is the ragged end of the Vietnam war. With the debacle of a failing South Vietnamese invasion of Northern Laos as background, A Shepherd to Fools tells the harrowing tale of a covert Hatchet Team of US soldiers and Montagnard mercenaries. They are ordered to find and capture or kill a band of American deserters, called Longshadows, before the world learns of their paralyzing rebellion. An earlier attempt to capture them failed disastrously, the facts of it buried. Captain Hugh Englander commands the Hatchet Team. He is a humorless bastard, sneering and discourteous to every regular army soldier. He cares little for the welfare of his own men and nothing for the lives of the deserters. The conflict between him and Captain David Weisman, the artillery officer assigned to the mission for artillery support, threatens to tear the team apart. Deep in the Laotian jungle, the team is caught in a final, horrific battle facing an enemy armed with Sarin nerve gas, the “worst of the worst” of the war’s clandestine weapons. |
| a piece of writing: The Spooky Art Norman Mailer, 2003-01-21 “Writing is spooky,” according to Norman Mailer. “There is no routine of an office to keep you going, only the blank page each morning, and you never know where your words are coming from, those divine words.” In The Spooky Art, Mailer discusses with signature candor the rewards and trials of the writing life, and recommends the tools to navigate it. Addressing the reader in a conversational tone, he draws on the best of more than fifty years of his own criticism, advice, and detailed observations about the writer’s craft. Praise for The Spooky Art “The Spooky Art shows Mailer’s brave willingness to take on demanding forms and daunting issues. . . . He has been a thoughtful and stylish witness to the best and worst of the American century.”—The Boston Globe “At his best—as artists should be judged—Mailer is indispensable, an American treasure. There is enough of his best in this book for it to be welcomed with gratitude.”—The Washington Post “[The Spooky Art] should nourish and inform—as well as entertain—almost any serious reader of the novel.”—Baltimore Sun “The richest book ever written about the writer’s subconscious.”—The Philadelphia Inquirer “Striking . . . entrancingly frank.”—Entertainment Weekly Praise for Norman Mailer “[Norman Mailer] loomed over American letters longer and larger than any other writer of his generation.”—The New York Times “A writer of the greatest and most reckless talent.”—The New Yorker “A devastatingly alive and original creative mind.”—Life “Mailer is fierce, courageous, and reckless and nearly everything he writes has sections of headlong brilliance.”—The New York Review of Books “The largest mind and imagination [in modern] American literature . . . Unlike just about every American writer since Henry James, Mailer has managed to grow and become richer in wisdom with each new book.”—Chicago Tribune “Mailer is a master of his craft. His language carries you through the story like a leaf on a stream.”—The Cincinnati Post |
| a piece of writing: Tiny Beautiful Things Cheryl Strayed, 2012-07-10 NATIONAL BESTSELLER • Soon to be a Hulu Original series • The internationally acclaimed author of Wild collects the best of The Rumpus's Dear Sugar advice columns plus never-before-published pieces. Rich with humor and insight—and absolute honesty—this wise and compassionate (New York Times Book Review) book is a balm for everything life throws our way. Life can be hard: your lover cheats on you; you lose a family member; you can’t pay the bills—and it can be great: you’ve had the hottest sex of your life; you get that plum job; you muster the courage to write your novel. Sugar—the once-anonymous online columnist at The Rumpus, now revealed as Cheryl Strayed, author of the bestselling memoir Wild—is the person thousands turn to for advice. |
| a piece of writing: George Saunders Philip Coleman, Steve Gronert Ellerhoff, 2017-03-25 This timely volume explores the signal contribution George Saunders has made to the development of the short story form in books ranging from CivilWarLand in Bad Decline (1996) to Tenth of December (2013). The book brings together a team of scholars from around the world to explore topics ranging from Saunders’s treatment of work and religion to biopolitics and the limits of the short story form. It also includes an interview with Saunders specially conducted for the volume, and a preliminary bibliography of his published works and critical responses to an expanding and always exciting creative œuvre. Coinciding with the release of the Saunders’ first novel, Lincoln in the Bardo (2017), George Saunders: Critical Essays is the first book-length consideration of a major contemporary author’s work. It is essential reading for anyone interested in twenty-first century fiction. |
| a piece of writing: The White City Karolina Ramqvist, 2017-02-07 An award-winning Scandinavian novel of one woman’s struggle to pull herself and her daughter from the grasp of a criminal past. “A literary tour de force” (Mystery Scene). A celebrated bestseller in Sweden, and the winner of the prestigious Per Olov Enquist Literary Prize, The White City is an arresting story of betrayal and empowerment as a criminal’s girlfriend is left behind to pick up the pieces of her imploded existence. Karin knew what she was getting herself into when she fell for John, a high-flying wheeler-dealer. But she never imagined things would turn out like this: John is gone and the coke-filled parties, seemingly endless flow of money, and high social status have been replaced by cut telephone lines, cut heat, and cut cash. All that remains of Karin’s former life is the mansion he bought for her—and his daughter, the child Karin once swore she would never bring into their dangerous world. Now she is on her own with baby Dream. As the authorities zero in on organized crime, John’s shady legacy is catching up with her. Over the course of a few days, Karin is forced to take drastic measures to claim what she considers rightfully hers . . . “The ghostly Scandinavian setting and [protagonist] Karin’s closely narrated sense of impending doom . . . make Swedish star Ramqvist’s English-language debut an atmospheric and suspenseful read.” —Booklist |
| a piece of writing: Write Like the Masters William Cane, 2009-09-24 Want To Find Your Voice? Learn from the Best. Time and time again you've been told to find your own unique writing style, as if it were as simple as pulling it out of thin air. But finding your voice isn't easy, so where better to look than to the greatest writers of our time? Write Like the Masters analyzes the writing styles of twenty-one great novelists, including Charles Dickens, Edith Wharton, Franz Kafka, Flannery O'Connor, and Ray Bradbury. This fascinating and insightful guide shows you how to imitate the masters of literature and, in the process, learn advanced writing secrets to fire up your own work. You'll discover: • Herman Melville's secrets for creating characters as memorable as Captain Ahab • How to master point of view with techniques from Fyodor Dostoevesky • Ways to pick up the pace by keeping your sentences lean like Ernest Hemingway • The importance of sensual details from James Bond creator Ian Fleming • How to add suspense to your story by following the lead of the master of horror, Stephen King Whether you're working on a unique voice for your next novel or you're a composition student toying with different styles, this guide will help you gain insight into the work of the masters through the rhetorical technique of imitation. Filled with practical, easy-to-apply advice, Write Like the Masters is your key to understanding and using the proven techniques of history's greatest authors. |
| a piece of writing: Strategic Project Management Made Simple Terry Schmidt, 2009-03-16 When Fortune Magazine estimated that 70% of all strategies fail, it also noted that most of these strategies were basically sound, but could not be executed. The central premise of Strategic Project Management Made Simple is that most projects and strategies never get off the ground because of adhoc, haphazard, and obsolete methods used to turn their ideas into coherent and actionable plans. Strategic Project Management Made Simple is the first book to couple a step-by-step process with an interactive thinking tool that takes a strategic approach to designing projects and action initiatives. Strategic Project Management Made Simple builds a solid platform upon four critical questions that are vital for teams to intelligently answer in order to create their own strong, strategic foundation. These questions are: 1. What are we trying to accomplish and why? 2. How will we measure success? 3. What other conditions must exist? 4. How do we get there? This fresh approach begins with clearly understanding the what and why of a project - comprehending the bigger picture goals that are often given only lip service or cursory reviews. The second and third questions clarify success measures and identify the risky assumptions that can later cause pain if not spotted early. The how questions - what are the activities, budgets, and schedules - comes last in our four-question system. By contrast, most project approaches prematurely concentrate on the how without first adequately addressing the three other questions. These four questions guide readers into fleshing out a simple, yet sophisticated, mental workbench called the Logical Framework - a Systems Thinking paradigm that lays out one's own project strategy in an easily accessible, interactive 4x4 matrix. The inclusion of memorable features and concepts (four critical questions, LogFrame matrix, If-then thinking, and Implementation Equation) make this book unique. |
| a piece of writing: How to Read Like a Writer Mike Bunn, When you Read Like a Writer (RLW) you work to identify some of the choices the author made so that you can better understand how such choices might arise in your own writing. The idea is to carefully examine the things you read, looking at the writerly techniques in the text in order to decide if you might want to adopt similar (or the same) techniques in your writing. You are reading to learn about writing. Instead of reading for content or to better understand the ideas in the writing (which you will automatically do to some degree anyway), you are trying to understand how the piece of writing was put together by the author and what you can learn about writing by reading a particular text. As you read in this way, you think about how the choices the author made and the techniques that he/she used are influencing your own responses as a reader. What is it about the way this text is written that makes you feel and respond the way you do? |
| a piece of writing: The Writing Book Kate Grenville, 2010-09-01 A completely practical workbook that offers down-to-earth ideas and suggestions for writers or aspiring writers to get you started and to keep you going. |
| a piece of writing: By the Rivers of Babylon Nelson DeMille, 2003-06-01 Lod Airport, Israel: Two Concorde jets take off for a U.N. conference that will finally bring peace to the Middle East. Covered by F-14 fighters, accompanied by security men, the planes carry warriors, pacifists, lovers, enemies, dignitaries -- and a bomb planted by a terrorist mastermind. Suddenly they're forced to crash-land at an ancient desert site. Here, with only a handful of weapons, the men and women of the peace mission must make a desperate stand against an army of crack Palestinian commandos -- while the Israeli authorities desperately attempt a rescue mission. In a land of blood and tears, in a windswept place called Babylon, it will be a battle of bullets and courage, and a war to the last death. |
| a piece of writing: Million Dollar Outlines David Farland, 2013-01-31 Discover the secrets to crafting a successful novel in this guide by a master writer & instructor and New York Times–bestselling author. Bestselling author David Farland taught dozens of writers who went on to staggering literary success, including such #1 New York Times Bestsellers as Brandon Mull (Fablehaven), Brandon Sanderson (Wheel of Time), James Dashner (The Maze Runner) and Stephenie Mayer (Twilight). In this book, Dave teaches how to analyze an audience and outline a novel to appeal to a wide readership. The secrets found in his unconventional approach will help you understand why so many of his authors went on to prominence. Hailed as “the wizard of storytelling,” Dave was an award-winning, international best-selling author with more than fifty novels in print, and a tireless mentor and instructor of new writers. His book Million Dollar Outlines is a seminal work teaching authors how to create a blueprint for a novel that can lead to bestseller success. |
| a piece of writing: Lincoln in the Bardo George Saunders, 2017-02-14 #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • WINNER OF THE MAN BOOKER PRIZE The “devastatingly moving” (People) first novel from the author of Tenth of December: a moving and original father-son story featuring none other than Abraham Lincoln, as well as an unforgettable cast of supporting characters, living and dead, historical and invented One of The New York Times’s 100 Best Books of the 21st Century • One of The Atlantic’s Great American Novels of the Past 100 Years • One of Paste’s Best Novels of the Decade Named One of the Ten Best Books of the Year by The Washington Post, USA Today, and Maureen Corrigan, NPR • One of Time’s Ten Best Novels of the Year • A New York Times Notable Book • One of O: The Oprah Magazine’s Best Books of the Year February 1862. The Civil War is less than one year old. The fighting has begun in earnest, and the nation has begun to realize it is in for a long, bloody struggle. Meanwhile, President Lincoln’s beloved eleven-year-old son, Willie, lies upstairs in the White House, gravely ill. In a matter of days, despite predictions of a recovery, Willie dies and is laid to rest in a Georgetown cemetery. “My poor boy, he was too good for this earth,” the president says at the time. “God has called him home.” Newspapers report that a grief-stricken Lincoln returns, alone, to the crypt several times to hold his boy’s body. From that seed of historical truth, George Saunders spins an unforgettable story of familial love and loss that breaks free of its realistic, historical framework into a supernatural realm both hilarious and terrifying. Willie Lincoln finds himself in a strange purgatory where ghosts mingle, gripe, commiserate, quarrel, and enact bizarre acts of penance. Within this transitional state—called, in the Tibetan tradition, the bardo—a monumental struggle erupts over young Willie’s soul. Lincoln in the Bardo is an astonishing feat of imagination and a bold step forward from one of the most important and influential writers of his generation. Formally daring, generous in spirit, deeply concerned with matters of the heart, it is a testament to fiction’s ability to speak honestly and powerfully to the things that really matter to us. Saunders has invented a thrilling new form that deploys a kaleidoscopic, theatrical panorama of voices to ask a timeless, profound question: How do we live and love when we know that everything we love must end? “A luminous feat of generosity and humanism.”—Colson Whitehead, The New York Times Book Review “A masterpiece.”—Zadie Smith |
| a piece of writing: Writing Your Journal Article in Twelve Weeks Wendy Laura Belcher, 2009-01-20 This book provides you with all the tools you need to write an excellent academic article and get it published. |
| a piece of writing: The Lost Flamingoes of Bombay Siddharth Dhanvant Sanghvi, 2014-06-01 Star photographer Karan Seth is in Bombay to immortalize the city in a unique photo-record of its hidden faces until tragedy strikes and he is drawn into a Fitzgeraldian world of sex, crime and politics. Utterly disenchanted, he abandons the camera and Bombay and heads to England. Yet, like the flamingoes of Sewri, who unfailingly give in to the strange, haunting pull of the great metropolis, Karan too knows that he must return to his old loves. The Lost Flamingoes of Bombay is at once a razor-sharp depiction of contemporary urban society and an affecting tale about love's betrayals and the redemptive powers of friendship. |
| a piece of writing: The Best Part of Me , 2002 An award-winning photographer captures children's thoughts about their bodies in striking b&w photos and disarmingly honest words. |
| a piece of writing: The Epic of Gilgamish Reginald Campbell Thompson, 1928 |
| a piece of writing: Ask a Manager Alison Green, 2018-05-01 From the creator of the popular website Ask a Manager and New York’s work-advice columnist comes a witty, practical guide to 200 difficult professional conversations—featuring all-new advice! There’s a reason Alison Green has been called “the Dear Abby of the work world.” Ten years as a workplace-advice columnist have taught her that people avoid awkward conversations in the office because they simply don’t know what to say. Thankfully, Green does—and in this incredibly helpful book, she tackles the tough discussions you may need to have during your career. You’ll learn what to say when • coworkers push their work on you—then take credit for it • you accidentally trash-talk someone in an email then hit “reply all” • you’re being micromanaged—or not being managed at all • you catch a colleague in a lie • your boss seems unhappy with your work • your cubemate’s loud speakerphone is making you homicidal • you got drunk at the holiday party Praise for Ask a Manager “A must-read for anyone who works . . . [Alison Green’s] advice boils down to the idea that you should be professional (even when others are not) and that communicating in a straightforward manner with candor and kindness will get you far, no matter where you work.”—Booklist (starred review) “The author’s friendly, warm, no-nonsense writing is a pleasure to read, and her advice can be widely applied to relationships in all areas of readers’ lives. Ideal for anyone new to the job market or new to management, or anyone hoping to improve their work experience.”—Library Journal (starred review) “I am a huge fan of Alison Green’s Ask a Manager column. This book is even better. It teaches us how to deal with many of the most vexing big and little problems in our workplaces—and to do so with grace, confidence, and a sense of humor.”—Robert Sutton, Stanford professor and author of The No Asshole Rule and The Asshole Survival Guide “Ask a Manager is the ultimate playbook for navigating the traditional workforce in a diplomatic but firm way.”—Erin Lowry, author of Broke Millennial: Stop Scraping By and Get Your Financial Life Together |
| a piece of writing: Beautiful Malice Rebecca James, 2010-08-19 So. Were you glad, deep down? Were you glad to be rid of her? Your perfect sister? Were you secretly glad when she was killed? Following a horrific tragedy that leaves her once perfect family devastated, Katherine Patterson moves to a new city, starts at a new school, and looks forward to a new life of quiet anonymity. But when Katherine meets the gregarious and beautiful Alice Parrie her resolution to live a solitary life becomes difficult. Katherine is unable resist the flattering attention that Alice pays her and is so charmed by Alice's contagious enthusiasm that the two girls soon become firm friends. Alice's joie de vivre is transformative; it helps Katherine forget her painful past and slowly, tentatively, Katherine allows herself to start enjoying life again. But being friends with Alice is complicated - and as Katherine gets to know her better she discovers that although Alice can be charming and generous she can also be selfish and egocentric. Sometimes, even, Alice is cruel. And when Katherine starts to wonder if Alice is really the kind of person she wants as a friend, she discovers something else about Alice - she doesn't like being cast off. Shocking and utterly absorbing, Rebecca James's strong narrative will grip readers from the very first page. BEAUTIFUL MALICE has become a publishing phenomenon, sparking numerous auctions worldwide, selling to 27 countries, and launching a previously unknown writer into the centre of the international book market. |
| a piece of writing: Chief Marketing Officers at Work Josh Steimle, 2016-08-04 Read 29 in-depth, candid interviews with people holding the top marketing roles within their organizations. Interviewees include CMOs and other top marketers from established companies and organizations—such as Linda Boff of GE, Jeff Jones of Target, and Kenny Brian of the Harvard Business School—to startups—such as Matt Price of Zendesk, Seth Farbman of Spotify, and Heather Zynczak of Domo. Interviewer Josh Steimle (contributor to business publications such as Forbes, Mashable, and TechCrunch and founder of an international marketing agency) elicits a bounty of biographical anecdotes, professional insights, and career advice from each of the prominent marketers profiled in this book. Chief Marketing Officers at Work: Tells how CMOs and other top marketers from leading corporations, nonprofits, government entities, and startups got to where they are today, what their jobs entail, and the skills they use to thrive in their roles. Shows how top marketing executives continuously adapt to changes in technology, language, and culture that have an impact on their jobs. Locates where the boundaries between role of CMOs and the roles of CEOs, CTOs, and COOs are blurring. Explores how the CMO decisions are now driven by data rather than gut feelings. The current realities in marketing are clearly revealed in this book as interviewees discuss the challenges of their jobs and share their visions and techniques for breaking down silos, working with other departments, and following the data. These no-holds-barred interviews will be of great interest to all those who interact with marketing departments, including other C-level executives, managers, and other professionals at any level within the organization. |
| a piece of writing: The Memoir Project Marion Roach Smith, 2011-06-09 An extraordinary practical resource for beginners looking to write their own memoir—now new and revised (Kirkus Reviews)! The greatest story you could write is one you've experienced yourself. Knowing where to start is the hardest part, but it just got a little easier with this essential guidebook for anyone wanting to write a memoir. Did you know that the #1 thing that baby boomers want to do in retirement is write a book—about themselves? It's not that every person has lived such a unique or dramatic life, but we inherently understand that writing a memoir—whether it's a book, blog, or just a letter to a child—is the single greatest path to self-examination. Through the use of disarmingly frank, but wildly fun tactics that offer you simple and effective guidelines that work, you can stop treading water in writing exercises or hiding behind writer's block. Previously self-published under the title, Writing What You Know: Raelia, this book has found an enthusiastic audience that now writes with intent. |
| a piece of writing: Eileen Ottessa Moshfegh, 2016-08-16 Now a major motion picture streaming on Hulu, starring Anne Hathaway and Thomasin McKenzie Shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize “Eileen is a remarkable piece of writing, always dark and surprising, sometimes ugly and occasionally hilarious. Its first-person narrator is one of the strangest, most messed-up, most pathetic—and yet, in her own inimitable way, endearing—misfits I’ve encountered in fiction. Trust me, you have never read anything remotely like Eileen.” —Washington Post So here we are. My name was Eileen Dunlop. Now you know me. I was twenty-four years old then, and had a job that paid fifty-seven dollars a week as a kind of secretary at a private juvenile correctional facility for teenage boys. I think of it now as what it really was for all intents and purposes—a prison for boys. I will call it Moorehead. Delvin Moorehead was a terrible landlord I had years later, and so to use his name for such a place feels appropriate. In a week, I would run away from home and never go back. This is the story of how I disappeared. The Christmas season offers little cheer for Eileen Dunlop, an unassuming yet disturbed young woman trapped between her role as her alcoholic father’s caretaker in a home whose squalor is the talk of the neighborhood and a day job as a secretary at the boys’ prison, filled with its own quotidian horrors. Consumed by resentment and self-loathing, Eileen tempers her dreary days with perverse fantasies and dreams of escaping to the big city. In the meantime, she fills her nights and weekends with shoplifting, stalking a buff prison guard named Randy, and cleaning up her increasingly deranged father’s messes. When the bright, beautiful, and cheery Rebecca Saint John arrives on the scene as the new counselor at Moorehead, Eileen is enchanted and proves unable to resist what appears at first to be a miraculously budding friendship. In a Hitchcockian twist, her affection for Rebecca ultimately pulls her into complicity in a crime that surpasses her wildest imaginings. Played out against the snowy landscape of coastal New England in the days leading up to Christmas, young Eileen’s story is told from the gimlet-eyed perspective of the now much older narrator. Creepy, mesmerizing, and sublimely funny, in the tradition of Shirley Jackson and early Vladimir Nabokov, this powerful debut novel enthralls and shocks, and introduces one of the most original new voices in contemporary literature. Ottessa Moshfegh is also the author of My Year of Rest and Relaxation, Homesick for Another World: Stories, and McGlue. |
| a piece of writing: How to Write a Novel Using the Snowflake Method Randy Ingermanson, 2014-07-18 The Snowflake Method-ten battle-tested steps that jump-start your creativity and help you quickly map out your story. |
| a piece of writing: Laziness Does Not Exist Devon Price, 2021-01-05 From social psychologist Dr. Devon Price, a conversational, stirring call to “a better, more human way to live” (Cal Newport, New York Times bestselling author) that examines the “laziness lie”—which falsely tells us we are not working or learning hard enough. Extra-curricular activities. Honors classes. 60-hour work weeks. Side hustles. Like many Americans, Dr. Devon Price believed that productivity was the best way to measure self-worth. Price was an overachiever from the start, graduating from both college and graduate school early, but that success came at a cost. After Price was diagnosed with a severe case of anemia and heart complications from overexertion, they were forced to examine the darker side of all this productivity. Laziness Does Not Exist explores the psychological underpinnings of the “laziness lie,” including its origins from the Puritans and how it has continued to proliferate as digital work tools have blurred the boundaries between work and life. Using in-depth research, Price explains that people today do far more work than nearly any other humans in history yet most of us often still feel we are not doing enough. Filled with practical and accessible advice for overcoming society’s pressure to do more, and featuring interviews with researchers, consultants, and experiences from real people drowning in too much work, Laziness Does Not Exist “is the book we all need right now” (Caroline Dooner, author of The F*ck It Diet). |
| a piece of writing: Brood X Joshua Dysart, 2022-05-03 TKO Studios Presents Brood X With the Red Scare on the rise and a looming fear of nuclear war gripping the nation, seven laborers gather under the smoldering heat of an Indiana summer to begin a curious project: constructing a bomb shelter in the middle of nowhere. But when the emergence of a once-in-a-century cicada swarm ushers in a series of increasingly unlikely accidental deaths on the site, the survivors start eying each other with more than just suspicion. And with good reason. One of them has heard the cicadas' maddening song before. A nail-biting murder mystery unlike any other that will leave you guessing until the very last page. By best-selling author Joshua Dysart with illustrations by internationally-renowned artist M.K. Perker. |
| a piece of writing: The Way to Write for Children Joan Aiken, 1998-11-15 Revised and updated, this essential and practical guide by an award-winning children's author explains how to write books for children, from where to look to inspiration to practical advice on how to create characters and structure a plot. |
| a piece of writing: About Writing Robin Jeffrey, 2016 |
| a piece of writing: On Writing Stephen King, 2014-12 |
| a piece of writing: The Oxford Book of Aphorisms John Gross, 1983 Gathers witty quotations about nature, religion, fear, hope, fame, wealth, politics, marriage, happiness, knowledge, language, and death |
| a piece of writing: That Kind of Mother Rumaan Alam, 2018-05-08 NAMED A RECOMMENDED BOOK OF 2018 BY: Buzzfeed • The Boston Globe • The Millions • InStyle • Southern Living • Vogue • Popsugar • Kirkus • The Washington Post • Library Journal • Real Simple • NPR “With his unerring eye for nuance and unsparing sense of irony, Rumaan Alam’s second novel is both heartfelt and thought-provoking.” — Celeste Ng, author of Little Fires Everywhere From the bestselling author of Leave the World Behind, a novel about the families we fight to build and those we fight to keep Like many first-time mothers, Rebecca Stone finds herself both deeply in love with her newborn son and deeply overwhelmed. Struggling to juggle the demands of motherhood with her own aspirations and feeling utterly alone in the process, she reaches out to the only person at the hospital who offers her any real help—Priscilla Johnson—and begs her to come home with them as her son’s nanny. Priscilla’s presence quickly does as much to shake up Rebecca’s perception of the world as it does to stabilize her life. Rebecca is white, and Priscilla is black, and through their relationship, Rebecca finds herself confronting, for the first time, the blind spots of her own privilege. She feels profoundly connected to the woman who essentially taught her what it means to be a mother. When Priscilla dies unexpectedly in childbirth, Rebecca steps forward to adopt the baby. But she is unprepared for what it means to be a white mother with a black son. As she soon learns, navigating motherhood for her is a matter of learning how to raise two children whom she loves with equal ferocity, but whom the world is determined to treat differently. Written with the warmth and psychological acuity that defined his debut, Rumaan Alam has crafted a remarkable novel about the lives we choose, and the lives that are chosen for us. |
| a piece of writing: The Good Sister Chelsea Bolan, 2016-06-21 Winner of the HarperCollins/UBC Prize for Best New Fiction Just shy of her fifteenth birthday, Gabriela Amador Prieto has been cast out of the family home by her father for tarnishing the family honour. All traces of her are brutally erased, and not even Lucy, Gabi’s older sister and best friend, knows where she is. Furious at her father and desperate to find her sister, Lucy leaves their small town in Baja California, Mexico, and sets out for the capital to track Gabriela down. Lucy ventures deep into Mexico City’s most dangerous neighbourhoods, coming face to face with the dark underbelly of the city, while back at home her family members—her parents, her brothers, and her devious brother-in-law, Antonio—struggle with their own complicity in Gabi’s fate. Winner of the HarperCollins/UBC Prize for Best New Fiction, The Good Sister is an urgent, timely, and moving exploration of betrayal and steadfast devotion, and the ways in which our own intolerance can harm what—and who—we love most. |
| a piece of writing: The Istanbul Conspiracy Lynda FILLER, 2019-12-18 The wedding of DJ Turk and the daughter of the Minister of Defense is about to take place on a mega-yacht on the Bosphorus in Istanbul. Hours later the much-anticipated photos show corpses lined up along the dock and a bride covered in blood. Was this a random act of terror, a targeted assassination of the Turkish political elite, or an attack on DJ Turk who leads a double life? Luke and Samaar of the Raven Group have their own wedding to attend but it's called off at the last minute when they uncover a breach in their security. Instead of returning to Paris, they come to the aid of the Turk to get to the bottom of this horrific event. The conspiracy they uncover must be prevented before the balance of power in the world is perilously reversed. REVIEWS for Code Raven Series: Get In, Sit Down, and Read like there is no tomorrow. You will not be sorry. E. WojdylaThe author's style is reminiscent of CLIVE CUSSLER, LEE CHILD, and DAVID BALDACCI. N. Huff, Indiana, USA I absolutely love reading this author's work, she has a way with her words and I know when I pick a book up I need to be prepared to be worthless till I'm completely finished. KS Amazon ReviewerGet ready for an action-packed adventure that will infuriate you and make you want to jump into action. Luci has been activated and when she is ready, there is no stopping her. Love, love, love this series. M. S.SILK ROAD (Code Raven, #6) by Lynda Filler was a heart-pounding, action-packed page-turner, that had me hooked from start to finish. E. Walsh |
| a piece of writing: More Letters of Note Shaun Usher, 2017-10-05 FOLLOW-UP TO THE PHENOMENAL INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER INCLUDING LETTERS FROM: Jane Austen, Richard Burton, Helen Keller, Alan Turing, Albus Dumbledore, Eleanor Roosevelt, Henry James, Sylvia Plath, John Lennon, Gerald Durrell, Janis Joplin, Mozart, Janis Joplin, Hunter S. Thompson, C. G. Jung, Katherine Mansfield, Marge Simpson, David Bowie, Dorothy Parker, Buckminster Fuller, Beatrix Potter, Che Guevara, Evelyn Waugh, Charlotte Bront� and many more. Discover Richard Burton's farewell note to Elizabeth Taylor, Helen Keller's letter to The New York Symphony Orchestra about 'hearing' their concert through her fingers, the final missives from a doomed Japan Airlines flight in 1985, David Bowie's response to his first piece of fan mail from America and even Albus Dumbledore writing to a reader applying for the position of Defence Against the Dark Arts Professor at Hogwarts. More Letters of Note is another rich and inspiring collection, which reminds us that much of what matters in our lives finds its way into our letters. |
| a piece of writing: Let's Write a Short Story! Joe Bunting, 2012-11-30 |
DF HOW TO WRITE AN OP-ED OR COLUMN - Harvard …
to strengthen their op-ed writing. It provides tips on op-ed writing, suggestions about basic op-ed structure, guidelines on how to pitch op-ed pieces to publications, and information about top …
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PEAS Paragraphs and Transitions Every piece of writing has its own structure or shape. The most common structure is that of the Body Paragraph, and, for the shape of those, I rely on the …
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Choose a Piece of Writing: Before you can revise or prepare a writing sample, your first step is to think carefully about choosing a piece of writing that you will use as your writing sample.
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Beginning a Piece of Writing An introduction to any piece of writing serves one function: hooking the reader to make him or her want to continue. But getting a piece of writing started with a …
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a piece of writing on a single subject, usually presenting the personal view of the writer An essay is a type of writing that you normally do . in a work situation at the high school or college level …
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general definition of purpose relates to motivation. For in tance, "I'm angry, and that's why I'm writing this." Purposes, in academic writing, are intentions the w iter hopes to accomplish with …
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Whenever we look into the purpose of a piece of writing, we have to ask ourselves questions like “Why did the writer write this?” and “What does the writer want us to think about or do?”
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the most powerful is explicit instruction. Strong research evidence shows that we can teach students strategies—for negotiating the writing process, for writing for purposes or specific …
Components of a Good Essay Intro - University of Evansville
Intro Components of a Good Essay An essay is a piece of writing that is written to convince someone of something or to simply inform the. reader about a particular topic. In order for the …
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Writing an opinion piece Choose an opinion piece from the Guardian or another news source. Can you answer the following questions? Introduction The introduction of an opinion piece often …
Paragraphing: The MEAL Plan - Duke University
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The Think Piece: A Guide - profcohen.net
Although I require think pieces to be well organized and coherent, as a form, the think piece allows you to experiment with modes of writing as well as with ways of addressing problems.
Understanding Your Purpose - Colorado State University
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Reflective writing allows writers to assess their growth–or room for growth– within specific genres and pieces of writing. Reflective writing can take a number of forms: it can be a letter to the …
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to strengthen their op-ed writing. It provides tips on op-ed writing, suggestions about basic op-ed structure, guidelines on how …
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PEAS Paragraphs and Transitions Every piece of writing has its own structure or shape. The most common structure is that of the Body …
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Choose a Piece of Writing: Before you can revise or prepare a writing sample, your first step is to think carefully about choosing a …
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Writing reflectively develops your awareness of how you created a poem, story, script or piece of creative non-fiction. It deepens …
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Beginning a Piece of Writing An introduction to any piece of writing serves one function: hooking the reader to make him or her …
