Friday, November 15, 2019

A Book For Beginning and Intermediate Writers (and Readers)



You may remember a Guest Blogger named Marlene Cullen. She posted on this blog about a year ago. This writer-editor has published a new book aimed at beginning and intermediate writers, but it's one even a nonwriter can enjoy. 

The Write Spot  Possibilities is the fifth in a series of books to help writers by using prompts. The earlier titles are:
The Write Spot to Jumpstart Your Writing:  Discoveries
The Write Spot to Jumpstart Your Writing:  Connections
The Write Spot:  Reflections
The Write Spot:  Memories

All of the books are meant to help writers through the use of prompts, show examples of writing that evolves from one, and to entertain a reader.

This newest book in the series has the same characteristics plus one more. After each author's prose or poetry, the prompt that inspired the story is given, but also their bios and some advice for writers. 

When I received my copy, I slid it out of the padded envelope and had an "oh" moment as I gazed at the cover. It struck me as not only being beautiful but also illustrating the title (Possibilities) perfectly.

Marlene had invited me to submit some of my writing for the book. Months earlier, I had sent her a travel essay and a poem along with the prompt that fit each one and a paragraph of writing advice. Naturally, I had to turn to that section first, but over the past two evenings read the rest of the 126-page book. 

I found it most interesting to check the prompt after reading one of the stories or poems. A prompt of only a few words brought forth some interesting writing. The advice for writers was right on in every instance, and the bios interested me since so many had come to writing later in life just as I did. The resources pages in the back of the book will be a help to all writers.

The majority of the authors in the book are not professionals with long resumes. They are beginning and intermediate writers, many of whom belong to a writing group that Marlene moderates. They're ordinary people, just like you and me. 

One of the people who penned some praise for the book said the following:
"The Write Spot Possibilities is a collection of playful, experimental, insightful stories as well as prompts, resources, and words of encouragement for the beginning writer. Part anthology, part craft book, Possibilities is a welcome addition to any reader or writer's bookshelf."
                                                                                                 --Elizabeth Beechwood

The book can be purchased at Amazon, $15 for the paperback and $3.49 for the Kindle version.



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