Writer's Guide to Crafting Stories for Children

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Summary: I couldn't have done it without this book.
Review: As a college English instructor, I've read a number of books on writing. None of them compare to Crafting Stories, and none of them have affected me so personally. I read Crafting Stories cover-to-cover twice, and both times something magical happened. The first time through, Nancy Lamb's no-nonsense approach to writing forced me to rethink and reshape my first novel into something that was immediately accepted by a renowned literary agent. Several months later, I was at wit's end trying to figure-out how to tie up some loose ends before my agent would send the final draft out to editors. I decided to revisit Crafting Stories, and the answers became apparent at once. My rewrite was accepted without a single change, and it's currently being considered by five of the largest publishers in the United States. There's no way I could have gotten this far -- that fast -- without Lamb's uncanny ability to succinctly describe the intangible.

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Summary: Great insight for all writers--germainehawkins.com
Review: As a writer I have read a ton of books on all aspects of fiction and nonfiction writing. I have a complete outline for a line of children's book, so I purchased this book for insight particularly into the children's genre. However, this book is a must read for all fiction writers. It certainly is geared toward children's books, but dicusses all the fundamentals from structure to scenes to voice. It was one of the most comprehensive books on fiction that I have read. And it was a delight to read. It has a nice, easy flow with examples and touches on all aspects of fiction writing. Whether you are writing fiction for children or adults, all writers could greatly benefit from this book. Again, great read and very informative!!!

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Summary: A must-have acquisition
Review: I absolutely HAVE to tell you--this book is the best thing that ever happened to me!

I've never taken a class in creative writing, hadn't even a clue that there were rules to be followed. After bombing everywhere with my first book (I didn't know why), I had a slam-dunk idea for a children's book. I found Crafting Stories for Children, and read it on a Saturday.

No fooling--blinders and scales fell from my eyes. At long last--a book that explained the rules of writing! Although the slant is definitely for children, there is rich fodder for the fiction writer of any genre.

Applying the ideas presented in Ms. Lamb's book have definitely made the difference between another rejection letter, and the possibility of future publication.

Rush out and order it--now!

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Summary: This book is jam packed with a lot of info.
Review: I couldn't stop reading this book. I have read a lot of books on writing but they were all too simple and had stated what I already knew.

I wanted a book that had information I could use and to explain what items editors looked for when accepting a story. This is the book ALL writer's should read and own, so they can include it to their library of writing references! I know I am glad I did!

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Summary: She has been there and wants to share. An absolute jewel.
Review: I don't think I've ever read a "how to" book that was this much fun. Often they are so dry and textbook-like one has to make an effort to continue reading them; it's more like a chore. This one is a pleasure to read. Mrs. Lamb's sense of humor is absolutely wonderful. Not only that, her suggestions have helped me considerably in my writing. Seldom does one find such a jewel.

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Summary: Want to Write for Children? A Must Read!
Review: If you think writing for children is 'child's play'- think again! Just as adults want good content, settings and characters, so do children. Ms. Lamb's expert advice, based on her many years of successfully writing children's stories, is invaluable whether you're a seasoned children's writer, or a novice. Learn how to turn your children's story into the one you've dreamed of. Create plots that will hold a child's interest, and characters they'll believe in and want to read about. I highly recommend this wonderful, insightful and clearly written book.

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Summary: Wow, what a great book
Review: Not only is this book packed with useful information about writing, it's presented in such an engaging manner that you almost forget you're reading the book to learn something. A lot of the information deals specifically with writing for children, but even if you're writing for adults I think there's enough in this book to make reading it worthwhile.

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Summary: Mary Main, Author of Young Adult Novels
Review: Reading this book is not only instructive but pleasurable. Lamb's voice is that of personal tutor, mentor and friend, giving good solid instruction in storytelling and instilling courage into the writer who falters along the way. Nancy Lamb has experienced the angst and the ecstasy of creativity, and every page is chock full of her humor, knowledge and sensitivity. I wish I had owned this book before writing my first young adult novel! I highly recommend it to beginning as well as accomlished authors. There is something here for every weaver of stories.

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Summary: Among the very best texts on writing
Review: Some months back I received unbidden a copy of The Writer's Guide to Crafting Stories for Children. Looking at the "for Children" part of the title, I briefly considered it for possible use as a reference for any of my students who might be interested in writing children's books. I put the book on the shelf and forgot about it. Finding myself recently in search of something that might deal intelligently with plot, I picked the book up and gave it the consideration I should have when it first fell into my hands. I found in it not a book for the writing of children's literature, but perhaps the most lucid, accessible, well organized, relevant, complete and credible work on fiction writing in my entire collection of texts on writing. I found my own ideas said better than I can say them myself. What is said in this book resonates with so much validity and clarity that I am sorry that I have wasted so much of my time and my students' time trying to teach without this text. I have corrected that situation by reorganizing the reading materials for my workshops, making The Writer's Guide to Crafting Stories for Children a required reading and a central part of our discussion.

Charles Connor, Director
Harriette Austin Writing Program
The University of Georgia

Rating:
Summary: Most Helpful Book Ever!
Review: What a perfect book for every wordsmith from the aspiring writer to the published one. Nancy Lamb has much to offer any creative individual--not only writers of children and young adult books. Her advice is succinct, wise, humerous, and inspiring. If you can only purchase one book then this should be the one.