From a very humble beginning filled with hardships, the sixth child in a family of fourteen, I was born on a small impoverished farm on the Gaspé Peninsula, in Quebec, Canada, just a tiny dot on the map as I say, and had a very unusual and fulfilled life. Living in ten major Canadian and us cities, always accidentally, I met unforgettable people such as a Roman Catholic Cardinal, Representatives of Governments in Canada, the Governor of Florida, as well as meeting internationally known singers such as Elvis Presley and Julio Iglesias, a WWII naval officer, hockey players, wrestlers and many more prominent people. I lived through illnesses, three earthquakes, car accidents, robberies at gun point and knife point, the Italian and Cuban exoduses and through the 9/11 collapse of the Twin Towers by the terrorists, in ny. In my youth I even realized my dream of skydiving. I dedicate this book to Dr. Maria Pedro for saving my life in 2013, without whom there would not be a book to leave as my legacy to future generations, and to my dear sister, Françoise, who is always there for me.
"True survival odysseys of two wilderness adventurers who entered the woods in search of tranquility-- but found something else entirely"--Page 4 of cover.
Creative nonfiction is the literary equivalent of jazz: it’s a rich mix of flavors, ideas, voices, and techniques—some newly invented, and others as old as writing itself. This collection of 20 gripping, beautifully-written nonfiction narratives is as diverse as the genre Creative Nonfiction magazine has helped popularize. Contributions by Phillip Lopate, Brenda Miller, Carolyn Forche, Toi Derricotte, Lauren Slater and others draw inspiration from everything from healthcare to history, and from monarch butterflies to motherhood. Their stories shed light on how we live.
With a name that conjures up windswept romance novels, one would expect Arabella Hicks' life to be as enchanted as that of a happily-after-heroine. Instead, she is a middle-aged writer, teaching a fiction writing class, and taking care of her ailing mother, in this poignant yet amusing tale.
WINNER OF THE 2018 ROGERS WRITERS' TRUST FICTION PRIZE • WINNER OF THE 2019 CITY OF VICTORIA BUTLER BOOK PRIZE • A 2018 KIRKUS BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR • A GLOBE AND MAIL BEST BOOK OF 2018 • A TORONTO STAR TOP TEN BOOK OF THE YEAR • A WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FAVOURITE BOOK OFTHE YEAR • A QUILL & QUIRE BEST BOOK OF 2018 Inspired by the author’s family history, this forthright love story unflinchingly portrays the trials and tensions of a lifelong marriage. Born between the wars on a working-class street in London, Harry Miles wins a scholarship to an exclusive school and with it a chance to escape his station. Instead he falls in love with poetry, and though his teachers encourage him to attend university, he’s tired of scholarship’s dull routines. He takes an entry-level job and spends his free time among the poetry volumes at Battersea Public Library One afternoon on his way up the stairs, Harry encounters the enigmatic Evelyn Hill. The daughter of an alcoholic layabout, the young woman chafes against the idea of marriage—but during a summer spent wandering the commons and taking in plays with Harry, their relationship begins to bloom in the shadow of the Second World War. Before they know it, Harry is headed into battle and the couple faces the first of many challenges in what will become a lifetime spent together. Drawing on original wartime letters written by the author’s father, Dear Evelyn reckons with the shifting tides of marriage, exploring how two people shape one another over the course of a lifetime. This compelling account that will leave its mark on any reader who has ever loved.
Tight: Lately, Bryan's been feeling it in all kinds of ways . . . Bryan knows what's tight for him--reading comics, drawing superheroes, and hanging out with no drama. But drama is every day where he's from, and that gets him tight, wound up. And now Bryan's friend Mike pressures him with ideas of fun that are crazy risky. At first, it's a rush following Mike, hopping turnstiles, subway surfing, and getting into all kinds of trouble. But Bryan never really feels right acting so wrong, and drama really isn't him. So which way will he go, especially when his dad tells him it's better to be hard and feared than liked? But if there's one thing Bryan's gotten from his comic heroes, it's that he has power--to stand up for what he feels . . . Torrey Maldonado delivers a fast-paced, insightful, dynamic story capturing urban community life. Readers will connect with Bryan's journey as he navigates a tough world with a heartfelt desire for a different life.
She thought, brightly, This is the worst life decision I have ever made! And she marvelled at herself for a while, at the mystery of this person who’d just done this bizarre, inexplicable thing. Margot meets Robert. They exchange numbers. They text, flirt and eventually have sex – the type of sex you attempt to forget. How could one date go so wrong? Everything that takes place in Cat Person happens to countless people every day. But Cat Person is not an everyday story. In less than a week, Kristen Roupenian’s New Yorker debut became the most read and shared short story in their website’s history. This is the bad date that went viral. This is the conversation we’re all having. This gift edition contains photographs by celebrated photographer Elinor Carucci, who was commissioned by the New Yorker to capture the image that accompanied Kristen Roupenian’s Cat Person when it appeared in the magazine. You Know You Want This, Kristen Roupenian’s debut collection, will be published in February 2019.
Want to write a visually powerful novel? Shoot Your Novel takes an in-depth look at cinematic technique for fiction writers. No other writing craft book teaches you the secret of how to "show, don't tell." Best-selling authors of every genre know the secret to hooking readers--by showing, not telling, their story. But writers are not taught how to "show" scenes in a cinematic way. Without a clear, concise, and precise method for constructing dynamic scenes, a writer will likely end up with a flat, lifeless novel.Filmmakers, screenwriters, and movie directors utilize cinematic technique to create visual masterpieces, and novelists can too--by adapting their methods in their fiction writing. By "shooting" your novel, you can supercharge your story!Inside, you'll learn: * The real secret to "show, don't tell" and how it's all about "the moment" * More than a dozen "camera shots" novelists can borrow from screenwriters and directors to create powerful, active scenes * Instruction on how to piece camera shots together to create cinematic scene segments * Examples from novels and screenplays showcasing each facet of cinematic technique * How to devise a thematic image system of key shots, motifs, and images * Ways to use colors, shapes, sounds, and angles for purposeful subliminal effect Shooting your novel with a filmmaker's eye will transform your good novel into a great one and will change forever the way you approach constructing your scenes. No other book gives you such deep, thorough instruction in cinematic technique for fiction writing. Here's what some best writing instructors and best-selling authors have to say about this essential writing craft book: "With such an extensive amount of experience in the screenwriting and filmmaking process, it comes as no surprise that C. S .Lakin writes with a trustworthy authority and wealth of insight when it comes to the craft of building dynamic scenes within novels.
Finally! A grammar guide specifically designed for fiction writers! Introducing the second edition, with more than fifty new entries! WRITING CORRECTLY DOESN'T HAVE TO BE HARD Great writers write well. Grammatical errors mark a manuscript as unprofessional and the author as sloppy or an amateur. But you don't have to memorize the myriad of grammar, punctuation, and usage rules to have a well-written book. If you're a novelist or write creative nonfiction, this handy guide is essential-giving you the most common and applicable rules and tips to make your book shine-minus the pain! Inside you'll find Short, concise, and often humorous explanations of important grammar, punctuation, and word usage rules as featured on the award-winning blog Live Write Thrive. Bonus fiction-writing tips to help you tighten your prose and say what you mean in fewer, more appropriate words. Easy-to-navigate sections and a comprehensive index so you can find the answer to your grammar question right away. Whether you're a novice or experienced writer, you'll benefit from these clear and helpful explanations of grammar and usage based on The Chicago Manual of Style-the US book publishing industry's authoritative reference guide. You no longer need to search the web or thumb through a stack of grammar books to find simple answers to your grammar questions. With Say What? at your fingertips, you'll spend less time fretting over grammar and more time writing. And you'll become a better writer in the process! Here's what writing instructors say about this handy grammar book: "Good, concise and easily accessible reference books on grammar and usage is hard to find. I mean, are hard to find. This is one of them." -James Scott Bell, bestselling novelist, writing coach, and author of Revision and Self-Editing for Publication "This handy, user-friendly reference book, presented with style and humor, is a must for any writer serious about honing their craft and garnering respect for their works. An essential resource, the e-book will save you time with all its quick links to the short, snappy topics, and the print version is small enough to stay within reach beside your computer, so I highly recommend getting both. Respected editor and writer Susanne Lakin succeeds in making a dry topic interesting and meaningful! And using this book will also help you reduce your editing costs." -Jodie Renner, editor and author of Style That Sizzles "As a self-professed grammar nerd, let me just say this: The world needs more grammar nerds. Editor Lakin is doing her part to make this happen with her pithy, fun, and supremely useful guide to the everyday writing mistakes most of us don't even realize we're making. Her book is conversational and approachable enough to make for enjoyable reading. But its true value is in its 'lookupability.' This is the perfect guide to keep on your desk, next to your computer, for those moments when you're just not sure which word is right." -K. M. Weiland, author of Structuring Your Novel and Outlining Your Novel
