Saturday, November 17, 2012

Show & Tell in a Nutshell

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Friends, today we have a special message from author Jessica Bell about her new craft book, "Show & Tell in a Nutshell." Here's what she has to say...

Have you been told there's a little too much telling in your novel? Want to remedy it? Then this is the book for you!

In Show & Tell in a Nutshell: Demonstrated Transitions from Telling to Showing you will find sixteen real scenes depicting a variety of situations, emotions, and characteristics which clearly demonstrate how to turn telling into showing. Dispersed throughout, and at the back of the book, are blank pages to take notes as you read. A few short writing prompts are also provided.

Not only is this pocket guide an excellent learning tool for aspiring writers, but it is a light, convenient, and easy solution to honing your craft no matter how broad your writing experience. Keep it in the side pocket of your school bag, throw it in your purse, or even carry it around in the pocket of your jeans or jacket, to enhance your skills, keep notes, and jot down story ideas, anywhere, anytime.

If you purchase the e-book, you will be armed with the convenient hyper-linked Contents Page, where you can toggle backward and forward from different scenes with ease. Use your e-reader's highlighting and note-taking tools to keep notes instead.

The author, Jessica Bell, also welcomes questions via email, concerning the content of this book, or about showing vs. telling in general, at showandtellinanutshell@gmail.com

Reviews:
“Jessica Bell addresses one of the most common yet elusive pieces of writing advice—show, don't tell—in a uniquely user-friendly and effective way: by example. By studying the sixteen scenes she converts from “telling” into “showing,” not only will you clearly understand the difference; you will be inspired by her vivid imagery and dialogue to pour through your drafts and do the same.” ~Jenny Baranick, College English Teacher, Author of Missed Periods and Other Grammar Scares
“A practical, no-nonsense resource that will help new and experienced writers alike deal with that dreaded piece of advice: show, don’t tell. I wish Bell’s book had been around when I started writing!” ~Talli Roland, bestselling author

Purchase the paperback:
$4.40 on Amazon US
£3.99 on Amazon UK

Purchase the e-book:
$1.99 on Amazon US
£1.99 on Amazon UK
$1.99 on Kobo

About the Author:
The Australian-native contemporary fiction author and poet, Jessica Bell, also makes a living as an editor and writer for global ELT publishers (English Language Teaching), such as Pearson Education, HarperCollins, Macmillan Education, Education First and Cengage Learning.

She is the Co-Publishing Editor of Vine Leaves Literary Journal, and co-hosts the Homeric Writers’ Retreat & Workshop on the Greek Isle of Ithaca, with Chuck Sambuchino of Writer’s Digest.

For more information about Jessica Bell, please visit: 
Website
Blog
Twitter
Facebook

Thanks, Jessica!

Do you tell when you should show? Do you know how to find those oops moments and make corrections? Do you have any advice you can share with the rest of us?

18 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. So true, Alex! And much needed by some people. *stares innocently at the ceiling*

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  2. This is such a great resource, but I have to admit I would feel weird writing in it, even though it's meant to be written in! haha

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    1. Trisha, I hear ya. I have a few craft books that encourage writing in them, and I never do. I use separate sheets of notebook paper!

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  3. I've seen Jess' book around lately, going to add it to my Amazon 'wish list' :-D

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  4. Wow! I think all of us struggle with this as we transition from novice to frequently published author. Sounds like a great resource. I, of course, love how one post has so many of my pals on it... *waves to Julie, Jessica, Jenny and Talli*

    -Jimmy

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  5. Sounds like a MUST for the craft bookshelf. Thanks for the rec.

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  6. Wow, thank you so much for posting, Julie! Sorry I was away yesterday. And thanks so much for all your support and encouragement everyone! :-)

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  7. I've seen this advertised on another blog, I do think I'll pick up a copy as we all have weaknesses in this area. Thanks for the recommendation!!

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  8. Julie, you are awesome. This is one of the things that people tell us... but how do we? I just clicked on the buy link. Thank you!!!

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  9. Love this! Something we should never stop thinking about and it's so easy to fall back into that trap. Thanks, Julie!

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  10. Wow, this sounds like a book every writer should have. Can't wait to check it out. Thanks for highlighting it here, Julie!

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  11. She is so smart to put this out there. What an amazing group of writers we have in our blogosphere. :)

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