This handbook is the perfect reference for beginning creative writers. It offers abundant illustrations, exercises, and useful techniques in all genres. While emphasizing problem-solving and the mastery of literary conventions, this handbook also takes the apprentice writer on a journey from inspiration to revision. Explores the work of "classic" modern as well as active contemporary writers through examples of effective stories, essays, poems and plays. An extensive look at fundamental creative writing issues includes attitudes, habits, journal-keeping, point of view, language, invention and research, and more. Appropriate for apprentice creative writers.