An investigation of independent video games-creative, personal, strange, and experimental-and their claims to handcrafted authenticity in a purely digital medium.

The historical novel is not only an immensely popular genre, but also one that raises fascinating questions about the nature of key foundational concepts such as fact and fiction, history, reading and writing. This guide offers an introduction to both the genre and the critical debates around it.

Thoroughly revised, restructured and update edition of a classic text, "A History of British Publishing, Second Edition" covers six centuries of publishing in Britain from before the invention of the printing press, to the electronic era of today.

Reviving the Victorian craze for `myrioramas', the 20 picture cards in Hollow Woods can be placed in any order to create seamless scenes using over two quintillion possible combinations.

Like Mrs Beeton, but with metaphors! A bumper omnibus edition of Mark Crick's three sparklingly funny books of literary pastiche.

A study of the main elements of fiction, such as narrative, detail, characterization, dialogue, realism, and style. It takes the machinery of story-telling apart to ask a series of fundamental questions: What do we mean when we say we 'know' a fictional character? What constitutes a 'telling' detail? And, when is a metaphor successful?

There are many ways prospective authors routinely sabotage their own work. But why leave it to guesswork? This title shows how you can ensure that your manuscript never rises above the level of unpublishable drivel; that your characters are unpleasant, dimensionless versions of yourself; and that your plot is digressive, tedious and unconvincing.

How NOT to Write a Sitcom is a troubleshooting guide aimed at both the novice and the practising sitcom writer. It illustrates and explains the many pitfalls in concept, characterisation, plotting and dramatic/comedic writing,which pepper the hundreds of scripts submitted every year.

This book draws on the author's column in The Guardian, 'Elements of Fiction'. Using examples from well-known recent novels, it examines the techniques by which fiction works. It will widen the vocabulary of anyone interested in contemporary fiction, not least by showing where it has elements in common with classic novels of the past.

A guide to the anatomy of drama. It examines the mechanisms and techniques which dramatists throughout the ages have employed to structure their plays and to express their meaning. It starts with the building blocks of whole plays - plot, character creation, genre and structure - and moves on to scenes and devices.

Bursting with invaluable advice, this fully updated guide is a must for anyone who has ever yearned to turn their travels into saleable tales. Travel writer Don George and editor Janine Eberle offer tips on everything from research, interviewing and blogging to pitching to publications and getting your name in print.

'How to Be Published' is the first book to offer an unbiased guide to the pros and cons of self-publishing versus traditional publishing, along with all the myriad options in between - helping an author navigate the complex world of publishing and find the best path for them, their book and their writing aspirations.

Taken from award-winning writer Lorrie Moore's debut short story collection Self-Help (1985), this is a wryly witty deconstruction of tips for aspiring writers, told in vignettes by a self-absorbed narrator who fails to observe the world around her.

This is a book about the opportunities that exist out there for writers. It is a book about generating an income from your writing - showing you the way your ideas and words can be employed to earn money.

Careers in the media have always been popular, but publishing is often particularly competitive, with thousands of graduates trying to get a foot in the door. This targeted, practical guide is ideal for anyone who wants to work in the industry, whether on traditional books and magazines or online publications.

From developing social media tactics and arranging promotional events to handling press and trying to start viral campaigns, Lynn offers practical advice designed to help an author find a book marketing strategy that best works for them, based on their personal strengths and budget.

Finch offers up to the minute advice for any author on the brink of going it alone, with information on setting yourself up, professional presentation, printing, design, desktop publishing, and marketing and promotion. The book also explores the pros and cons of publishing in other media, from CDs and videos to the World Wide Web.