This is a logically presented accessible guide full of writing prompts which are engaging and when worked through will give the fledgling writer a good technical background, developing a specific writing skill set which they can then turn on their own stories.
Each of the chapters includes specific examples from the author/instructor which she then deconstructs with notes on nuance, language selection, description, and more. She carefully and clearly elucidates the potential traps and snares and how to avoid them.
The author defines the terms throughout and although they begin at an introductory level (what's a protagonist, antagonist, tension, story arc, stereotype) they are all very well defined in a manner which is never condescending to the reader.
The author also includes specific information for educators/facilitators. She provides some guidance for age groups (6th - 12th grades) with regard to the common core writing standards and applicable content in the book. This would make a superlative support text in a classroom setting as well as a workbook for individual study. Although written for teen(ish) readers, there are valuable takeaways here for new writers of all ages.
Five stars. Well written and informative.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
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