The Writer’s Guide to Crafting Stories for Children (Write for kids library) Reviews

• Among the very best texts on writing

  
  By A2MYB2BWWOYI8C on 2003-05-04
  Some months back I received unbidden a copy of The Writer's Guide to Crafting Stories for Children. Looking at the "for Children" part of the title, I briefly considered it for possible use as a reference for any of my students who might be interested in writing children's books. I put the book on the shelf and forgot about it. Finding myself recently in search of something that might deal intelligently with plot, I picked the book up and gave it the consideration I should have when it first fell into my hands. I found in it not a book for the writing of children's literature, but perhaps the most lucid, accessible, well organized, relevant, complete and credible work on fiction writing in my entire collection of texts on writing. I found my own ideas said better than I can say them myself. What is said in this book resonates with so much validity and clarity that I am sorry that I have wasted so much of my time and my students' time trying to teach without this text. I have corrected that situation by reorganizing the reading materials for my workshops, making The Writer's Guide to Crafting Stories for Children a required reading and a central part of our discussion.

  Charles Connor, Director
  Harriette Austin Writing Program
  The University of Georgia
  
  

• More than just children's books - answers all questions

  
  By A13O9K4BM3P4R0 on 2005-05-29
  I write for a weekly deadline and have thought more about book writing in recent years. Having grandchildren located 1000 miles away moved me to think about writing for children. These reviews convinced me to make this book a part of my library. It is so much more than I expected.
  
  This book is for all beginning writers, not just writers of children's books. Ms. Lamb remembers her questions as a beginning and experienced writer. She knows the process and teaches it in an engaging manner. This is a book that I intend to read over and over to ensure that it becomes a part of my writing life. Thank you Ms. Lamb.
  
  

• More of a lion than a lamb...

  
  By AMOYMZR04106K on 2006-09-15
  When I decided to write this review I went to my shelves to count how many "how-to" books I had bought over the years before I came across this one. The answer is 106. Pity I didn't know earlier that what I was looking for could be found between the covers of Nancy Lamb's "Writer's Guide to Crafting Stories for Children."
  
  Every sentence has earned its place in the book; there is nothing that you can afford to skim. Yet all is delivered with warmth, humor, wit and wisdom. The advice is practical and specific. Every question that I wanted to ask, and quite a few that I didn't know I should have wanted to ask, was answered with clarity and authority.
  
  The exercises, in particular, ask that you read suggested examples of children's literature that have successfully pulled off the particular skill you are trying to master. Ms Lamb guides you through the questions you should be asking yourself as you read, and then shows you how to turn those questions to your own manuscript. This is the technique used by university level writing programs across the country.
  
  So do yourself a favor - buy this book. In fact, buy a couple of back up copies because your writing friends will 'accidentally' walk home with yours and any copy you manage to keep hold of will fall apart from overuse.
  
  It's a one volume MFA in Creative Writing for Young People.
  
  

• I couldn�t have done it without this book.

  
  By A38GYC3330MVKH on 2003-09-18
  As a college English instructor, I've read a number of books on writing. None of them compare to Crafting Stories, and none of them have affected me so personally. I read Crafting Stories cover-to-cover twice, and both times something magical happened. The first time through, Nancy Lamb's no-nonsense approach to writing forced me to rethink and reshape my first novel into something that was immediately accepted by a renowned literary agent. Several months later, I was at wit's end trying to figure-out how to tie up some loose ends before my agent would send the final draft out to editors. I decided to revisit Crafting Stories, and the answers became apparent at once. My rewrite was accepted without a single change, and it's currently being considered by five of the largest publishers in the United States. There's no way I could have gotten this far -- that fast -- without Lamb's uncanny ability to succinctly describe the intangible.
  
  

• A must-have acquisition

  
  By A1FI16C3YUE369 on 2004-08-10
  I absolutely HAVE to tell you--this book is the best thing that ever happened to me!
  
  I've never taken a class in creative writing, hadn't even a clue that there were rules to be followed. After bombing everywhere with my first book (I didn't know why), I had a slam-dunk idea for a children's book. I found Crafting Stories for Children, and read it on a Saturday.
  
  No fooling--blinders and scales fell from my eyes. At long last--a book that explained the rules of writing! Although the slant is definitely for children, there is rich fodder for the fiction writer of any genre.
  
  Applying the ideas presented in Ms. Lamb's book have definitely made the difference between another rejection letter, and the possibility of future publication.
  
  Rush out and order it--now!
  
  
• Want to Write for Children? A Must Read!
  By AN2S887WKG6WW on 2004-11-08
  If you think writing for children is 'child's play'- think again! Just as adults want good content, settings and characters, so do children. Ms. Lamb's expert advice, based on her many years of successfully writing children's stories, is invaluable whether you're a seasoned children's writer, or a novice. Learn how to turn your children's story into the one you've dreamed of. Create plots that will hold a child's interest, and characters they'll believe in and want to read about. I highly recommend this wonderful, insightful and clearly written book.
  
  
• This book is jam packed with a lot of info.
  By A23HXNHHM2VQMG on 2002-03-12
  I couldn't stop reading this book. I have read a lot of books on writing but they were all too simple and had stated what I already knew.

  I wanted a book that had information I could use and to explain what items editors looked for when accepting a story. This is the book ALL writer's should read and own, so they can include it to their library of writing references! I know I am glad I did!
  
  

• Great insight for all writers--germainehawkins.com
  By on 2004-05-08
  As a writer I have read a ton of books on all aspects of fiction and nonfiction writing. I have a complete outline for a line of children's book, so I purchased this book for insight particularly into the children's genre. However, this book is a must read for all fiction writers. It certainly is geared toward children's books, but dicusses all the fundamentals from structure to scenes to voice. It was one of the most comprehensive books on fiction that I have read. And it was a delight to read. It has a nice, easy flow with examples and touches on all aspects of fiction writing. Whether you are writing fiction for children or adults, all writers could greatly benefit from this book. Again, great read and very informative!!!
  
  
• Mary Main, Author of Young Adult Novels
  By A3RVQAO44KPSMP on 2002-07-09
  Reading this book is not only instructive but pleasurable. Lamb's voice is that of personal tutor, mentor and friend, giving good solid instruction in storytelling and instilling courage into the writer who falters along the way. Nancy Lamb has experienced the angst and the ecstasy of creativity, and every page is chock full of her humor, knowledge and sensitivity. I wish I had owned this book before writing my first young adult novel! I highly recommend it to beginning as well as accomlished authors. There is something here for every weaver of stories.
  
  
• Budding author's best companion-Tricia Levinson
  By A29J83SNDH79XI on 2006-07-02
  As a budding author of children's stories, I am always searching for books on writing. I found this book in my local library. It was the cover that attracted me. The illustration said, here is an author that really understands the whimsical world children live in. After reading the book, I knew that I had to have a copy to use as a reference. Many of the books I've read have been boring or difficult to read. The text in this book is presented in an easy to read and easy to reference style.
  "The Writer's Guide to Crafting Stories for Chilldren" had more information about writing than any other book.
  Nancy Lamb's gift is to write about the unexpected nuances of the living, breathing and surviving the writing of children's stories. Her humor is side splitting as she shares her personal experiences as a writer. Writing can be a difficult uphill struggle. This writer's guide will definitely make that struggle easier. Best of all, it will be fun.
  
  
• Most Helpful Book Ever!
  By A1XTJ1F3IJQ0L7 on 2002-04-28
  What a perfect book for every wordsmith from the aspiring writer to the published one. Nancy Lamb has much to offer any creative individual--not only writers of children and young adult books. Her advice is succinct, wise, humerous, and inspiring. If you can only purchase one book then this should be the one.
  
  
• She has been there and wants to share. An absolute jewel.
  By AAGSTQOIPO71Y on 2003-08-02
  I don't think I've ever read a "how to" book that was this much fun. Often they are so dry and textbook-like one has to make an effort to continue reading them; it's more like a chore. This one is a pleasure to read. Mrs. Lamb's sense of humor is absolutely wonderful. Not only that, her suggestions have helped me considerably in my writing. Seldom does one find such a jewel.
  
  
• Wow, what a great book
  By A1HZM0LOI6UFAQ on 2003-08-22
  Not only is this book packed with useful information about writing, it's presented in such an engaging manner that you almost forget you're reading the book to learn something. A lot of the information deals specifically with writing for children, but even if you're writing for adults I think there's enough in this book to make reading it worthwhile.
  
  
• Pretty good reference
  By A1YV1QYOQD8XJR on 2006-09-03
  In switching from technical writing to writing for children I found this book to be a useful reference. The content and insights offered are generally outstanding. However, I found the distinction between related concepts (like Throughline and Premise for example) a bit unclear. Also, some of the exercises seemed to have been thrown onto the page without much thought, rather than carefully developed to aid the aspiring writer. Since I don't have access to writing classes, I made extensive notes and then re-sequenced the exercises so that they flowed naturally towards getting the reader started on writing a story. The book was terrific for helping me work that out. Recognizing that each writer's approach is different, it would have been nontheless helpful if the author had thought through the sequence and content of the exercises a bit more.
  
  
• A method for all writers
  By AR61DJOIW8ALT on 2007-03-08
  There is always more than one way to approach something; including writing. Nancy Lamb covers everything from writer's block to crafting your story. This is THE most valuable book on my writer's shelf and I refer back to it constantly.
  
  
• Writer's guide to children's stories
  By A22Q3ELEPSBYX2 on 2007-01-04
  It was a little more technical than I wanted. I am sure others would like it. I was searching a more whimsical read.
  
  
• The writer's Bilble
  By A1TLWYWC56FCME on 2008-05-02
  If you need a writer's guide , buy this one, no matter what you write or for which public. It's full of usefull and simple examples and exercises. The language is clear and humoristic. This book contens all you need to know about crafting unforgettable stories. I use it to rewrite my crime story manuscript and it makes rewriting something close to fun. And that is something unvaluable as you may already know. Buy this book, pick up your pen and join the creazy community of wannabe writers.
  
  
• Top Notch! Great Reference! Delivers!!
  By A36IECKYOHJ6BC on 2007-10-14
  Nancy Lamb is the author of the "Which Way Books"!!!!
  
  This books explores most if not all facets of writing with a focus on children stories. Very dense, her book offers enough information in each topic to get you started writing and to understand story structure. An excellent primer for beginners, the book serves well for experienced writers as a refresher. Lots of golden nuggets in each page. It is a book that will not remain on your shelf collecting dust. It's not the end all book on writing but will save you time and money from buying poor quality how to books on writing. Her style is very straightforward. She offers good examples to make her point as well as exercises at the end of each chapter geared to either the writing of your story or an element that raises your awareness to good writing. Buy the book. You won't be sorry.
  
  Also, Check out her new book "The Art and Craft of Storytelling"!!!!
  
  
• Love this book!!!
  By A1OQU7CA0BW91S on 2008-02-29
  This book is great for anyone interested in writing for children, actually, it's great for anyone interested in writing fiction! It's an easy read and has loads of great information. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone.
  
  
• The self-taught person's textbook for writing stories.
  By A2VMDZEO34N1UO on 2008-04-18
  If you want to write stories of any kind, you want this book. I borrowed it form the library, but I didn't want to return it. I bought my very own copy right away.
  
  

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