Writers Books

Let's face it. Most books about writing are b o r i n g. They usually range from dry to ... dry. I've often thought of this as a case of "physician, heal thyself." Ryan's ridiculously long title made me wonder if his book would land squarely in the middle of that dry pile. I was pleasantly surprised to be wrong: Ryan has a straightforward and practical approach to writing. In fact, he goes as far as to talk about writer's intuition, and dares to promote a straightforward writing approach, "Plan Then Write." This book talks about general corporate writing, but the information can be applied to other types of writing where we need to remember that every word we write, whether in team communication or in our work product, is an opportunity. This book is great for less experienced writers trying to find structure in a formless void. And it is perhaps equally valuable for experienced writers who are trying to call themselves back to the basics.

Another book about writing well? Who needs it, you ask? My answer is: Anyone who wants to write better. Those who want to be better writers must continually practice their skills. Sure, you could probably improve your style without this book, but why not learn a few more tricks of the trade? I especially enjoyed the rewrite examples ("Rewriting History" was particularly interesting). Expend a bit of energy reading and studying Ryan's book and then expect to write with a bit more ease. Someone once commented that even good writers need perpetual reassurance. "Write Up the Corporate Ladder" is that reassurance.

Clever title. Also, Ryan and his contributors really do reveal various techniques that will help anyone to "write with ease and get ahead." However, I think it would be a serious mistake to determine the value this book wholly on the basis of its relevance to career success. It offers more, far more than that. Ryan carefully organizes his material within three parts. In the first, he explains what he calls the "Plan Then Write Method"; next, he provides a series of interviews with ten successful business authors; finally, he provides a series of "views" from corporate executives. The "Plan Then Write Method" is explained step-by-step. Think of Ryan as a personal tutor who helps his reader to understand the importance of Subject, Audience, and Purpose. Basis stuff, yes, but presented with a crisp style and in sharp focus. (Would we expect less from an expert on effective writing?) He has chosen his collaborators well. More to the point, with uncommon skill, he elicits from them their most valuable advice concerning so-called "secrets" to effective writing. All agree with Ryan that the ultimate objective is successful communication.

Time Out. Within the classical tradition, there are four levels of discourse: Exposition which uses information to explain, reveal, "expose," etc.; Description which makes vivid with compelling details; Narration which tells a story with a plot or explains a process or sequence; and Argumentation which convinces with logic and/or evidence. The best writers of both fiction and non-fiction operate effectively on all four levels.

Here are a few brief excerpts from various interviews:

"The first thing I ask myself is: What do I want to focus on, what do I want to teach? I always try to break my subject into three or four main points, the most teachable concepts, because I don't think people can grasp more than that. The second question I ask is: How do I want to teach it? Do I want to write it like a regular book, a parable, a quotation book?" Ken Blanchard

"The act of writing is the process of clarifying thought. Not just for the reader, but for the writer....There needs to be momentum, and you have to create that; you have to set up the questions at the beginning. That's actually one of the fun things to think about, How am I going to get the reader to turn the page? Now we're on quest together!" Marcus Buckingham

"There are three steps to writing well in my opinion., regardless of what you are writing. Step one: how to end. Step two: where to begin. Step three: what to leave out. Also, I only write one draft that I keep changing until I don't believe it needs to be changed anymore. When I'm finished, there may not be a word left of what I originally wrote down." Roy Williams

Later in the interview, Williams shares what I consider to be especially valuable observations about effective writing:

"The most valuable tip that I can give anybody is: If you want to be a brilliant writer, truly a brilliant writer, then you need to read books of poetry. Poets are the most confident group of writers I know. Let me explain. The simple truth is that a poet is the only writer whose goal is to persuade and cause you to see things with different eyes, and to communicate that new perspective in a very brief, tight economy of words. Poets use unusual combinations of words in a very unpredictable way. Poets have the freedom to put together sentences and utterly break the rules of communication."

As I have attempted to indicate in this brief commentary, Ryan's book is really less about using effective writing to advance one's career (i.e. to climb the corporate ladder) than it is about effective thinking which is communicated through effective writing to achieve whatever results the writer may seek. All of the techniques which Ryan and his collaborators so carefully examine are but means by which to achieve that ultimate objective.

One final point: Ultimately, the effectiveness of communication with others depends almost entirely on how honestly one first communicates with one's self. In this context, I am reminded of Polonius' advice to son Laertes:

"This above all: To thine own self be true,
And it must follow as the night the day,
Thou canst not then be false to any man."

This book tells the two real secrets that create good business writing, rule of thumb and writer's intuition. It also shares a very special secret in all good writing, how to avoid the rule-burdened mechanics-based approach that ruins most writers before they begin.

Professionals everywhere should soon be singing the praises of the straight-forward, common sense advice imparted from the author and an impressive showing of well known writers and executives in Kevin Ryan's, Write Up the Corporate Ladder. Void of the antiquated, worn out writing adage we've had our fill of-it's a fresh look at what experts concur is one of the most essential skills in business today.

According to Ryan, an easily achievable and winning combination of confidence, commitment and focus takes the anticipatory (and sometimes painful) pressure off of writing performance in an era of increasing volubility.

From Waterloo to the space race to modern day memos, Ryan presents a number of well excerpted communication examples to reinforce key concepts and keep readers interested and engaged. His reader-friendly style is sure to put even the most timid writing protégé at ease.

Cleverly, Ryan begins by justifying the importance of clear and effective business writing (in case you still had any doubt!) Then, after a step by step introduction to the Plan Then Write method of composition, we're reminded by the expert interviewees once again just how valuable good writing skills are in today's competitive marketplace.

As a writer and editor, I mightily concur that the Plan Then Write method does indeed produce great results and Ryan's helpful instruction is among the best I've read in this area.

My favorite chapter? Definitely chapter 5. The Art of Writing: How to Solve Problems Using Your Writer's Intuition, in which Ryan explains that, "We all have a writer's intuition. It consists of our innate logic, common sense, and everything we've internalized about writing and reading after doing both-almost daily-since the age of five." If you "get" this concept, you're well on your way to becoming a better writer and will most certainly gain an impressive advantage over those around you who don't!

Robin Hendricks, M.Ad.Ed.
Managing Editor

Medical Education Broadcast Network

A great resource for the starting writer and an even better way to know what publishers and literary agents are out there. This along with the novel and short story market book are sure to help you get published.

These books are my annual present for loving to write. Each is filled to brimming with articles and publishers that real people need. Always a wonderful buy, always worth every cent.

I first saw THE WRITER'S HANDBOOK sometime in the mid-1970s. I was already aware of (and owned) WRITER'S MARKET, but as always and still, I craved more market information. I found it in THE WRITER'S HANDBOOK.

What's the difference between the two? Oh, where to begin ... THE WRITER'S HANDBOOK has the nice feature of listing items in multiple categories when appropriate. THE WRITER'S HANDBOOK and WRITER'S MARKET each contain listings the other doesn't. Some listings are more informational in one than the other. And of course the articles are different in each.

And, if nothing else, when I cannot turn up a listing that turns me on, or info I need in one market book, there's always the other.

The bottom line: I recommend THE WRITER'S HANDBOOK equally and concurrently with WM. Buy or borrow both!

If you were to use only two of the best writer's resources I would say that "The Writer's Market" and this book along with it as your main tools of marketing and refining your work. Why this book? This book contains about 60 articles of advice by the most successful writers in the business. Even for a beginner this may be the only book they'll use.

It's packed with useful information. It's gives the writer techniques, inspiration and advice. Some of these techniques are discussed how to find more time to write, creating memorable characters and revising your writing. It evens tells you specific wways to market your work, designing your website and writing for niche markets. As an added plus there are over 3000 listings of markets and resources including 2000 magazines in 45 categories ranging from performing arts and religion to adult literary to juvenile. Each one with descriptions and contact information. There's 600 book publishers, plus organizations and a glossary. This is one source that will be referred to many times over. I know I have. This is one of the best writer's resource book you can get. I'm sure this is to be updated in 2003.

This is a veeeery long book, but it's most definitely worth it for any writer, and I recommend purchasing it on an annual basis. Before I decided on a market guide for the writing craft, I compared this book to "Writer's Market", by the editors of Writer's Digest magazine; and I must say that I love their bookclub, but "The Writer's Handbook 2003" is the guide that I picked up for me. Nowadays, competitiveness is everywhere, and in a market so vast and varied as the one for the writing craft, one needs a guide that feels also like a close friend. Thank God I found it in this big book (my copy is full of colored flags sticking out of it, marking my choices for submission, conferences I'd like to attend, etc).

The first part includes selected articles that at some point or another have been previously published throughout the year in "The Writer" magazine. Everything from inspirational ideas, to legal advice on copyright and selling your material through the different magazines and agents, advice for poets, etc. There is also an article on how to better set up your website, something that is no longer an option but a "must" as a promotional tool; plus conversations with famous authors. The different listings include non-fiction and fiction magazines, with as much information as possible on requirements, website, editor's name, etc.; book publishers, agents, arts councils and syndicates, writer's colonies and conferences, prizes and awards, drama and theater, TV and film producers; even greeting card publishers.

I recommend purchasing this guide on an annual basis or, at least bi-annually; if the price comes to be a bit too stiff for you. All the same, it can become your best friend.

If you're a serious writer, it's a good idea to learn the business of getting published.

This book takes you from the basics to the insiders-know-hows. Plus, you're being instructed by a great author (have you checked out his highly recommended book, Scene and Structure) Jack M. Bickham.

I have probably read over 50 books on writing fiction, plot, character development and what not. And I have finally stopped looking. Don't get me wrong, this is not the "All" book for writing fiction, but it addresses just enough information to get you on your way in writing good fiction and believable characters. I already have Bickham's book on "Scenes and Sequels" which is a must, but if you don't have it yet, this book does a nice job in giving you the "meat" so to speak. His section on viewpoint, which some may disagree, gives you his interesting logic about what viewpoint to use. Some may argue, that his advice and style might be too formulaic, but just suck it in, because there is something to be learned. Use the advice that feels right to you. This was the first book that introduced me to "Transactional Analysis" when considering my characters' actions/ motivations. Get this book, you won't be sorry. I bought his other book on "Settings" however, and this book gives you a good enough review, so you don't need to purchase it.

However, Bickham does have another book on How to Write a Short Story. I have it and I recommend it Highly. It does overlap alot with this book, but it is formatted in a way that it maps out step by step on what you need to do and consider when writing a short story or novel from scratch. It uses the system of index cards which I like. However, if that doesnt seem to your liking, just consider it. I did and i am well on my way to finishing my first novel. The overlap in both books are not duplicate materials, just that each book has a somewhat different approach to presenting the information.

If you want a book with mapping instructions to write a short story or novel, then get his "How to Write a Short Story" book instead. If you are comfortable with the Preplotting stage of writing, then get this book instead. If you are looking for advanced Scene & Sequel techniques, then get other book on that topic too. All in all, these are great beginner's to intermediate level writing books!!! Highly recommend.

For all of you budding writers out there, who just can't seem to pull it all together, you've just found your new bible. In this instructional guide Bickham successfully interweaves elements of plot formation, character development and scene structuring, effectively creating perhaps the most comprehensive `Writing Fiction' manual available on today's market. Read it, enjoy it and I wish you the best of luck in your writing.

I recently bought 9 books on novel writing when I decided I was going to shift from screenwriting to novels (I want creative autonomy and it's unlikely to get it as a screenwriter in Hollywood under other people).

Besides Lawrence Blocks's TELLING LIES FOR FUN AND PROFIT, this is one of the best books of the bunch on writing techniques.

In it, some things you will learn:

(1) THE RIGHT ATTITUDE AND WORKING HABITS: one of the best I have read of 30 sources!;

(2) STIMULUS AND RESPONSE: very good;

(3) GETTING IT SOLD;

(4) INTERESTING CHARACTERS: some great highlights; and

(5) SCENE AND SEQUEL: advanced steps but necessary

Additionally, there are exercises after each chapter which are quite good for beginning novelists. He used to be a writing instructor at Oklahoma University so he knows how to teach.

Want to study the art of rich character development, look no further. Fundamentals, techniques and fine tuning; it's all in there.

This book is a 7 course meal for the eyes and mind! You will love the photographs of the rare Oz treasures, which are organized by decade.

This book is one of my favorite Oz reference books! John Fricke is truly the leading Oz expert!!

With Willard Carroll's Oz collection as a backdrop, John Fricke has cataloged the fabric of Frank Baum's stories of Oz. I am certain that Frank Baum could not have been aware this fabric would become a great tapestry upon which the world could identify what it meant to be human. Oz has permeated our society with its influence. It is found in our languages, our politics, human behavior, and is probably used more often as a simile than any other imagery in our language.

From the opening pages of this book to the last, the book is a compelling journey through Oz. The collection of Mr. Carroll's Oz memorabilia is so large that it is like trying to comprehend the distance between stars or that a few people actually have a billion dollars. This colligation of Oz collectibles somehow unites every civilization, geographic location, and human condition. It is one of the few things that have true universality.

After reading John Fricke's take on Oz, of course, based on Willard Carroll's collection, I am left wondering how history would be different were it not for Frank Baum's Oz?

The pictures are glorious, the layout intelligent and thoughtful-I will never see Oz in quite the same way again. John Fricke's writing is stellar. Willard Carroll's collection ---what can I say, WOW! 100 years of Oz is entertaining, educative and provides a new look at Frank Baum's Oz through the other end of the spyglass. This is a visit to a museum with a very knowledgeable guide through an unforgettable exhibit. Thanks for the tour. I'll be back again.

This book is a must for all collectors.

"100 Years of Oz" is a delight for everyone who has ever fallen in love with "The Wizard of Oz" (which includes just about everyone.) The success of the book lays in John Fricke's capabilities as a writer. His words are consise, thoughtful, and honest. The photographs, likewise, catch the eye like flashes of brilliant light. It is not easy to take one of America's most chershed series of books, its favorite film, and 100 years of mechandising and condense it all into one volume. Thankfully, Mr. Fricke has done that- impeccably. Buy this book today. I highly recommend it to everyone as an example of first class research. Above all, it is a time capsule of memories. Fricke will long be heralded as "Oz"'s best friend. Congratulations to all who made this book such a beautiful addition to my library.

Lions and tigers an bears? Oh my! Add Munchkins and Winged Monkeys and a Horse of a Different Color to the list. This is Oz Country, and things simply don't get better than this. To celebrate the centennial of the publication of L. Frank Baum's novel (and the 60th anniversary of the classic MGM flick), preeminent Oz historian John Fricke has written a glorious homage of all things fun and fantastical. Not only does the book offer a fascinating chronicle of the Ozian phenomenon, but the illustrations, culled from Willard Carroll's priceless collection of more than 10,000 museum-quality pieces, are breathtaking. Oh Auntie Em, there's no place like home . . . provided you're snuggled up in front a fire with this gem.

When I first saw this book years ago on "the Inernational Wizard of Oz Club", I wasn't really keen to get it (I guess the front cover looked a little too dull for me), but after seeing it in a bookstore and actually looking through it, I then knew I had to get this book, because (unlike the small "All Things Oz" collection), this book includes things OTHER than Baum's Book and MGM's Wizard, such as an unknown song from the 1904 Musical (not mentioned in "Oz: Before the Rainbow"), the Silent Films, 'Journey Back to Oz', 'The Wiz', both the Rankin Bass & Disney versions of 'Return to Oz', the 4 1987 CANADIAN-Animated Cinar Films (YES!! The mystery of their animation origin is written here!!), "the Wizard of Oz - Animated Series", "Oz Kids", the Asian "Space Adventures of Oz" TV series, "On Ice" Productions . . . it not only has all of this but also INCLUDES the most important and best of all, "The Dreamer of Oz"!! other language editions of the Oz books, and we also get a few 'Baum's Non-Oz' stuff, like his "Last Egyptian" Film and "Queen Zixi of Ix" book (plus a "Denslow's Picture Books for Children",) games/items/figurines, a few design sketches for MGM's Oz props/Emerald City and lots of other things that have to do with 'Oz' too - even though we don't get like 1-full page on info on every particular item, we still get some good information and lots of pictures too. Just like "All Things Oz", this book has lots of written information, pictures in the background/inserts and quotes from "the Wonderful Wizard of Oz" (and I'm glad to say that it doesn't have so many mistakes as "All Things Oz" does). But we also get a glimpse at some not-so pleasant Oz stuff, like the "Oz Comics for Adults" and a horrific Winged Monkey Creature Features model.
The Chapters of this book go by 10 Years (e.g. 1900's, 1910's, 1930's, 1940's, 1980's, 1990's, 2000's, etc.).
This was a pleasant surprise to find on a bookshelf (along with many other Oz books) and it was an absolute pleasure for me to buy it.
Also, what you see is a slip-on cover. The actual front cover is (an Italian poster of MGM's) Dorothy looking at the Crystal Ball and seeing the Wicked Witch of the West flying on her broomstick.
Trust me, get this book, and you'll love it - maybe even more than "All Things Oz"!

Novel and Short Story Writer's Market is an excellent resource for writers looking to expand their sales. Not only does it contain hundreds of markets, it also provides suggestions and writings from contemporary authors. It is a handy book for the new and experienced writers.
Anne Jones

You've created the perfect cast of characters. The most-compelling plot. Your novel or short story is absolutely solid.

Now what?

The "2002 Novel and Short Story Writer's Market" to the rescue.

This gateway to seeing your work in print identifies everything you need to know before you submit your manuscript - what editors are looking for, pay rates, how long you'll have to wait for a response, who to contact, even tips directly from the publisher. They're all covered in this 100 percent updated, annual guide to getting your fiction published.

But you could easily invest in this reference for the articles alone. Building believable worlds for science fiction writers, the business behind fiction writing and dissecting the short story are just some of the numerous articles included. And authors like John Updike, Joyce Carol Oates and Sue Grafton also share their experience on the writing life.

If you'd rather pursue an agent, flip to the literary agent section or search by genre represented. Choosing the electronic publishing route? Find out if it's right for you and learn how to evaluate your E-book options.

Achieving your publishing dreams begins here. Every opportunity imaginable is listed:

* Literary Magazines
* Small Circulation Magazines
* Zines
* Online Markets
* Consumer Magazines
* Publishing Houses
* Conferences
* Organizations

First-time novelists to prevously published authors rely on the Novel & Short Story Writer's Market year after year. If you're serious about getting published, the "2002 Novel and Short Story Writer's Market" is a vital tool for your writing career.

As a source book for the short story writer, this one is hard to beat. The advice, given by numerous authors, editors, publishers, etc. may be of value in encouraging the beginning writer, but doesn't mean much for those of us who have already suffered through the initial stages of the process.

This book has an extensive listing of magazines (general, specialized, and little), book publishers and agents. As a comprehensive listing of where to send your writing and what the markets are looking for, it is unparalled and for novice writers indespensible. Much of the rest of the content is just filler with a lot of personal stories about publishing or basic tips about writing and revising. I wish it had more about the 'business' of writing: how to format manuscripts, how to write cover letters, how to approach markets. For self-taught writers, I think this is more important than five page lessons on how to write. We'll have to make it on our own with our writing but we have no one to pass on the little 'do's and 'don't's of publishing.

An excellent tool for locating possible markets for your short stories, plus many extra helps such as how to write a cover letter, or query, how to present your manuscript, etc.
This book will not replace formal instruction, or hands on help from someone who knows the business, but if you are looking to break into print, you've already taken pains to learn the craft, and just don't know where to go next, this is a must have addition to your writer's "tool box".

This was given to me as a present. I had never heard of the book before, and indeed, when I told people about it, I always got strange looks. But the 52 capsules of people's lives--not all of them well-known but they're people you should know about--are fascinating. Some personal favorites are the guy who invented the U.S. zip code and the founder of an AIDS group in a small town.

An enjoyable collection of obituaries written my Robert McG. Thomas Jr. These short (2-3 page) obituaries will make you smile and wonder what would be written about yourself. Some of the people you will recognize, most you will not, but you'll gain an understanding and appreciation for their time on this planet.

Recommended

When this book was first recommended to me by a friend, I must admit I was a little put off. A book of obituaries? Now there's a fun read! Although I know there are "die-hard" obit enthusiasts out there, I certainly don't count myself among them. All of this is leading to the further admission that I ordered the book with some trepidation. I needn't have worried. This book is an absolute joy. To say that it is well-written would be an understatement of Homeric proportions as Mr. Thomas had a subtle way with words that hints at Twain (I know! I know! They're "just" obituaries, but this gentleman could turn a phrase with the best of them!). Far from being ghoulish or depressing, these 52 McGs are fascinating celebrations of everyday extraordinary lives. Most importantly, each humorous account is filled with such warmth and respect that you don't get the feeling you're snickering at some poor dead guy "behind his back". 52 McGs falls into the category of "little discoveries that you can't wait to share with other people." Heartily recommended as an addition to your library or as a gift to anyone that enjoys highly skilled writing.

Regular readers of The New York Times will have noticed that while the paper's style has a certain consistently, some of its writers stand out anyway. Robert McG. Thomas was one of those writers. He made his mark not with flash, but with grace, and he did it in the most unlikely place of all: the obituary pages. Thomas (who died in early 2000) had an eye for detail, and an amazing touch in telling not just a life story, but the story behind it. Many obit junkies picked up on and actively sought Thomas's obits between 1995 and 1999; one was Chris Calhoun, who has pulled together this excellent collection of 52 of McG's finest offerings. They aren't stories of the most famous figures who passed on during his tenure. Quite the opposite, these are often people you hadn't heard of, but who, thanks to Thomas's style, won't want to forget. He could be serious, and he could be funny. He's as good writing about the South Vietnamese officer who famously executed a Viet Cong prisoner on camera as he is with "The Goat Man." He's as insightful on the woman who helped create soap operas as he is on the Greenwich Village icon who created nothing but a hipster reputation. Every miniature profile here entertains and informs, as the cliché goes. This is a great little collection; one could only wish for more.

Read 52 MCGS: THE BEST OBITUARIES FROM LEGENDARY
NEW YORK TIMES WRITER ROBERT MCG. THOMAS, JR. . . . this
is a quirky, fascinating compilation of obituaries about unsung
heroes, eccentrics and underachievers . . . among the inclusions were Edward Lowe, the inventor of Kitty Litter ("Cat Owner's Best Friend"); Angelo Zuccotti, the bouncer at El Morocco ("Artist of the Velvet Rope"); and Kay Halle, a glamorous Cleveland department store heiress who received 64 marriage proposals ("An Intimate of Century's Giants").

Thomas never got to put these pieces into book form. He died, but a fan of his work decided that his work should live on . . . and I'm glad this was the case . . . Thomas had the gift of being able to find something worth writing about--regardless of the subject . . . my only regret is that all obituaries in loca papers aren't as interesting . .. but as long as I don't come across mine, I won't complain!

There were several memorable passages; among them:
[in an obituary about Francine Katzenbogen] Her neighbors were
not amused that she planned to house 20 cats in a converted
two-story garage she had refurbished at a cost of $100,000. The
luxurious cat complex included tile floors, climbing towers,
scratching posts, skylights and cozy, low-lying window ledges
where the cats could stretch out and watch the world outside
their air-conditioned lair.

Not content to recognize a Brooklyn accent, Mr. Berger drew
on his broader knowledge of American speech and history to
develop a theory of just how the signature "Toidy-told Street"
evolved. It was, he theorized, a result of the close commercial
connections with the pre-Civil War South in which upper-class
southern speech, primarily from New Orleans and Charleston,
SC, was imported and hammered down to a lower-class
Brooklyneese.

A man given to gross exaggeration when simple embellishment
would suffice, Mr. McCartney also claimed to have visited every

state except Hawaii: His goats couldn't swim that far, he
explained, and if they could, they'd just end up eating the grass skirts off the hula dancers anyway.

This story begins in the "Magical Earth," which is just like the normal Earth around 584 AD or so. However the Magical Earth is populated by magical creatures and wizards. An army of goblins and orcs is sweeping across the land. In their path is a dwarven castle/city called Dwarven Pass. The goblins, who are armed with flying warships, wolf-riding infantry, and a hundred thousand orcish infantrymen, attack in a swarm during the night. Only the power of a small boy is able to turn the tide.

I have read several books like this but none of them have so realistically portrayed a midevil battle. Siege machines, bows, crossbows, and even slings are used by the orcs and goblins. If you want to experience a realisic and yet magical battle I would recommend you buy this book.

...ABACAR THE WIZARD is full of wonderful magic and adventure. It will thrill the young kids who are so fascinated with Harry
Potter and bring out the child in any adult who has ever dreamed of magic, wizards, goblins, elves and any other part of Fantasy
they've imagined.

Mr. Erenberger has an unlimited imagination and an awsome writing voice. He accomplished stirring my excitement with his
clever characters and his thrilling storyline.

I only had one small problem with the book and that was the editing of the dialogue. When one character was speaking, it was
hard to figure out which one it was with hardly a break between sentences. I hope this works out better for Mr. Erenberger on
book Two because I for one would love to keep reading his ABACAR THE WIZARD BOOKS! I recommend them highly to
anyone who loves a great Fantasy! Review by: Stacey Bucholz

This book has it all, including a good plot, fascinating characters, and tons of action. My favorite character is a powerful goblin warrior named Galgu-Ra. He is also known as the "Slayer of Armies," because he can take on a hundred swordsmen and win. He has red skin, white hair and black runes tattooed all over his body. The runes have magical properties which give him incredible strength and regeneration powers. These combined with a couple of magical swords make him a very formidable opponent. Besides that he is just cool. He leaps into battle at the first opportunity because he loves to fight.

Abacar is cool too. He can do just about anything with his spells, including changing a cup into a tiger that obeys his every command.

The list of fascinating characters is huge, including a pair of evil witches (who eat children), a unicorn named firemane (which is black with a red mane), a fierce dwarf warrior named Pywaket, and a lady elf archer named Stephanie. All of the characters undergo a lot of development during the book by aquiring new magical items and powers.

If you like action, adventure and fantasy, buy Abacar the Wizard. You will love it!

Abacar the Wizard is filled with amazing sword fights, wizard duels, enormous battles involving tens of thousands of combatants and a huge variety of interresting creatures and monsters.
It takes place on an alternate Earth, called the "Magical Earth," where wizards, dragons and unicorns live. I rather liked this aproach, because it made it a lot easier to imagine the many different locations (since they take place in Europe).
The characters are fascinating, including Abacar himself who is an extremely powerful wizard boy capable of laying waste to whole armies with cataclysmic lightning bolt spells. There are also several dwarves, humans, elves and sinister goblin characters. All of which are quite fascinating.

The plot of the story builds and builds into two epic, major battles between an army of Dwarves and an army of orcs, goblins and dragons. Very suspensefull and thrilling.

Abacar the Wizard is a wonderful story of a child magical prodigy. The setting, although fairly typical of the fantasy genre (i.e.: a world very much like our own at some point in medieval history, with magic that is quite real) is handled well, and described in such a way that does not jar with the world we have read about in mythology. The characters are interesting, and the plot never stops moving. Kids (of all ages) will enjoy this story.

Where _The Lord of the Rings_ is written by a linguist (and it shows); where _The Chrinicles of Narnia_ is written by a theologian (and it shows); _Abacar the Wizard_ is written by a fan of fantasy, action/adventure, and young-adult fiction (and it shows). The book is very approachable, quickly paced, and reads (in many ways) like a movie script (you can almost see the scene transition fades as you read).

Well done. I am looking forward to Volume 2 (and 3, and 4, and 5, and...)

Told through the eyes of Anna, a thirty year old woman reflecting upon her life, Autumn Seclusion is a tale of coming to grips with one's hidden fears and blemishes. Anna's experience of rejection at home set her up for a succession of draining and abusive relationships. The one loving relationship she experienced was with a Native American from Upstate, New York; her family severed her ties at home, and she eventually left the United States entirely to reconstruct her life. A tale that encourages the reader to think long and hard about themselves and the ones they love, Autumn Seclusion is ultimately a tale of the meaning of forgiveness. Highly recommended.

A powerful book that can help women undergoing a crisis. Ferrell's writing is savory and deep. She paints a beautiful picture of the Carolina shores and Thailand. The work brings hope and healing to not just women but also men.

I read Ms. Ferrell's book, Autumn Seclusion, several months ago. The main character struggled with adolescence, failed romances and an abusive marraige. However, she found the strength to slow her life and really look at how she was living. Fortunately, she realized family's importance and her own self worth. She gave all of us hope that we too can overcome adversity.

I have a friend that went through a lot of the pressures that Ferrell's main character, Anna, went through. She had controlling parents that dictated how she was to live her life. This caused her to rebell just like Anna. She did not have a forbidden love like the character but she married an abusive spouse like Chad. I watched her go through fear and depression but unlike Anna, she did not escape. The novel may have given her hope and the strength to get out of the situation. The book touched me on so many levels because it does indeed bring hope and an interal healing. I have shared the book with my husband and he also loved the work because he saw how it brings peace to those with scares. I do highly recommend this novel. Pen name, Ann Thompson

A powerful work that searches deep inside a broken woman. Anna is a character that teaches lessons in inner forgiveness and personal responsiblity. She learns the importance of healing. Her story reaches out not just to woman but to people. The novel is about facing conflict. Whether Anna deals with the heatache of her parents conditional love or the fear of losing her true love, she finds the inner strength and courage inside herself. As well, she overcomes an abusive marriage and finds the true meaning of friendships and acceptance of others regardless of race, religion or any other factor.

Last night I uncovered a family legend and found that James Oliver Curwood is my Great, Great Uncle; and a direct uncle to Marguerite Gaylord Tate the author of Twelve Walked Away, a true story about her and her son, my grandfather, crashing the Alps due to a navigation mistake after WW II. I know it seems far and almost unbelievable that I just now find this amazing discovery, but it is true.

I stayed up until eleven o'clock reading into one of his books, and I found it well written and full of wisdom.

I thought this book was wonderful. It should be up there with the best of them, like Jack London's "Call of the Wild". It tells the story of a wolf cub seperated from its mother, and the adventures in the wilderness it encounters. It has very descriptive details and shows us all the true meaning of love and devotion.

This book is definitely one of my my favorite books. Even though it seems a bit long, if you get caught up in stories like I do, you'll wish this book is longer. This book is beautifully written and such a great book in so many ways. You have to read this book. The author of this book is a great writer and this book will not let you down for action, adventure, and many other emotions. READ THIS BOOK! IT'S GREAT!

This is the story of a wolf/dog named Baree. Soon after he is born, he is separated from his "parents". Baree then begins the quest of having to survive on his own in the harsh envirionment of the Canadian wilderness. As Baree grows older, he has encounters with a near sighted owl, he befriends a bear,and tries to make friends with a colony of beavers. Then Baree comes up against his most perplexing animal,.....Man! Baree quickly wants the companionship that Willow(a beautiful young woman) offers. He follows her everywhere and has a strong bond with her that cannot be broken. He will do anything to protect her, and that includes keeping her safe from her family's enemy, a evil man called the Factor of Lac Bain.
The writer of this book expertly describes the feelings and thoughts going through the mind of the young Baree, and through out the book, we root for him all through hisd triumphs and tradigies. The wilderness is described beautifully and also becomes a "character" of the story as well.
This book is well written, easy to read , and holds the readers interest all the way till the satisfying conclusion.

This book is fantastic!It follows the story of a young half wolf, half dog pup who is accidentally seperated from his mother. He learns to survive in the harsh Canadian wilderness and meets friends and foe. He eventually comes to trust humans. The author obviously has a great understanding of animals as he explains in words exactly what the animals feel. The way this book is written is almost unexplainable-right up there with other fine authors such as Jack London. A must-read for any one who loves animals or has an understanding for them!

Mr. Ram Varma's BE STILL AND KNOW as a sequel to THIS SPLENDID WORLD OF YOURS is quite an enlightening work of literature and a practical guide for those who seek inner peace through meditation, reflection and the seeking of self. The most distinct feature of this sequel from the author of THIS SPLENDID WORLD OF YOURS is its step by step approach to relaxation, pondering on the issues of life and death and all that falls in between.

The very fact that we have been associated with Mr. Varma's meditation groups for more than five years and have stayed connected with him and the group is in it is a testimony to the value of his contribution in our lives. This connection has brought about quite a revolution in the way we look upon our inter-personal relationship between the two of us and with others. The most important practical lessons that we have absorbed are "Let go" and "stay connected" at all times. Mr. Varma's techniques made us feel connected to the infinite powers of the universe. We are more conscious of the infinite knowledge and the resources of the universe that we can always tap into in our moment of need.

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Although I practice medicine and pain management is my specialty, I completely appreciate the benefits of inner meditation in daily life. In fact, relaxation and inner stability helps for the medicine to work effectively. Various meditation techniques and understandings given in Ram Varma's books "This Splendid World of Yours" and "Be Still and Know..." are a tremendous help to realize peace and know real answers from within. They are great interactive guides to take charge of own life and move towards self-sufficiency. Highly recommended books...Dr. N.S.

Persuaded by my friend Lew almost two years ago to join this newly formed group at the Pine Tree Senior Center, I have come to realize that it has been a major influence on the direction of and the perseverance in my personal growth, emotionally and spiritually. Meeting and being led and taught by Ram Varma, who from the first meeting on emitted an air of such convincing certainty and conviction while at the same time radiating comforting warmth and compassion, was a stroke of fate for me for which I am genuinely grateful.
I had been in doubt of conventional doctrine and in search of "the Light" for a long time, and my past was not unlike Ram's in many ways. But it was his introduction to meditation and self-empowerment in the group setting and the continual exposure to new insights and Ram's infectious positive attitude that opened the door to the world of "inner seeing", an awareness of the self in a completely different way. There isn't a doubt in my mind that this ongoing journey of self-discovery will continue to improve my attitude, awareness, emotional stability, and thus greatly benefit me personally as well as those around me. Ram's two great books "This Splendid World of Yours" and "Be Still and Know..." are of tremendous help in this direction.

During the last three years of my regularly attending Ram's meditation and self-empowerment courses, I feel I have regained my confidence. I truly feel I am in-charge of my life now. I feel healthier and free from unnecessary toxic stuff. Ram's books "This Splendid World of Yours" and "Be Still and Know........." are an ongoing inspiration and self-help to come out of the worldly restlessness and restore peace, love and joy. Thank you Ram for your great guidance and support through your books and live sessions.

Both of Ram Varma's books are my best friends. All my students of meditation self-empowerment classes are going to read them and use them as an interactive guide on an on-going basis. My heart and soul says all five billion people on earth should have these books. Ram's latest book "Be Still and Know..." provides impetus for drawing all the answers from within and become self-sufficient. Thank you Ram for writing such beautiful books to help us regain our original consciousness of truth/freedom, awareness and joyfulness. The guidance given in your books is super and all my students love it.