Titles Books

To follow in the footsteps of Simone de Beauvoir and F. Scott Fitzgerald.... in Paris ... a how-to guide for those bent on a Gaullist literary retreat into the city that spawned many literary masterpieces. Don't forget the cigarettes, the lattes, and of course ... your French Berlitz language book.

A Writer's Paris proves inspirational, whether or not you're planning to go to Paris or if you've already visited the city where many artists go to create. Not only does Maisel describe life as a writer on a Paris sojourn, but also the activities for a writer to do for inspiration.

Substitute the places in Paris for the ones in your hometown or country you plan to visit to write. While the book has recommendations for places to stay, along with a planning checklist, information on where to go, and other resources, its content provides plenty of inspiration and ideas that work anywhere.

While the book's purpose is to encourage writers to take a Sabbatical in Paris, it also easily inspires and motivates readers to create more and writer better. Maisel happens to use Paris as the central location for the book's theme taking time-out for deep exploration for writing. Paris or no Paris -- writers can glean many things from this original book.

Topics include writing books in three weeks, taking the bad with the good, practicing the art of strolling, dealing with and appreciating the absurd, making the cafe a home, overcoming barriers, engaging your senses, and more. The writing is superb and flows lyrically with the illustrations adding the feeling of going on a journey while reading the book.

I must admit to purchasing this because Danny Gregory did some of the illustrations. That said, as I read I became intrigued with what I could learn about my own compulsion, and sometimes strong commitment, to painting. Although the star of this show seems to be Paris, the lessons about turning away from other preoccupations and just getting to it, no matter where you are, can be applied to any location. Instilling discipline in a routine, albeit one that is wrapped in time and self-permission, is a strong central message. I liked the practicality of many suggestions and the devil-may-care attitude of others.

In a rare combination of travelogue and writer's guide, Maisel speaks directly to every writer who values calm surroundings as well as a calm state of mind in order to write. Part tour guide, and part writing coach, Maisel takes the reader on the journey he promises in the subtitle.

After reading Eric's wonderful book Sleep Thinking & having my writing improve a millionfold because of it, I joined Eric's Yahoo!Group newsletter. He's talked about this book. It didn't do a "thing" for me because I really hate Paris. But his other books have helped sooo much, I keep reading his newsletter.

His latest one said:

>>When an editor buys a book from you that in her mind is in the inspirational" category, it can be decidedly hard for you to slip material into the book that is controversial and meaty.

Although A Writer's Paris is an "inspirational book," in the sense that it is meant to inspire you to go to Paris and write, I also wanted to talk about class and privilege, religious opposition to scientific thought, and other "non-inspirational" matters. I tucked in several such essays and wondered how many would make the final cut.

Some of these meaty essays made it into the book and some did not. ...

I am pleased that pieces like Privilege and the Place Vendome, Gay Mayors, and Darwin's Wife made it into the finished product.<<

To me, those "meaty essays" sound like they are talking about what Fiction is really all about.

I just wish all of them had been included.

Maybe Eric will write a "meaty essays" book someday.

One of the most loved Christian Romance writers, Gail brings a wealth of knowledge to her topic. She covers every area of writing the Christian romance, from heroes and heroines to editing and submitting your work. If you're interested in writing Christian Romance, this is the book for you.

Gail's book has given me insights into my genre, as well as direction in technique. She has succinctly defined our category and provided a useful tool in a market previously lacking such a resource. Three cheers to Gail Gaymer Martin and Writer's Digest for meeting this need.

Gail's book is the 'bible' for new Christian romance writers. She covers every angle I could think of to get a writer started and headed in the right direction, giving examples from her own and other authors' works.

This book is a great resource for romance writers of all genres, but especially for those writing for the Christian market. Full of examples and at-your-fingertips information, the book is an easy-read, and one you'll refer back to again and again. Plus, it's pretty enough to be a coffee table edition.

Having read some of her novels, I was looking forward to reading Gail's book and gleaning all the advice she had to give about writing romance. Gail covered most of the essential elements of a good story: characterization, dialogue, tension, POV, and plotting. She leads the reader through the process of developing the hero and heroine as multi-dimensional, believable characters and escalating their romantic interest throughout the story.

Gail does a thorough job of speaking to the specific elements of a Christian romance verses other genre fiction. She gives excellent information on how to handle delicate subjects without offending the Christian publisher or reader. She explains how to develop the spiritual thread of a story.

Her suggestions and tips are backed up by examples from a wide variety of authors. The exercises at the end of each chapter are thought-provoking and geared to teach the writer how to improve in specific areas.

Gail provided an example of a query/cover letter, short synopsis, a one-page synopsis, and a long synopsis. There may be others out there, but this is the first writing craft book I have read that gives a complete example of all four. This will be most helpful to those who struggle with this integral step in making a sale. She also gives sound advice on publication options, choosing a publisher, and searching for an agent.

Thanks for a great book, Gail!

The greatest amount of info in one easy place. It is catagorically written for just the answeres you need.

Excellent resource for any songwriter, performing or not. Contains useful advice on how to prepare demos, copyright, etc, plus a comprehensive list of agents, music publishers, record companies and other useful contacts.

Two virtues make me go 'gaga' over that book:
-The tons of useful information that one needs in the music industry, especially for aspiring lyricists like me
- That it's published annually.
I rest my case.

Now in a substantially revised and completed updated thirty-first edition, the Writer's Digest Press edition of the "2008 Songwriter's Market: Where & How To Market Your Songs" continues to be the premier resource for aspiring and practicing songwriters and musicians to have their music recorded and published. This compilation of information and instruction is enhanced with hundreds of listings for music publishers, record companies, record and music producers, booking agents, interviews with successful professional in the industry, and so much more. Cover market place resources for all genres of music from hip-hop to rock, from classical to country, from pop to kids, the "2008 Songwriter's Market" will prove to be an invaluable, information packed, and thoroughly 'user friendly' resource. Enhanced with listings for songwriter support organizations, conferences, thematically appropriate websites and online communities, "2008 Songwriter's Market" should be considered an essential, core addition to personal, professional, music school, and community library reference collections.

I finally discovered my talent (we all have at least one buried inside): writer. Yeah, right! Me too at first I thought the same. Where do I start, what do I write? Well, just write and let it come to you. That's how it worked for me. I came up with a music concept album years ago (I was not even trying, it just came to me in front of a Starbucks), and for the past months my inspiration has exploded. Suddenly I felt that I could actually do something about my writing. But I did not know what I could do with the songs. A friend of mine pointed me in the direction of Writer's Digest Writers Market series. He was well inspired. Soon I discovered that every writing form and creative field has its own "market" reference book. I found this Songwriter's Market online and did not hesitate. I am glad I bought it. It is the best way to quickly enter the world of music business and songwriting. The book has many excellent articles, reference materials, and lists of publishers, producers, agents, and music labels, arranged by genre, geographic area and style of music. It's going to be a long journey, but an exciting one. It has transformed my life. I treasure this book as a source of possibilities. That's the word. Wherever you are in life, look for possibilities, not just opportunities. It will take you farther. Rock on!

This book is a keeper! It offers everything from "Wild Rice Soup" to "Glazed Partridge" to side dishes and desserts while at the same time keeping organized and easy to follow. Edie offers helpful tips throughout and allows for varitions in the recipes to suit your own tastes! Well Done!

I love the cook book. Especially the venison meatballs on page 51, also the marinated vension chops on page 28. There are lots of great recipes, you'll need to try them!!

The details of how to perpare the many unique recipes is easy to read, follow, and understand. Although it is primarily for wild game, many of them can be substituted with domestic meat to provide an excellent meal. Most of them are very easy and quick, the one's I've tried are excellent.

Edie Franson has written the "Camp Cook" column for the Wisconsin Outdoor Journal for the past eight years. In 365 Wild Game Recipes she draws upon her years of experience and expertise to showcase easy and delicious recipes for everything from venison to fish. All courses of a meal are covered including entrees, side dishes, and desserts. From Venison Goulash; Baked Quail in White Wine; Pheasant Cacciatore; and Workday Turkey Casserole; to Spicy Rabbit with Bacon Gravy; Smothered Wild Rice & Fried Squirrel; Wild Goose with Green Apple Stuffing; and Bass Fillets in Beer Sauce, 365 Wild Game Recipes (with a spiral, "lay flat" binding) will swiftly become a favorite culinary reference for kitchen cooks working with wild game of all sorts and categories.

This cookbook is perfect for anyone whether you eat wild game or not. These recipes can be converted to use pork, chicken and beef. What I really like is that the recipes use spices and different ingredients that I have in my cupboard and I do not have to run to the store for every recipe. Saves time and money and I do not have a bunch of ingredients that I will never use again, because this author incorporates alot of the same spices and ingredients over and over. The recipes are easy to read and do not need hours of preparation. In the back of the book is a wonderful section of savory dishes that compliment the other great recipes in this book. A must cookbook for everyone!!!

This book was read as part of the Catholic Mosaic program with our kids. It happened to be read around the first week of school and the subject of being a scholar and how important books are to EVERYONE was highly appropriate. Definitely a keeper!

In the Year of Our Lord, 521, in the Dark Ages that haunted Europe, was born Columcille, the son of a minor king in Ireland. This is the story of Columcille, his growth, his education, and his founding of the great monastery on Iona, in Scotland. The book itself is written for the younger reader, and contains many colorful and extremely beautiful illustrations.

Overall, I found this to be a very good book. It does a good job of telling the story of St. Columcille in an easy-to-read, no-nonsense way. It's a very entertaining read, and an educational one. I highly recommend it.

"Columcille was born in 521. He was the son of a king, from a corner of Ireland scrubbed hard by ocean winds, in a time that came to be known as the dark ages..." So begins Don Brown's marvelous picture book biography of the scribe and monk, known now as Saint Columba. Brown traces the Celtic legend of this remarkable man who desperately wanted to bring learning and books back into the world after much was lost with the fall of the Roman Empire. After a bloody war was waged over the copying and ownership of a special book of psalms, Columcille left Ireland forever and with twelve followers "set sail on a dark and wild sea." Landing on the tiny Scottish island of Iona, he and his followers built a monastery and scriptorium where books were copied and scribes were trained. "Books were made and dispatched, like small boats on a dark and wild sea, to places where reading and writing had been forgotten or ignored. The books made colonies of learning, and people's minds, once dark with ignorance, were brightened." Mr Brown's poetic text is filled with imagery, is rich in history and drama and complemented by powerful and evocative artwork in quiet and subdued tones. Together word and art bring Columcille's inspiring story to life with passion and respect. Perfect for youngsters 8 and older, or as a read aloud for younger children, Across A Dark And Wild Sea includes an Author's Note to enhance and complete the story, the Unical alphabet used by scribes, and a bibliography. This is a rare and wonderful story celebrating books and learning, that shouldn't be missed. "Columcille, the man who loved books, helped the world love books. So we remember him and retell his story."

The only thing that I can add to the professional and reader reviews is that St. Columcille is also known as St. Columba. All the other reviews do a great job of describing this book.

Deftly written and superbly illustrated by Don Brown, Across A Dark And Wild Sea is the true story of Columcille (also known as Columba), a beloved figure from Celtic history. Columcille loved books so much that he secretly copied a volume of psalms from Rome against it's owner's wishes. The resulting and bitter fallout in 521 A.D. caused Columcille to deliberately leave Ireland in a tiny boat, vowing never to return. He founded a famous monastery on the Scottish island of Iona and left a legacy that endures to this day. Brought to life with moody, windswept color illustrations, Across A Dark And Wild Sea is a most engaging picture book and recommended for readers of all ages.

I think Air Mail to the Moon is an excellent book. I think it was an excellent book because she was going around acusing people of stealing her tooth. She said, "When I catch him or her, I am going to Air Mail them to the moon".

I think Air Mail to the Moon is an excellent book. I think it was excellent because she thought everyone stole her tooth, but she had it all the time. It was such a funny book!

I think Air Mail to the Moon was a good book because she was thinking about all of the things she was going to get with her tooth from the tooth fairy.

This a book that you can read with your children and relate to in some sort of way. Explain the fact the tooth fairy FORGOT!!!. Oreo is the cutest if not the SWEETEST!!! My daughter would have reacted the same way. Keep Oreo close to your heart, she's Great!!!!!!!

I am 11 now and I still think that this is one of the greatest books I read when I was little. It is cute and I loved it I wanted my dad to read it to me over and over again. I still think that it is a good book.

This is an informative and beautiful book, full of fascinating facts about birds and so visually appealing that it is appropriate for a coffee table. Clearly, the goal is to be accessible without sacrificing good science. I find myself going back to it every time I see a bird doing something interesting in my yard.

I found the book to be fasinating and very informative. I find myself referring to "Amazing Birds" when I see a bird I do not recognize or when I am adding another bird feeder or bird house to my property. Did you know that bird houses should face a certain direction? The placement of the colorful pictures throughout this book is unique. Keep the book nearby as you will refer to it often.

The all new book amazing birds is wonderful for young bird lovers. I am 8
years old and I love to bring it around so I can read a book if I am bored. It has got so much good and facinating information you won't want to stop reading it. I love it and I look at it every day. Amazing Birds is THE BEST!

I have always been a big fan of Barron's books (publishers of the popular Eyewitness series) and Amazing Birds does not disappoint! The colorful, clear photographs and drawings are a big part of the book's appeal and the fun, interesting factoids have you learning something new on every page. Dr. Lederer has come up with a truly unique format for sharing his interest and fascination with the avian world with everyone, child to adult. This book is the perfect gift for any bird or nature lover, even those who may already have a library of birding books.

I am truly impressed with the wealth of information given in the book.The photos are captivating and the format is perfect for all bird enthusiasts-from novice to expert.
I myself have purchased over 6 books to give as gifts to my friends.We all,at some point,take time to wonder about the wild life in our own backyard.This book is a handy,fun and fact filled reference that I know they will enjoy ! Bonnie from Illinois

This is a highly effective book for building a basic marketing plan. I highly recommend it.

Formal Market Planning requires a structured and organized methodology to comprehensively formulate a series of initiatives to support goals, objectives, and a company mission. Let there be no misunderstandings, the Analysis for Marketing Planning is the gold standard to guide the reader through the process. Replete and well structured with excellent templates and good example, the reader is able to develop the proper content to complete a marketing plan. As professor of marketing at several universities and a practicing consultant, Analysis for Marketing Planning is the reference and text used to educate PhD candidates in the "best practice" of market planning. Get this book and be informed and armed with the best.

This is a good step-by-step detailed tool. It is not for a beginning student or business person. You do need some understanding of terms before you use this book, but once you have a background, this book can be a great asset.

It is a touch overpriced, but then again most textbooks are.

A whole marketing planning course into 200 pages! I am a MBA who was required to read this. This should be required reading for anyone in business - students and professionals. It covers everything from Competitor Analysis to Market Potential and Forecasting. You can become a marketing guru in less than a week.

While most marketing books talk at a very high level (targeted towards high-level managers in the organization) this book is the first of its kind that talks at the implementational level. This is a MUST READ for anybody interested in putting together action plans that can be used to get some real-world real-work done. I cannot stress enough how helpful this book has been to me in putting together my marketing plans (product/service based, product/service line based and brand based). Whats fascinating is how easy it is to read this book and quickly start to formalize executional plans. It covers varied topics in small concise chapters detailing different methodologies and where they can be applied. Topics covered range from competitive sets, industry analysis, customer analysis, forecasting markets, segments and everything a marketer needs to develop working marketing plans.

I constantly keep coming back to this book to evaluate how I am organizing my action plans and if I'm doing the right thing (from a process perspective).

BUY THIS BOOK AND BUY IT NOW.

A fun, creative retelling of a folk tale that my 8 year old recognized, Armadilly Chili is a delightful story with wonderful illustrations. All my kids (8, 5, 1.5) love it.

We love this book! This author writes amazing stories. They are classic stories turned into fractured fairytales. This one happens to be like the Hen that did all the baking and nobody wanted to help. In the end everybody wants some of what is cooked though. These storied give kids a story they are familiar with but turn it around and reinforce the moral/value in a new story.

I got this book on sale under the bargain books and had found myself 10 more other great deals but they were all pale in comparison to "Armadilly Chili". This book is a play on the "Little Red Hen" like another reviewer mentioned but it has a happier ending with fun Southwest Texan flair and lingo. Miss Billie cracks me up thanks to Will Terry's illustrations cause she really looks quite mad at her friends refusals to help even my daughter pointed out "look shes showing teeth" haha! This book should be in any chili-lovers library its mm mm good!

Review By Priscilla Ing, Howard Elementary, Eugene SD
For more reviews visit www.lane.k12.or.us/bookreview

This is a colorful and fun story set in the Southwest where an armadillo named Billie Armadilly is preparing to make a big pot of chili. In the same pattern as The Little Red Hen, Billie meets her friends, Tex the tarantula, Mackie the bluebird, and Taffy the horned toad, and asks each to help. All are too busy but want to help eat the chili when its finished, and Billie refuses. In the end, the friends realize their error and bring other items to share in the meal as well as their apologies. The story is not only fun to read and view the vivid pictures painted by Will Terry, but could also be a good discussion starter when discussing friendships and relationships.

Mr. Terry has wonderfully illustrated a great book. The illustrations carry the nicely written text. Children will fall in love with the colorful exciting book, and it will become a nighttime classic, overnight! Kudos to Mr. Will Terry.

i knew mike and his mom for a few years and this is a beautiful book, real and touching....i know what its like to loose a parent and i wish i could write something as beautiful as this....

I knew Mike, (MDR) or M. Dylan Raskin in college. I always knew he loved his mother, Fran, and what a way to to bring her memory to life.I read this book in a couple of hours and did not have a dry eye as i read it . The love that Mike had and has for Fran is inmeasurable.

I lost touch with Mike over the years and how truly sorry I am for that . Mike is a special writer and was and will always be a great friend to me.
If you are reading this Mike, I would love to hear from you..
Michelle Schnepf
softballlover27@verizon.net

I read this book in an hour and a half - couldn't put it down and had tears streaming down my face towards the end. Highly recommended.

I read the book in just a few short hours. More people should write books the way he does.
What an amazing way to pay tribute to someone you love more than anything in the world. By far, one of my favorite books.

I just finished Michael's book last night. Wow! Was that powerful. If at some point you get a chance to speak with him, please let him know how much I was moved by his book. Not only did he give me a chance to see into a part of his life that is also so personal to me, but it was so well-written. He truly has a fine mind. I was so amazed by his candidness and how in touch with his feelings he is. He must have been a great support to Fran during her illness. His love for her leaped off every page. Fran was always so special to me. I always looked up to her. She was so beautiful, witty and bright. What a great love story. Please thank him for me. Love, R [Fran's cousin]