Don Books

An absolute necessity for any fiction writer, whether new to writing or used as a refresher. Easy to understand with crucial points listed at the end of each chapter. Discusses the pros and cons of using mystery and suspense elements, pacing, prologues, creating a hook and completing the cycle of hints, red herrings and resolution. This would be a perfect book for a writing class. After manuscript completion, every writer should revisit this book to evaluate their project before submitting to agents or publishers. There are many books on how to write mystery or suspense, but this is by far my favorite. Well Done!

This edition covers just about everything to do with the craft of writing. Serious and succinct, it covers all stages of the craft and offers valuable insight.

Recently published in 2006, this how-to book of "24 Fiction Writing Techniques to Save Your Manuscript" has already garnered 26 reviews, all of them top-rated with five-star! As the reviews all agree, fiction writers of any disposition or genre will find this book beneficial and delightful! The suggestions are exactly right for improving fiction manuscripts, the examples clear and valuable, the author's tone amusing, the book's presentation entertaining! Without qualification, I recommend this book to fiction writers--be they literary, mainstream, or genre writers.

DON'T MURDER YOUR MYSTERY is a remarkable book. Not only is it a boon to mystery writers, but also it has excellent examples, techniques and tips for authors of all genres. I plan on gifting this book to friends and all authors who write for Dog-Eared Publications. Nancy Field, Publisher

This book is a terrific primer for first-time or relatively new writers -- and not just writers of mysteries, but all fiction and even non-fiction. The examples of poor choices and better alternatives that Chris Roerden chooses are clear and relevant. My only nit to pick is the negative construction of the book: with some background in teaching, my preference is always to suggest the right thing to do first, rather than to point out what not to do or how not to do something. A valuable addition to the library of anyone who wants to become a better writer, editor, or reviewer.

inspirational and beautifully illustrated.
a must read.
also loved Kyle's First Playdate for kids with cf

I strongly recommend this book to anyone. Whether or not you have a family member or friend with a terminal illness, this book will touch your heart. A few months ago I had the pleasure of meeting Terry, Don and Lo. They are an amazing family! When they told me about their book, I couldn't wait to get a copy and read it. It took me two days; I couldn't put it down. Our daughter was diagnosed with CF at 9 weeks of age so I could relate to many parts of the book. This book has inspired me to never give up on fighting for this disease and for those who suffer from it. Many thanks to the Detrichs!!

So many things in your book made me want to shout "THAT'S IT!" The smell of the formula, the loose stools before the enzymes kicked in, the entire shelf in the kitchen filled with her medicines, the astronomical medical bills, the exhaustion, the depression, the frustration. No one understands except the parent of a chronically ill child what it is really like. Your book does a wonderful job of giving others a glimpse of what our lives are like. I plan to get copies for all my sisters to read. Thank you for taking the time to put it together. I plan to keep you all in my prayers.

While I respect the idea of human spirit rising over adversity, I did not find that this book touched me in a way that similiarly themed stories did. Though the book reads easily, I found it to be rather forced at times and somewhat choppy in the story telling. I also found that the authors spent more time celebrating the way THEY overcame the adversity rather than their daughter. Additionally, I did not deeply feel the pain and the anguish that made the rising spirit all the more meaningful. It is an interesting account of the ways in which CF is now being treated and the ways in which everyday people can contribute to the fight. However, if you found this book interesting or want to learn more about the impact of this devestating illness, I beg you to read Frank Deford's "Alex:The Life of A Child". I find that once you've been touched by the spirit of Alex Deford, much else will pale in comparision.

I cried my tears as I read your story. I am still in awe over the ability of the human spirit in adversity. Lo and her family have touched thousands of hearts thru their lives and thru their book, no doubt inspiring countless others to stretch themselves to do something they fear is impossible, or to forge ahead when life seems like "too much to handle". Now, when I catch myself complaining about anything at all, I remember the Deitrichs, and the fact that Lo has to "fight" for every breath she takes. I humbly shift into gratitude for my life and my health, and I send loving thoughts to this and other CF families, and pray that my strength may be equal to theirs if I am ever faced with seemingly insurmountable odds, odds that they live with every single day. Thank you for opening your lives to others.

I was teaching Huck Finn to my junior class this year, and I tried getting to some of Twain's extra writings so that I'd have a little more background information to offer. This was the gem that I found. I've read plenty of Twain, and I've loved just about all of it, but Eve's Diary, especially, was something that both entertained me and moved me.

It is hilarious. Eve's observations on men are priceless, and her naivete is just so charming. More than that, though, Eve's Diary urges the reader to look at the world with the same innocence and exuberance as Eve does. I know that this little book was Twain's love letter to his deceased wife, but it's also a love letter to human life. This is Twain at his least cynical.

This edition blends the diaries of Adam and Eve together, but they were written separately, and I actually prefer them that way (I much prefer Eve's Diary by itself). I also sort of prefer the original edition's woodcuts, though the engravings in this edition are nice. Those originals are readily available online for free.

However you read it though, don't miss this one. With the exception of Huck Finn, this is the essential Twain read.

I have always wanted to get a copy of this particular work of MT's under one volume. This appears to be it!

It doesnt take comments from people such as myself to speak of the brilliance of Mark Twain (Samuel Clemmons). His body of work simply speaks for itself. If you are new to Twain's work I would highly reccommend that you try reading this novel first. It is short, entertaining, witty, and beautifully portreyed. This novel is worth absultely every penny you pay for it!

Stepping Off the Edge: Learning & Living Spiritual Practice

Short and very sweet. The Diaries present a charming and enlightened view of the relationship between the First Humans. Written late in Twain's life, the Diaries are considered his most personal work. Contain typical Twain wit, iconoclastic thinking and sardonic good will. Adam's later entries are believed to reflect Twain's feelings for his beloved, deceased wife, Livy. Adam and Eve's love for each other and Adam's grief for Eve moved me to tears. Beautifully illustrated.

I truly loved this book and have shared it with many people. Few books are so funny and end with such a good heartwarming message. Not everyone, I have found, thinks it is as funny as I do as their humor obviously needs a little refining. I would highly recommend this to anyone who likes to laugh, has a sharp wit, and likes the Twain type of writing style and charm it posesses.

My ten year old loves legos ... and I love peace and quiet in the car! This product worked out great as a "trip treat", the bag was great so he could keep track of them. We use an aluminum cake pan with a plastic cover for a lego desk/holder in the car, but the book with a bag made it so he could take it into the hotel and restaurant with no fuss ... and isn't that what every mom really wants ??? no fuss??? GO LEGOS!!!!!!!!

This has many fun and challenging activities a child can do with Legos. The projects use the pieces that come with the book plus basic pieces most Lego fans will already own. Easy to follow directions with fun results. The child can use the basic ideas and expand upon them, so this kit isn't limited as some are. We got it for my son's 10th birthday and I think it would be appropriate for an 8 to 14 year old.

I purchased two books. One for my 6-year old son and his same-age cousin. They both enjoy creating projects from their Lego books, as well as using some of the instructions along with their own ideas and creativity. I recommend this purchase.

He wasn't excited when he opened it up but after reading what you can do he got VERY excited and was looking forward to get home to his Legos.

I asked for this before Christmas and got in January. I didn't check the contents of the bag until Saturday (February 2nd) when I had time to start building the models. Six pices were missing, two of them very important (24-tooth gear wheels). I got some extra-pieces, but some models I won't be able to build because of the missing gear wheels. I tried returning the item to Amazon but I had until January 31st so if anyone buys this please check it very soon, the models are fine, easy to do, BUT I WANT MY MISSING PIECES!!!

Love and faith are Dylan's bread and water in this novel. You can feel his pain as he watches his wife fight for her life in a deep coma, not to mention the loss of their first child. The lessons he learns and the people he meets on this journey will bring you to tears and then put a smile on your face. Read with a box of tissues and then buy a copy for everyone you know.

THis was actually the third book I have read by Charles Martin and so far my favorite. Unlike many other Southern Writers, He is not a tourtured soul beyond redemption! The characters are believable and likable and well developed. Thank you for a good Read!

This was such a wonderful book that I couldn't put it down. Because of this book I have now ordered all of Charles Martin's books and everyone of them has been delightful and so well written. My husband who is a retired editor says Mr. Martin is one of the best writers that he has read in a long time. After The Dead don't Dance, I read Maggie. I did not enjoy this book. I think the way the first book ended there didn't need to be a sequel on Maggie and this book was so very depressing but since then I have read When Crickets Cry, Chasing Fireflies and Wrapped in Rain. All of these books were delightful and very moving. I have already pre-ordered his next book coming out in July. I can't imagine anyone reading Charles Martin's books and not enjoying them.

The composition of this book is so lyrical; the writing flows in a steady stream of poetic heartbeats. I really enjoyed it. The book is very real and raw, and characters react to tragedy and trauma just as anyone else would. Some accept pain peacefully; others lash out and reject others.
Little details really help bring the characters to life. The main character and narrator, Dylan Styles may be grappling with major life decisions - what with his wife in a coma and his son's stillborn death and troubles a-plenty with his students - but he still takes time to think about silly little things, like the fact that he loves Wrangler jeans and can't stand Levis. It's this blend of big and small that really keeps the book from becoming fluffy or heavy-handed.

A nice book, very quick read. Likes, not preachy, not drowning in religion, an actual story with religious ideology interspersed rather than the other way around. Nicely crafted characters, very memorable. I'm not usually a reader of faith based fiction (I didn't even realize it was a faith based book until I was well in to the reading of it). It gives you a lot to think about without making it too hard to chew! I loved the main characters and would snap of a full book about Amos in a moment.

Dislikes, the use of popular, famous people as descriptors. I've read older books that depend on this sort of short hand (say books from the 60's and 70's) and I'm always like "huh?" as I don't get what the author is referring to and it takes me completely out of the story. This device was used throughout the book and unless there is some revision down the line, a lot of it will not be understood by the reader. Even I had a problem knowing some of the current music (country western) references made in the book. But that may sound nit-picky for a book I read completely in one sitting. I truly couldn't put it down!

In. My. Purse.

All. The. Time.

Seriously ---- This book is amazing. It has a permanent home in my purse... (it's not too small, not too big - just right) And I use it almost daily....or at least a few times per week. Sometimes I'm in a bad place and need a quick inspirational message, and sometimes I just feel like feeling better about something....Whatever the reason, you will LOVE THIS BOOK. I ordered 5 more after I got it to give to friends and family...that's how much I love it. I know when some open it they will think "ummm....ok..?" at first....but they end up thanking me later.

GET THIS BOOK you wont be sorry!

this book has been so helpful at valuable to me so many tough times like i'm going through now. the messages are short but powerful. this book will certainly help you restore your peace. like another poster said mine is getting worn out.

Each time my spirt is down, or I'm going through a situation, I turn to this book. I hold the book in my right hand by its spine, fan the pages with my left hand to stop at randum. The passages I've read, I have felt its deep spirtual feeling and I understand its meaning. Then I reflect on my situation and the passage fits. It helps me to understanding whats going on. It uplifts my spirit to deal with my situation. It give me insight to view my problem from a different angle. It also assures me that what I am currently going through will end. I will get through it. In my view, its a powerfull book. I have read several other books by Iyanla, even watched her talk show (sorry that went off the air), but like the bible, I keep Faith In The Valley near by.

This is my FAVORITE book by Iyanla Vanzant because of: It's size(small enough for your tiny purse), its lack of preach-i-ness and how the index is organized by subject. I feel its a synopsis of all the subjects covered in her other books. I also feel the book is applicable to women of ALL cultures. You can use it as a daily guide or you can use the index to find a subject for which you could use guidance.

I can not express how insightful and helpful this book is! It really makes you look deep into the reason(s) why you thought you needed a book of affirmations in the first place. This book is perfect for those "why me" and "I really can't take any more" moments when you feel like life, and everything in it, needs to give you a break. If you're a woman experiencing a lot of change in your life and it seems like you just can't handle another crisis (or is it a crisis afterall?), this is the book for you. I carry it in my purse!

I loved this book. I bought it as an aid for designing training, but it's really a manifesto for living. It is indeed full of wisdom - read it, enjoy it and use it. And just show up.

I devoured Improv Wisdom the first time through, recognizing immediately the value on each page. Then I gave a copy to each of my adult children and to two of my best friends. And now I keep the book by my bed so that every morning I can open to a page at random and make the message on that page be my focus for the day.

It's amazing what small shifts have resulted from this practice. After two months these small shifts in attitude and behavior have led to some major positive changes in my life. Life is happening NOW; Madsen's maxims give you a way to milk each moment as it unfolds.

I just finished reading Improv Wisdom this morning and was ready to start again. Patricia's ideas are immediately useful and applicable to everyday life. Writing this review is proof, as I'm not typically prone to do so.

How many self-help books have you read that leave you shaking your head saying - well, that was 3-4 hours of my life that I can't get back? (I have read many!) You won't find yourself saying that with this book. Patricia Ryan Madson offers up 13 strategies on how to lead an inspired and satisfying life by facing challenges in an unscripted manner. The book is beautifully written. It is filled with anecdotes and helpful techniques that will enhance your everyday life. Where was Ms. Madson when I needed her in college?

1) Say Yes
2) Don't Prepare
3) Just Show Up
4) Start Anywhere
5) Be Average
6) Pay Attention
7) Face the Facts
8) Stay on Course
9) Wake up to the Gifts
10) Make Mistakes, Please
11) Act Now
12) Take Care of Each Other
13) Enjoy the Ride

This book reminds me of another one I read and reviewed recently, Walter Mosley's This Year You Write Your Novel. Both emphasize the importance of just getting down to business, and relying on your subconscious to take over when you need it to.

Like the author, I am a big fan of Keith Johnstone's Impro: Improvisation and the Theatre, and very much agree with his idea of not trying too hard to say something witty, funny or off the wall (which makes "Friends" such a silly and implausible program) - that only leads you away from the seemingly trivial routines, exchanges and dilemmas that are the stuff of our life, and that are therefore what we are most able to identify with and most interested in exploring.

I like how the author is careful to qualify her advice, e.g. when *not* to improvise, and how she keeps everything solidly grounded in reality without over-idealizing. Although you can't put into practice everything she suggests all the time, and you'll sometimes forget some of the principles and lose focus, you can use the chapter titles as handy reminders. "Paying attention" is a chapter I especially took to heart, since it is so easy to lose oneself in one's work and use it as an excuse for not attending to other important things, like remembering people's names. Madson's thoughts on "making mistakes" were refreshing and insightful - mistakes are our most persistent and individualized teachers, and we should treat them with due respect rather than just knee-jerk embarrassment or shame. "Saying yes" is a basic starting point with much life-improving potential; it's so easy to be safe and conventional - and never get anywhere interesting. This book contains grains of gold collected over decades of trial and error, careful thought, and successes, in both improvisational theater and everyday life. It is our own loss if we do not avail ourselves of the long years of prospecting and panning others have already done for us.

I brought this book for two young girls. They both have told me that they love the book and it has help them to love themselves more. It has made them think about there self value in a way they never thought about. They both loved the book

This book will very good for your young girl or teen-ager. The workbook has space for journaling and is a great self esteem builder.

Iyanla is a very influential and inspirational author. She would be a top five person to talk to in my lifetime. I reccommend everything she has to write or say.

I found this book to be very helpful to me as to how to better understand myself as well as my teenage daughter. This is a great reccomendation for all teenage girls who are becoming women.

This book changed the way I viewed myself in this world. It really helped me change from a depressed teen to someone who sees themself as a smart, beautiful and loving person. I did a presentation of this book and the presentation actually changed lives. A must for teen girls!!!

Excellent book for the experienced alpinist! After reading this, I begin to rethink some of my approaches to mountaineering.. tweaking my load, my rack, and food.

For beginners, please read this book with a pinch of salt. Mark is writing from the perspective of an experienced climber and his suggestions are meant for those who have a certain minimum level of experience on the mountains. His advice is good, but beginners may not survive well with some of his more extreme methods.

For those looking to take the next step in mountaineering, this is a MUST READ.

Learn from the best on how to climb hard, fast and high. Personal anecdotes and ideas to help you get to the top and make the most of your time in the alpine. Also read KISS OR KILL by the same author.

Twight tells it like it is without the BS.

This book is a work of art..a running narrative about physique, mental preparation, simple gear choices, food energy strategy and mistakes not to make. Delightful prose describing some unrepeated adventures is mixed with simple, quick 'n dirty advice. This is not a conservative, completely comprehensive guide to repeating some of Mark's famous routes; rather it is guide to teaching yourself and others how to ever get in & out, up & down so quickly that you make it!

I am not a climber, so I am certainly not qualified to talk about big portions of this book. I bought this books because it came highly recommended by a couple friend's of mine in the know. The sections about mindset and training are worth the price of this book alone. Mark Twight writes in a clear, concise and no nonsense way. You might not agree with something he says but you can't argue that whatever he presents is logical and well thought out. I recommend this book to anyone who's job, hobby or live style requires extreme amounts of focus and will power to succeed. Its money well spent and you won't regret it.

This book was a gift. The person was thrilled & said so far it is excellent! She is VERY HAPPY!!!! She likes this author.

This book is part of the dual series Kang's Regiment. This is a great addition to the Dragonlance series, describing the Draconians world and their fight for survival in a world that wants them dead.

An amazing book by a pair of amazing writers.
What more could you ask for?
This book follows Kang on his quest superbly.

This is a fun book to read. However this book does not really connect with vol. one book. Doom Brigade give us ten draconian eggs which have two eggs of each color. First book tell us that they found around hundred of female draconian babies. Book two tell us that there are only one aurak and twenty female total. Does this means that they lost about 80 babies on the way? I don't think so because in the anthology, "Heroes and fools", Kang has not lost any babies during the journey north.
In book one the regiment has less than 250 males at the end because they lost alot during the quest for egg. In book two the regiment suddenly has 300 males at the beginning of the trek. As a hardcore fan, I am disappointed that the tale of Kang's trek north in "Heroes and fools"
does not connect at all to book 2. It seems that tale of Kang's trek north never happend at all in book 2. Book 2 never mention Temple of Paladine and the moral lesson learned from it. Anyway, I would recommend this book to anyone who is fan of Dragonlance.

When I ordered this book, I did so out of lack of anything else available that interested me. Obviously the name of Margaret Weis got me to buy the first one, but she didn't co-author this sequel. Honestly, this second book is better than the first one. It gives an in depth look into the faceless draconians we have all loved to hate throughout the Chronicles.

FAST SHIPPING FLAWLESS TRANSACTION BOOK IN EXCELENT CONDITION WOULD BUY FROM SELLER AGAIN THANKS