Are you planning to participate in our writing contest and having trouble getting started? Here are some resources from our collection you may find helpful! We have resources available in talking book and braille formats! If you're interested in any of them, you can download them from BARD or request them from us directly!
Phone: 1-888-236-2460
Email: ncabls@dncr.nc.gov
Children’s Writing Resources
Frank and Fiona Build a Fictional Story: Writing Builders Talking Book
Writing guide introduces Frank and Fiona as they learn how to write a fictional story to enter in a school writing contest. Concepts include story maps, transitions, and dialogue. Activities at the end help readers create their own stories. For grades 3-6. 2014.
Neil and Nan Build Narrative Nonfiction: Writing Builders Talking Book
Writing guide introduces Neil and Nan as they write an article on roller coasters at Piney Woods Park, with facts and pictures about the best rides. The pair learn about writing concepts such as main ideas, hooks, and sensory details. Includes resources and additional instruction for budding authors. For grades 3-6. 2014.
The author offers many suggestions for people who like to spin tales for family and friends. Covers selecting a story, practicing, and handling interruptions. Also includes several easy-to-tell stories. For grades 3-6 and older readers.
How to Write Poetry Braille
Practical advice on the art of writing poetry. Provides tips on how to begin, from gathering ideas to writing progressively more complex poetic forms. Contains copious examples, recommends readings, provides checklists, and suggests uses for completed verses. For grades 5-8. 1999.
The young writer's handbook Braille
Practical advice for beginning writers from two professional instructors. Discusses journal, letter, and creative writing, as well as, how to write school reports and other factual pieces. Offers ideas for finding subjects, editing one's work, and getting published. For grades 6-9.
Adult's & Teen's Writing Resources
Talking Books
Your Life Is a Book: How to Craft and Publish Your Memoir
Writing instructor Peterson and literary agent Freymann present guidelines and best practices for writing and publishing memoirs. They define different types of memoirs and writing styles, provide writing exercises, and detail the many paths to publishing. 2014
The Sense of Style: The Thinking Person's Guide to Writing in the Twenty-first Century
Author of The Better Angels of Our Nature (DB 78041) and Words and Rules (DB 51199) discusses the state of writing in the early twenty-first century. Discusses how the brain processes language, why prescriptive guides are no longer enough, and communicating via social media. Commercial audiobook. 2014.
Steering the Craft: A 21st-Century Guide to Sailing the Sea of Story
An award-winning author provides a guide to the craft of writing. In ten chapters, Le Guin addresses the fundamental components of narrative. Includes examples from global canon, commentary from Le Guin, and writing exercises which may be conducted solo or in a group. 1998
How to write one song : : loving the things we create and how they love us back
Examination of the act of songwriting by the frontman of the band Wilco. According to Tweedy, there are few creative acts seen as more mysterious than writing a song. But what if the goal was actually achievable for anyone who wants to experience more magic and creativity in their life? Unrated. Commercial audiobook. 2020.
How to write a cookbook and get it published
A guide for anyone who wants to write a cookbook, but does not know where to start. Includes such major topics as formulating your cookbook idea, gathering and testing the recipes, writing them clearly and accurately, and selling them to a publisher or bringing the book out yourself.
Why We Write: Twenty Acclaimed Authors on How and Why They Do What They Do
Twenty essays by popular authors on the reasons behind their pursuit of writing. Sue Grafton, author of A is for Alibi (DB 35069), ruminates on the source of "writer's block" and David Baldacci discusses his compulsion for writing. Also includes Isabel Allende, Jodi Picoult, and others. 2013.
How to Write a Sentence and How to Read One
Professor and New York Times columnist Stanley Fish explains the art of crafting a sentence. Discusses form, content, and style using examples from various writers. 2011.
Braille Resources
Overcoming Writing Blocks, Karin Mack and Eric Skjei
Analyzes writing blocks that may stump the writer at various stages of the writing process and suggests techniques for overcoming them. Corrective measures include relaxation, taking charge of the writing environment, coming to terms with one's fear, and other approaches that allow the writer to complete his writing task successfully. Analyzes writing blocks that may stump the writer at various stages of the writing process and suggests techniques for overcoming them. Corrective measures include relaxation, taking charge of the writing environment, coming to terms with one's fear, and other approaches that allow the writer to complete his writing task successfully.
How to communicate: the Manning, Sel- vage & Lee guide to clear writing and speech
Handbook on English usage in the professional world is based on the ideas of a New York-based public relations firm. An essay advances the basic principl with numerous examples and anecdotes of how bad writing can foul up good ideas. Includes a glossary of some of the words, phrases, and terms that can wreak havoc with clear communication.
What's really involved in writing and selling your book
Designed for the novice, here is straightforward information on requirements for producing a publishable book. Describes the working tools of the writer, suggests ways to set up a daily writing schedule, and tells how to begin