A Poets & Writers Best Book for Writers
An introductory creative writing text with a unique, multi-genre approach, this book provides students with an understanding of fiction, poetry, nonfiction and drama writing craft and the elements they have in common. Underscoring the importance of learning good writing habits before committing to one genre, it treats students as professional writers and fosters a comprehensive understanding of creative writing as a discipline, encouraging them to look beyond their genre expectations and spark their own creativity. Now in its long-anticipated second edition, A Writer’s Craft has been fully revised and expanded throughout and now includes:
- Greater focus on global literature from a diverse range of writers and considers writing in languages beyond English and non-Western narrative patterns and forms
- Exploration of how genres have developed including in popular fiction, digital writing and using AI as a part of practice
- Expanded sections on drama and invented worlds to look at radio and screenplay-writing and worldbuilding
- Two new appendix sections on strategies for revision and how to read and comment on each writing genre
- A trove of new exercises as well as group exercises in all chapters for workshop use
Bringing back popular features such as the the glossary of literary terms, lists of resources for further study and submission and guidelines for workshops, A Writer’s Craft remains the ideal companion to introductory creative writing classes and one of the ‘Best Books for Writers’ according to Poets and Writers magazine.
Accompanying online resources are also returning and these can be found at bloomsburyonlineresources.com/a-writers-craft. These resources are designed to support teaching and learning when using this textbook and are available at no extra cost.
- Paperback 9781350542211, $26.95
- Hardback 9781350542228, $100
- Ebook 9781350542228, $24.95
Avialable April 1, 2027
Go to www.Bloomsbury.com for exam copies
View online resources for instructors and students
Visit A Writer’s Craft Community on GoodReads
Praise for A Writer’s Craft
Like a generous, trusted mentor, Dunkelberg helps novice writers tap what they already know in the process of discovering how creative writing works. Along the way, he offers twists on familiar literary concepts that are sure to invigorate the creative writing classroom in exciting new ways.
Stephanie Vanderslice, University of Central Arkansas, USA
A Writer’s Craft is everything the beginning creative writing student—and instructor—needs to know. No other book for such a course accomplishes as much as clearly, cohesively, and quickly. I’ll use it the next chance I get!
Anna Leahy, Chapman University, USA
Either as an introduction or as a refresher, A Writer’s Craft serves as a straightforward guide to the broad world of creative writing. Many craft elements applicable across genres are discussed in chapters such as “The Writing Process,” “Language, Rhythm, and Sound,” “Character and Voice,” and “Perspective and Point of View.” The book presents an in-depth exploration of the specific forms of creative nonfiction, poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and drama, and provides lists of further recommended reading, a glossary of literary terms, guidelines for workshops, and advice on how to be a good literary citizen.
An excellent resource for teachers of writing. Offering clear and practical advice and a range of approaches and exercises, this text is suitable for a range of abilities and will quickly become a staple in the creative writing classroom.
Belinda Castles, University of Exeter, UK
