This coursebook takes aspiring writers through three stages of practice: Gathering--getting started, learning how to keep notes, making observations and using memory; Shaping--looking at structure, point of view, character and setting; and Finishing--being your own critic, joining workshops, finding publishers. The exercises and activities throughout encourage writers to develop their skills. Contributions from 40 authors provide a unique and generous pool of information, experience and advice. This is the perfect book for people who are just starting to write as well as for those who want some help honing work already completed. It will suit people writing for publication or just for their own pleasure, those writing on their own or writing groups.