"Creativity Rules" covers the fundamentals of writing compelling fiction and will absolutely unlock more of your creative potential. This book successfully teaches how to be more creative AND shows exactly how to flesh out the ideas into good stories.

John Vorhaus's books on writing are some of the only ones worth reading. Every writer owes it to himself and his readers to get this awesome tutorial.

I recieved this book as a gift (Thank you, Raxum!) and from the first few minutes I worked from it, I was scribbling away.... not exactly "filling pages" yet, but writing SOMETHING. It's more than I've done in a long time.
The book is written in a style that makes sense and leaves me wanting to try out the ideas, to see if they WILL work for me.
Overall, I find it a great and fun book to work with.

I have shelves and shelves of books on writer's techniques, the writer's life, writer's dreams, writer's habits, overcoming writer's block, etc., etc., etc. They are on my shelves because after I read them, that's where I put them. Creativity Rules! does not share space with those books. It's on my desk next to my writing spiral. It's like a basic fiction writing class in which the author speaks in a soothing voice--low and encouraging. Each tiny lesson builds on the tiny lesson before it, and before you know it, you've got some ideas and then a sentence or two and then - what's this? - a story. If you've been dissatisfied with other how-to books, give this one a try. You'll be writing before you know what hit you.

This is a magical book! The photographs were wonderful, really capturing the magic of these wonderful dogs in a heartfelt, touching, and oftentimes incredibly funny manner! I particularly liked to see which states my favorite dogs came from! It seems there are nice dogs ALL OVER the country! Because of a highly restrictive lease agreement, I am only able to have a cat in my apartment. While I have no qualms with the company of Mittens (my cat!), thanks to Jeff Selis' terrific book, I am also able to enjoy the company of many lovable dogs in my apartment, too!! Thank you, Mr. Selis, for this "doggone" WONDERFUL treasure!

Another fantastic and entertaining adventure of encounters, long travels, and human's best companions. Not only do we get to know a new dog from each state but we also get little tid-bits of American history and hilarious detail's of Jeff's daily travel's. Long live Jeff and Otis!

What a great book!!! I know all of the dogs and dog lovers across America thank Jeff for sharing this wonderful journey through his photographs. How envious we are that we could not go along but having the book is the next best thing. Share this book with every animal lover you know. They will forever be indebted. A special thank you from Rock & Roll from Memphis (pg. 81). You made our day! The King lives!!!!

This is Jeff Neugroschel's 1st book & 1st books sometimes tell on themselves. A new author may not yet understand the editing process, may not yet have a grasp on the concept of tightening a story, etc. Jeff Neugroschel has none of those "1st book blues." This story is excellent -- holds reader attention, characters are well-fleshed-out (female voices are amazing for a male to have created & young person voices are on target), & the attention to detail in the surrounding world is on target --landmarks & items of the times put a date stamp on the story, even without the World Trade disaster as back-drop . . . all this comes together virtually seamlessly.

My only negative -- It could've been longer. This is a short book & there was a LOT of room to get more involved w/these people. This is a feel-good story amazingly built around a horrific event in history.

Jeff is a natural. Sometimes a writer is born a writer. Here we have one.

This book is such an enjoyable read and keeps you turning pages. Mr. Neugroschel touches the raw emotion of 9-11 and makes you proud to be an American. And, he teaches one to never underestimate womens' intuition! This book is a must read for anyone who enjoys determination, strength and gutsy drive in a character. This book has it all and will keep you cheering until the very end. Mr. Neugroschel, job well done!

This book is so aptly named because it stirs such a feeling of hope in the reader from the very beginning. The characters are all such likable, realistic people that you feel as if you are reading about something that happened to friends of yours and have a personal connection with them. You travel with them on their journey back from the nightmare of 9/11, feeling all the anguish, disheartenment and finally, the joy they experience as they fight to put their lives back together, and you close the book with a sense of triumph and the feeling that your own hope has been restored as well.

Jeffrey Aran Leever is a publications manager for a nonprofit organization in Colorado. An English/writing major from the University of Nebraska (Kearney), he presently lives in Arvada, Colorado. He has co-authored two published non-fiction books.

Colleges often have immense power with the locals of the communities they serve...power which can be turned for dark purposes. When Jay Downing's friend Reed Manley doesn't appear for a preappointed "night on the town," and some strange girl tries to lure Jay into the University's long unused underground tunnels, Jay begins to fear for his friend's life. The police treat Jay as if he is on drugs, and when Reed's body appears outside of town, even the coroner seems to be in on the coverup. But it is the professors at Jay's school in Stratton who act the most bizarre:

"Jay looked again at his professor, and wondered what the man knew. What pieces of the truth he held. It was as if Lanum was trying to hold back something, and yet share it at the same time. As if there'd been something Jay had done that gave Lanum reason for contempt. It had to have been something independent of their never-quite-so-serious interactions in class. But what?"

The idea that a university setting could be used for nefarious purposes, and that professors (who, after all, are supposed to represent the creme de la creme) could be arch-fiends stirs up a shiver of recognition in all of us. (Who hasn't dreamt about not attending class and not knowing where their final was?)

Even In Darkness is a well written, spine-tingling, Gothic, Steven Kingish novel that grips the reader from page one. Leever's use of uncertainty in speech, action, and tone puts the reader into a nervous state from the beginning. It is an excellent tool to produce the results he wants, which is to scare us to death and keep us turning those pages. Even In Darkness is an great first effort in the genre for Leever, and presents him as a new talent to be reckoned with. It is entertaining, scary, infuriating, and deeply satisfying, all at once. A great read.

...

Leever has definitely arrived with 'Even In Darkness"! I couldn't put it down...if you enjoy suspense-filled novels, this one belongs in your collection!

For the person who doesn't read often (like me), this is the kind of book that keeps you engaged and needing to read on to the next section. The pacing is excellent, and the backdrop of the story--a university campus that takes on more and more of a menacing feeling as the book progresses--is excellently done and unsettling at the same time.

I particularly liked the character of Breeze, and what happens with Kristin near the end of the book. The scenes in the tunnel system underneath the campus with Kristin being pursued in the dark by two bloodthirsty thugs were enough to give one nightmares, but it was great suspense.

Overall, a great read.

Jeff Pate has written a sensational thriller in his second book, EYE OF THE BEHOLDER. This book will keep you guessing who the murderer is right until the end. There are enough twists and turns regarding the hunt for the murderer and the investigation involving the techniques of law enforcement and roadblocks thrown in their path to keep any die-hard mystery fan interested from the first page to the last. Not only do we get to see the day-to-day drama involving an interdepartmental investigation, but in this second book we get drawn in even further to the personal life of Clark Hager, his fiance,and his daughter and exactly what this dynamic character is made of. The relationship between Clark Hager and his partner, Lloyd Sheridan is also further explored, to give the reader an in depth feel of how a successful detective partnership really works.

Jeff Pate gives a depth to his characters that is refreshing and gives the reader the sense that they are living this drama right along side of these people. If you are a lover of the mystery genre, and are looking for a new author that gives a fresh perspective to a mystery, then Jeff Pate is your man. I highly recommend both WINNER TAKE ALL and EYE OF THE BEHOLDER!

Thanks Jeff, for another fast-paced, Clark Hager thriller! An entertaining fast read. Clark Hager reveals himself as much more than a police detective to his readers in this book. He gives us insight into what makes him tick as a father, a lover, a friend and dedicated investigator. Jeff Pate continues to mature as a novelist. I understand there's another Hager case brewing. I look forward to the release of BOILING POINT

From the moment I read the first page, I knew this was a page-turning thriller that I could not put down. Jeff Pate has done it again with "Eye of the Beholder." This suspenseful novel about Clark Hager investigating the murder of his friend's wife delves into the inner workings of police investigation. It also deals with the topical issue of racial profiling. Clark's personal and professional lives intertwine to create a multi-faceted character that remains genuine. A must for your summer reading list!

If you have Chronic Fatique Syndrome or anything like it, READ THIS BOOK!! Excellent!!

This book is the best book I've ever read on parenting. I'm so excited about how I will parent now, and I am not intimidated by its truths. They are freeing, and have given me so much hope for being a better parent! If you are a parent, this is a MUST read. This book will help you love your child and bring him up in a healthy way that will enable him or her to be a strong person of character. I also recommend the book "Tired of Trying to Measure Up" by the same author. I read it before I read this book, and it really helped set the stage for me as a person before trying to be a good parent. I can't say enough good things about it. I'd rate it 20 stars if I could!

This is an outstanding book. Now I really know what a shame-based family is. OUCH! But I also now know how I can change to make my life better. To become more gracious in my relationships. It was so good, I ran a workshop at our church to share the excellent information to others. No one can afford to spray shame on our spouse and children. This may just be what you are looking for if you are READY TO CHANGE.

This book of peoms will really touch you. I LOVED it. find it in your heart to BUY THIS BOOK!!!! =0p

Jeff Moss was one of the creators and original head writers for Sesame Street. The man knows children.
Each poem reads like the exact thoughts of a child. Most of them are howlingly funny tales of sibling rivalry, ways to trick monsters, or descriptions of quirky friends. Sometimes there are messages behind the silliness, but sometimes Moss is just silly for the sake of being silly. Very nearly every imaginable childhood theme is in here, from loose teeth to clothes shopping, to having to sing for your parents' friends, to little the odd things you sometimes think of... like, if juice glasses are for drinking juice, are eyeglasses for drinking eyes? Occasionally, a poem with a more serious theme is slipped in. Poems about learning disabilities, or the death of a parent, still retain the perfect, authentic child's perspective. 'Sara Messenger's Mother' still brings tears to my eyes after all these years.
These poems are the kind that stay with you. I still pick up pennies and give them to my friends, often reciting the line 'If I find a penny and give it to you/ That means we'll both have a wish come true' even though most of my friends don't have a clue what I'm talking about. That's the effect this book has. When I used to babysit, and the kids were afraid of monsters, I'd hand them teddy bears and recite 'The Cuddlies' to calm them down, and would you believe, it worked every time. 'Meeting Strangers,' a poem about a shy monster who doesn't understand why people don't like him, has got to be the absolute best children's poem I have ever read. Ever.
It's a real shame this book never became as popular as Shel Silverstein's or Dennis Lee's. It deserves to be on every child's shelf, between Where the Sidewalk Ends and Alligator Pie.

When I was in 4th grade (I'm in 10th now) I had to memorize a poem for class and I chose one out of this book and that summer I moved and never found the book again. For the past 5 years I've been looking for The Butterfly Jar and now that I've found it I'm so happy!

If you have just started your own home and you feel that you are standing at the bottom of a mountain not knowing where to start cleaning from, then you should get this book. I wish I had this book when I first moved to my own house. It would save me time and also I wouldn't be so much stressed everytime I needed to clean (that's excausting myself twice a week).

The book begins with instructions as to how to organize your cleaning schedule, what should your priority be, and what should be the last thing to do. And clean it like a pro, fast & right! Also, how to get rid of your clutter once and for all. It gives you advise as to what kind of detergents you should use,which cleaners are hazardous, which ones you should avoid and why. What I liked here, is How to hunt microbes (!)

In part two, it has an A-Z reference with everything you can find in a house, and how to clean it, so when you have a problem with a particular item, you don't just scroll up and down to find it, the A-Z makes it so easy.

Part three, again it's an A-Z rundown of everything you will need to know about. In this part, it gives further and more detailed information about cleaners as well as tools for cleaning.

This really isn't the type of book you sit down and read. It is the type of book you keep around for reference. Having said that though, I did sit down and page through this book and go many ideas regarding how to clean things that i thought I was doing a find job cleaning. What I learned, however, is that there might be a better way, a safer way, a less damaging way to clean something.

The author went right to the source of experts for cleaning directions. Want to clean a golf ball, crayons off a wall, hard water spots in a shower? Here is the way. Want to take care of cooking odors, clean a tuba, make a broom last longer? Here is the way.

Excellent resource.
Enjoy.

The author did her research and asked experts how to clean items she wasn't familiar with. As an example, she goes straight to the team leader of specifications for Bowling Balls to find out how to clean a bowling balls and finds out what substances could actually hurt them. Covers both the basics (upholstery, stuffed animals, vases, wallpaper) and the more unique items (whirlpools, taxidermy items, motorcycles). I'd be surprised if the reader didn't find new information in this one!

These guys could concoct a recipe for woolly mammoth meatballs a la mode, and I'd be willing to try it. Talk about imaginative, tongue-massaging food! But the recipes need to be examined closely, particulary with regards to proportion. The amount of liquid called for in the ancho-bock smashers is excessive, as is the amount of salt in the butternut squash, granny smith apple soup. Despite these glaring errors, this was without a doubt THE BEST COOKBOOK I purchased last year. Twice!

This is one of, if not the best cookbook of the year. You don't have to be the world's best cook to enjoy it and create successful meals. And a great gift idea! Bon Appetit!

This tasty piece of literature invites you to open your soul take a deep breath and dive in! As you become saturated in it's contents you realize this is not just about cooking fearlessly this is about living fearlessly! Come up for air and then go deep to discover the intense splashes of color seasoned with just the right amount of humor make the flamboyant artwork as appetizing as its gastronomical counterparts! This coupled with amazing photography and damn good writing make this a fascinating read that is sure to stimulate your creative and digestive juices simultaneously! Katherine the Great

I recommend this book if you like Jeff Beck, like his genre of music, and don't want to or don't have the time to read a novel. I read this book over a period of 5 months, sometimes as little as a page at a time. I didn't have the feeling of losing the red line or anything like that because I didn't read it quicker. The book gives you a good view at Jeff Beck's career but also generally the music scene during the described time period ('65-'80). The book is written journal-like with almost day by day accounts of concerts. I found that odd at the beginning but got into it as time progressed into the seventies (I'm not much of a Yardbirds fan). The book focuses on the music, gives some account of Jeff Beck's equipment used, and explains interpersonal group dynamics where neccessary. The book is written with its head on its shoulders and does not only quote positive statements about the artist. I've never met Jeff Beck in person but have a feeling this is an objective account of his story. Is it a must-read? Well, I enjoyed it but can only speak for myself. It made me hope he tours at least one more time in the US so I can go see him play live, which I never have so far.

This book contains so much info you have to read it twice. It is wonderfully written and the pictures are most excellent. It's a very un-biased account of Jeff's daily routines. This is not to be missed.

This book is an astounding work, containing a wealth of information on the formative years of British guitar giant, Jeff Beck. Painstakingly researched, the book rewards the reader with stories of star-studded jams, sessions that never reached the public, and years of toil on the road. All the more poignant is the fact that today, Jeff Beck, has continued to scale new heights in creating an original approach not only to the guitar, but to music as well. His new CD, "You Had it Coming", is a finely composed and performed testimony to his artistry. If you enjoy Jeff Beck, you can't be without this book!