The story within : new insights and inspiration for writers / Laura Oliver.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

p. 1. Getting started -- Why we write, why we don't -- Point of origin -- Calling a story to you : subject -- The science of inspiration -- Navigation a story -- p. 2. Skills of the craft -- Teaching a crow to talk : voice -- Talk to me : dialogue -- Quintessential elements -- Journal to freedom - Connection : making what happened what matters -- The secret of showing (don't tell) -- On location : setting and place -- Character and the cargo hold : using the past -- Plot : what's the problem? -- What's so funny? -- Before you submit : a craft checklist -- p. 3. Spirit : caring for the writer -- Time and writing with children -- Using intuition to guide your work -- Jealousy : your tough-love friend -- Choosing your genre -- Writing classes and a wider audience -- p. 4. Continuing the journey into the world -- Forming a writing support group -- Publishing and rejection -- Attending a writer's conference -- Maintaining magic -- Writing principles for mind and heart.

"In this encouraging and inspirational guide, writer Laura Oliver helps you find the vision, motivation, and courage to recognize, release, and write the real story inside you--the one that's waiting to be told."--P. [4] of cover.