David Corbett Libri

Just as a compass provides direction for an explorer, so does motivation provide direction for characters in fiction. The "compass" of character motivation is composed of four points: Lack, Yearning, Resistance, and Desire. In The Compass of Character you'll learn to deeply consider the key question "What does my character want?" and learn techniques to answer that question by writing realistic and empathetic characters without falling into formulaic, unsatisfying results that only diminish the character. Bestselling author and acclaimed writing instructor David Corbett provides writers with the essentials for building characters with motivations that range from clear to complex by exploring topics such as: • human yearning • pathological maneuvers • the pain of life vs. the promise of life • backstory and behavior • mechanics of growth and transformation • dramatizing mistaken desire and misbegotten yearnings • moral arguments The key to fascinating characters is rendering subtle inner states in straightforward external circumstances, which requires a fundamental understanding of the simple building blocks of complex motivation as they manifest themselves in behavior, where complexity of purpose collides with the messy, indifferent world. The Compass of Character is the one book that can guide writers to that end with both instruction and inspiration.

Former private investigator and New York Times notable author David Corbett offers a unique and indispensable toolkit for creating characters that come vividly to life on the page and linger in memory. Corbett provides an inventive, inspiring, and vastly entertaining blueprint to all the elements of characterization-from initial inspiration to realization-with special insights into the power of secrets and contradictions, the embodiment of roles, managing the "tyranny of motive," and mastering crucial techniques required for memorable dialogue and unforgettable scenes. This is a how-to guide for both aspiring and accomplished writers that renders all other books of its kind obsolete.

Set against the backdrop of a nation on the brink of civil war, the story follows a young artist on a perilous journey to reclaim her stolen masterpiece. As she navigates the turmoil, she is accompanied by a mysterious guide whose hidden past adds intrigue to their dangerous quest. The narrative explores themes of resilience, identity, and the transformative power of art amidst chaos.

Set against the backdrop of Rio Mirada, a struggling city plagued by crime and corruption, the story revolves around the murder of Raymond "Strong” Carlisle, a renowned sideman in the R&B scene. His assassination marks the beginning of a violent struggle for power among drug dealers, squatters, and developers vying for control of the area. As tensions rise, the narrative delves into the dark underbelly of this transitional city, exploring themes of ambition, betrayal, and the quest for dominance.

No one personifies the FTW rock-and-roll ethic better than the Man in Black. Johnny Cash's music can be captured in that one iconic photograph. Guitar slung off his shoulder, sneer on his lips, middle finger extended to let the status quo know what he thought of it. Which is why Cash's music speaks to so many of the marginalized, the forgotten, the misunderstood, the disen-franchised. Featuring some of today's best crime fiction writers, Just to Watch Him Die is a kick-ass collection of wronged men and women who, like Johnny, walk the line every day, fighting for what they believe is right.

The narrative centers around the reemergence of infamous love letters from American history, thought to be lost for a century. Their sudden appearance ignites a fierce competition among various factions seeking to claim them, plunging the characters into a chaotic and lawless struggle reminiscent of the letters' original context. The story explores themes of desire, obsession, and the lengths people will go to possess a piece of history.

Introduces the painters of the Ashcan School and the key characteristics and themes of their work. This title includes commentaries that are provided for twelve significant paintings by George Bellows, William Glackens, Robert Henri, George Luks, and John Sloan.

Zimbabwean history is covered from a socialist perspective. Book 1 describes pre- colonial African history, enlivened by many drawings, photographs, original sources and maps which are integrated into the text.