Anne Bernays is a novelist and writing teacher whose insightful prose delves into the complexities of human relationships and societal expectations. Her essays, published in prominent literary and popular magazines, showcase a keen observational eye and a distinctive voice. Bernays's work often explores themes of identity, family, and the search for meaning in everyday life, delivered with both wit and profound empathy.
An emotionally charged romantic thriller unfolds as a woman's life spirals into chaos due to a fierce battle over prime real estate. The quest for property disrupts her seemingly perfect existence, revealing underlying tensions and complexities. As the stakes rise, the narrative explores themes of love, ambition, and the fragility of stability, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.
What If? is the first handbook for writers based on the idea that specific exercises are one of the most useful and provocative methods for mastering the art of writing fiction. With more than twenty-five years of experience teaching creative writing between them, Anne Bernays and Pamela Painter offer more than seventy-five exercises for both beginners and more experienced writers. These exercises are designed to develop and refine two basic skills: writing like a writer and, just as important, thinking like a writer. They deal with such topics as discovering where to start and end a story; learning when to use dialogue and when to use indirect discourse; transforming real events into fiction; and finding language that both sings and communicates precisely. What If? will be an essential addition to every writer's library, a welcome and much-used companion, a book that gracefully borrows a whisper from the muse.
Set against the backdrop of 1950s New York, two native New Yorkers share their experiences growing up in privileged environments on opposite sides of the city. Through candid anecdotes, they explore their journeys from publishing careers to becoming authors. The narrative, presented in dual voices, captures the vibrant cultural shifts following the Depression and World War II, providing a unique perspective on their formative years and the impact of their upbringing on their literary pursuits.