The Multimodal Writer: Creative Writing Across Genres and Media

These are exciting times for creative writing. In a digital age, the ability to move between types of writing and technologies - often at speed - is increasingly essential for writers. Yet, such flexibility can be difficult to achieve, and, how to develop it remains a pressing challenge. The Multimodal Writer combines theory, practitioner case studies and insightful writing exercises to support writers tackling the challenges and embracing the opportunities that come with new media technologies. Including interviews with a selection of internationally acclaimed authors, such as Simon Armitage, Robert Coover and Rhianna Pratchett, this book equips writers with the tools to not just survive but, rather, thrive in an era characterised by fast-paced change. With its focus on writing across genres, modes and media, this book is ideal for students of creative writing, professional writing, media writing and journalism.

Table of Contents:
Introduction 1. 21st Century Writing and Publishing: A Wider Context 2. Negotiating the Starting Block: Auto-Practitioner Study 3. Paradigmatic Aspects: Author Interviews 4. Creative Writing and Multimodality: Assembling a Toolkit, Component Parts 5. Developing a Multimodal Writing Practice: Assignments Conclusion.

About the Author :
Dr Josie Barnard is a writer and academic whose research centres on how the ‘digital turn’ impacts writing and publishing. She is Senior Lecturer in Creative Writing with Journalism at Middlesex University, UK, and the author of five acclaimed books, ranging from her award-winning novel 'Poker Face' (1996) to 'The Book of Friendship' (2011). As a practitioner, Barnard has appeared at the Cheltenham and Dartington Literary Festivals. She is a member of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS)’s Digital Skills and Inclusion Research Working Group. Dr Josie Barnard is a writer and academic whose research centres on how the ‘digital turn’ impacts writing and publishing. She is Senior Lecturer in Creative Writing with Journalism at Middlesex University, UK, and the author of five acclaimed books, ranging from her award-winning novel 'Poker Face' (1996) to 'The Book of Friendship' (2011). As a practitioner, Barnard has appeared at the Cheltenham and Dartington Literary Festivals. She is a member of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS)’s Digital Skills and Inclusion Research Working Group.

Review :
Barnard’s work has facilitated awareness and generated creativity, aiding our membership, writers and teachers, to more fully comprehend and embrace multimodal approaches. The Multimodal Writer is a practical guide for writers at any stage in their career looking to respond to the realities of today’s publishing landscape. Barnard details writing exercises and the proven habits of successful authors to illustrate the craft benefits of moving among and between different genres, technologies, and media platforms. This is an exceptional book, which represents an important contribution to Creative Writing studies. The collage-like style of the chapters, each of which comes at the subject from a different direction, is a brilliant way of approaching the subject matter; and the mixture of academic sources, interviews and self-reflection make this an invaluable resource.