Author Description

The contributions in the Handbook are practical, down-to-earth, learned, but shorn of jargon, informative, and characterized by clarity and simplicity. Young writers are encouraged not to try to re-invent the wheel, but to learn from strategies and inspiration of their predecessors, old and new. Such issues as themes, narrative technique, characterization, dramatic progression, dialogue, and appropriateness of language, which many writers may be grappling with, are presented in a way that a young writer will certainly appreciate. A literary work cannot be considered good, if the language in which it is written is defective. That is why there is a chapter on the language of literature and the pitfalls of grammar, style and punctuation to avoid in writing. The major lessons young writers are advised to take away from this Handbook are: First, they must not just put pen to paper to write; they must read widely and master the strategics of good writing. Second, they must take great care over the language of their work. It is not enough to expect that editors in the publishing houses will succeed in cleaning up all the errors in a manuscript. Third, they should not write just to be able to win a prize. If the quality of the work is good and a prize is forthcoming, this will simply be a bonus. The Nigerian Writers' Handbook is a welcome guide to young writers and a useful book for all lovers of literature. While commending NAL on successfully carrying out the assignment given to it by the NLNG, I recommend the Handbook highly to the reading public. Ayo Bamgbose Foundation President, NAL