Once Upon A Game

Critically acclaimed author Schwarz assembles a delightful collection of personal memories about baseball from some of the game's all-time legends. Lavishly illustrated and handsomely designed, this is a one-of-a-kind collective reminiscence.

ONCE UPON ATARI is an intimate view into the dramatic rise and fall of the early video game industry, and how it shaped the life of one of its key players. This book offers eye-opening details and insights, delivered in a creative style that mirrors the industry it reveals. An innovative work from one of the industry's original innovators.This is a detailed look behind the scenes of the early days of video games, with particular attention to the causative factors leading up to the video game crash of the early 1980s. It is also the journey of one industry pioneer, and how his experience creating some of the world's most noted pieces of interactive entertainment reverberates throughout his life. It is a compelling and dramatic tale of innocence, greed, exuberance, hubris, joy, devastation and ultimately redemption, told in a fresh voice and an unorthodox style.

Once Upon a Pixel examines the increasing sophistication of storytelling and worldbuilding in modern video games. Drawing on some of gaming’s most popular titles, including Red Dead Redemption 2, The Last of Us, Horizon Zero Dawn, and the long-running Metal Gear Solid series, it is a pioneering exploration into narrative in games from the perspective of the creative writer. With interviews and insights from across the industry, it provides a complete account of how Triple-A, independent, and even virtual reality games are changing the way we tell stories. Key Features A fresh perspective on video games as a whole new form of creative writing. Interviews with a range of leading industry figures, from critics to creators. Professional analysis of modern video game script excerpts. Insights into emerging technologies and the future of interactive storytelling.

How do you get an idea for a game? What’s involved in developing it and making an initial prototype? How important is play-testing, and whom do you involve in that process? What are the tips for writing rules? How do you go about trying to get your idea onto the marketplace? What are the important parts of a contract? This book won’t provide all the answers, but it will give you an insight into the fascinating, and sometimes frustrating world of games inventing based on Michael’s 55 years of experience of the successes and failures; the laughter and tears, the delight and the boredom. Along the way he met his wonderful wife, Maggie, and had a child who loves games - what a surprise! And worked with some great friends and colleagues. For about 30 years, Maggie and Michael and some of these people shared in the writing of books, mainly ones to do with groupwork, communication, teamwork and social care. You will also find out about a collaboration which saw a couple of books about cryptic crosswords launched. Book reviews online: PublishedBestsellers website.

"Practice Makes Perfect! This timeless adage is true of everything from bike riding to speaking a language. It's also true for writing. The most consistent piece of advice from professional writers is this: Write every day. It doesn't matter what you write, just write. Great. Write what? Welcome to the Once Upon A Time Writer's Handbook, where you'll learn how to turn the cards from the award-winning Once Upon A Time storytelling card game into the perfect framework for your own written stories."

Marin Cole has never: Seen the ocean Climbed a mountain Taken a risk on love ....But if her sister's plan works, she just might do all three. Ever since her journalist mother died on assignment, Marin has played it safe, refusing to set foot outside the state of Tennessee. Her wild-child younger sister, Sadie, has trotted the globe as a photographer, living off of art and adrenaline. When Sadie returns from a tough assignment abroad and looks a little worse for wear, Marin reluctantly agrees to a sisters' spa weekend on the tropical island of Saba. But her lifelong fear of travel is affirmed when Sadie misses the flight, Marin's luggage gets mixed up with another passenger's, and an episode of turbulence sends her hurtling into the lap of Lucas Tsai, the handsome stranger who stole her sister's seat. For the first time in a long time, Marin has to step outside of her comfort zone as she explores the island with Lucas and learns what she's been missing out on. With each breathtaking new experience, Marin gets closer to her real self, the man she’s falling for, and the heart-wrenching truth about why she’s there in the first place.

A feel-good romance by the author of Star-crossed, perfect for anyone who loves David Nicholls, Marian Keyes and Jojo Moyes. Arie and Diana were destined to be together. Arie falls for Diana in a heartbeat. Their love creates a life for them, a marriage and a home. Pianist Diana wants to capture this in a song for Arie. But that’s not where the story ends... After Diana debuts their song to a room full of strangers, tragedy strikes and Arie never gets to hear it. There’s still a verse to come. Diana’s melody lives beyond her and the lost love song begins to find its way back home. Can it help Arie to find new hope, and a new love? Readers love Minnie Darke 'Witty, mischievous and intelligent... if you enjoy Marian Keyes or Mhairi McFarlane, you'll enjoy this. 'A clever and witty comedy' 'Warm, funny, addictive, I couldn’t put it down.' 'A smart and funny novel' 'Beautifully written with warmth and wit... a truly delightful read.' 'Uplifting, romantic and fabulous... I loved this charming book.'

Farmer Worth discovers that a special tree on his farm produces different kinds of money, depending on what animal fertilizer he uses.

There was a family of three dragons, all with voracious appetites. The father dragon ate trains; the mother, who was dieting, ate busses, trucks, and bicycles; and the baby ate pickups. One day an airplane flying off course landed nearby. When it took off the baby dragon followed it, flying for the first time. The parents flew after their baby, and ever since, dragons sometimes playfully chase each other in the sky. When there is lightening and thunder, it is the gluttonous dragons.