Ever since I started the querying process I've become addicted to learning about the entire writing process.
After receiving feedback from a few friends and publishing houses I thought it would be nice to start reading up on things I could use to improve my writing.
There is nothing wrong with the way I write. I love my stories, my ideas, my gift. There is also nothing wrong with perfecting your craft. Every great writer continues to learn. They have editors to help them throughout the process but they all started at the beginning. Right where a lot of us are.
On Writing by Stephen King was the first dose of awesome I received in the writing world. If anyone is new to writing and has yet to read it get your hands on it now. It's that good!
I hear others talk about their favorite writing books and I always make a note to write them down for later. I'm sure glad I did as well, it really pays off when I'm in a learning mood.
See Jane Write by Sarah Mlynowski and Farrin Jacobs was the last one I devoured. Designed for those who love to read and write Chick Lit. Though I've written a chick lit novel already I knew it wouldn't hurt to learn a little bit more. After all they say to learn something new every day... this book definitely offered that!
For me I'm not proud to announce that I can consider myself a plotter. I've spent the last few weeks just getting to know my characters and everything I'm about to put them through. I have to admit it gets me very excited and I already know it'll help with revisions. I'm not as scared as I used to be plotting, I no longer have the fear of writers block. See Jane Write really taught me a lot.
So what are your favorite writing novels? What one's have helped you?
Next on my list -The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White.
46 comments:
Ah, I'm jealous of your new knowledge of educational books! I've always wanted to read the Elements of Style and never have. Alas, I've really never finished any of them. I know, naughty Lindsay. Maybe that's some of my summer reading:)
I also have a hard time reading through a self help book. I tend to learn through doing, although I use self helps books like a quick reference. Maybe that slows me down, who knows.
I always love learning new things to strengthen the craft.
I also always thought I loved writing the first draft, but I may like revisions more.
I've always heard good things about Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott, and have just now started it. She definitely has that writer's voice in delivering her wisdom that we can all connect to as writers.
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See Jane Write sounds like a good book. I like Save the Cat, Self Editing for Fiction Writers, Scene and Structure by Jack Bickham... those are just a few.
You HAVE to read Bird by Bird, Anne Lamott. I felt like she was sitting next to me just having an awesome conversation. It felt personal. I could connect. I adored that.
I admire your choice in admitting you're a plotter. I'm still riding the fence on that one. Once I finish these edits, I'm going to 'get to know' the MG characters in the series I'd half-written last year but also get to know the story better. I'm plotting to plot. :) (Book: James Scott Bell's Plot & Structure.)
I really love Deb Dixon's GMC. That really helped (helps) me a lot. I want to read Save the Cat though.
Natalie Goldberg - Writing Down the Bones.
On Writing
The Forest For the Trees
Bird by Bird
A Dash of Style
those are my favorites.
I always outline - wouldn't know how to do it otherwise. And I got a lot out of the Save the Cat books.
Oh, I haven't heard of that book - must check it out! I love 'Bird by Bird', by Anne Lamott.
I really liked Blake Snyder's book: "Save The Cat!"
I have read a lot of great books but I love How to Write and Sell Your Mystery Novel. But, I am a mystery novelist. I should read the Stephen King one.
I've blogged about my fav books, but they include Donald Maass's workbook, Save the Cat (which is saving my wip right now), and Emotional structure. But these only but a few of my favorites.
I know someone who thinks because his books are published (by a tiny Canadian press) that he doesn't need to learn anything more about the craft. ROFL. And that's why he'll never amount to anything more than someone who has to sell his books out of the trunk of his car. ;)
you are tireless... I wish I had your dedication and motivation haha
I agree with you about the brilliance of Stephen King's "On Writing"! It's a terrific combination of inspiration, motivation, and practical advice. But there are so many books on writing I love!
"The Right to Write" by Julia Cameron and "Writing Down the Bones" by Natalie Goldberg are my favorite writing books that motivate and inspire.
"The Art of War for Writers" by James Scott Bell and "Writing the Breakout Novel" by Donald Maass are my favorite writing books about craft.
Good luck with your querying, Jen!!!
i totally need to download that SK book onto my iPad like now!
i know i still have so much to learn regarding the craft of writing. i will always continue to do what i can to improve upon it.
the one book that i really loved on the craft of writing is Browne and King's Self-Editing for Fiction Writers. i have parts of that book highlighted and always suggest that one to friends.
I am ordering See Jane Write and On Writing because I haven't been able to find them anywhere. I do have Save the Cat though. Just started reading it.
One of my all time favs is HOOKED by Les Edgerton. Serious, if you haven't read it yet, do so. It may change your life.
And don't beat yourself up over being a plotter. I am, and things still surprise the heck out of me as i write
I love reading writing books. Sometimes they give contradictory tips or techniques, but its all part of discovering your own style---the more options you have, the more things you can try out til you find your own way as a writer. I love all the books you've listed here and I'll add the Marshall Plan for Novel Writing by Evan Marshall, The Power of The Dark Side by Pamela Jaye Smith and Noah Lukeman's The First Five Pages. :)
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www.thewritingnut.com
Thanks for the recommendation~ I'm putting See Jane Write on my to-read list! I don't write chick lit, but I adore reading it (am about to devour another Sophie Kinsella novel when the kiddo goes down for a nap today). I enjoyed Stephen King's book too :)
I loved Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott and The Elements of Style sits on my computer table for easy reference.
Right now I'm reading Forest for the Trees by Betsy Lerner (her blog is excellent, btw) and will get to Donald Maas's, Writing the Breakout Novel this summer.
I love writing help books! I have a ton of them. None of which I can remember the names to at this moment. But they are great!
Please stop by my blog to pick up an award I've nominated you for.
Sounds like a great one! Has something in it even if you don't write chick lit? Might just go pick it up! Glad you're learning still!
*Not that you need it. That sounded bitchy. After I hit send I was all "awe, well that could sound rude!" Not meant like that...;)
I loved See Jane Write too, great book!
Lx
I always mean to read books on writing... :) I tend to opt for online writing workshops instead. But, it certainly never hurts to pick these books up. In fact, I'm almost sure I've got a copy of Elements of Style floating around my house somewhere.
I read Stephen King's On Writing and found it equally fabulous :) Must put See Jane Write on my list!
I recently read On Writing and loved it! (Went on directly to one of King's novels and did not enjoy it so much, but I still appreciate his advice). I have heard great things about Save the Cat and Bird by Bird, must be something about the animal tie-ins... I have them saved to my list.
I'm learning from reading alot more of the genre that I'm writing, I think that helps me. I've also bought a couple of books recommended by folks who critiqued me recently. ;-)
I think I'm going to try an outline for my next story. It'll be brief, but I'm hoping it helps me avoid the silly plot holes I create!
On Writing is the best. Put Bird By Bird on your list though. It's great too. I'm getting ready to start Plot And Structure by James Scott Bell.
Wow--go you (miss plotter)!!! Save The Cat and The Breakout Novel!
I thought I had all the writing books, but I'll have to check this one out. Thanks for the heads up. I'm always looking for a good "how-to-write" book.
Great suggestions. Thanks Jen.
I've been needing to pick that Stephen King one up- I'll have to put it on hold at my library. I have Novel Metamorphosis out right now, but haven't read much of it yet. I read a great one on how to write fantasies a couple years ago. I'll have to try to find the title.
I loved PENCIL DANCING by Mari Messer! It was one of the first writing books I ever read, and after reading many more, it's still one of my favorites. I jotted down so many quotes from her book. :D
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You better get reading girl, you have alot of recommended books in these here comments! :D
I love how much time and energy you're putting into not just your work but the craftsmanship behind it. I think the key is find the writing style that works for you and then just put pen to paper.
I like the two writing books by William Foster-Harris. The Basic Patterns of Plot and The Basic Formulas of Fiction. They're way out-of-print, though, and a bit hard to find.
The Elements of Style was required reading in college. I still have my copy! Love that book as a reference. Hooked by Les Edgerton is excellent as well. That's up at the top of my list! You always have such great blog posts, Jen!!!
I have a lot of writing books (I'm a bit of an addict) but the two that stand out far above the rest are On Writing and Elements of Style. Two essential books for writers!
Ellie Garratt
Stephen King's writing book has been my favorite so far. Hooked by Les Edgerton comes in a close 2nd. I've heard so many good things about Save the Cat.
I've read Stephen King's On Writing...will check out the others you've mentioned. I also like Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott :)
So far, On Writing was my favorite. I'm always looking for suggestions, so See Jane Write sounds great. I've heard several recommendations for Debra Dixon's Goal, Motivation and Conflict (GMC). She's also a great speaker if you ever have the chance.
I'm a pantser, but I do research to begin with and write down ideas that pop into my head, so maybe that is a little bit of plotting? I guess it all depends on how one looks at it. Thanks for the recommendations!
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