Hello Everyone,
I have read a few books recently that have really helped with my work. After five drafts of my novel, I thought I had it all down, and that it was time to start looking for an agent/publisher; after putting the novel on hold in order to educate myself by reading these books, I am now ready to completely overhaul my novel once again.
The Successful Novelist, by David Morrell (Author of First Blood) was very eye opening. He not only offers tips on writing, but also insight into the publishing world, book signing tours and self-promoting your work as well.
The Mind of Your Story, by Lisa Lenard-Cook. One of the most revealing things - at least for me - is how she discusses how your story must move forward, even with the use of flashbacks, and you must somehow show that time has passed (for example, a character remembers something in her past while drinking a cup of coffee; when the story shifts back to the present, the coffee has grown cold. Even if it's only a moment, time has still passed).
On Writing, By Stephen King. I don't think I need to say much about this one; I have the audiobook as well.
The Elements of Style, by Strunk and White. I picked this up after hearing all of the above authors mention it in their books. It can be read in about two hours, but will teach you more than many 600 page textbooks. Even in speech, I don't look at the English language the same way after reading this book. I plan to study and memorize the lessons it teaches as I strive to become a better writer. Many consider this to be the "Bible" of English writing.
How To Write Best Selling Fiction, by Dean Koontz. I learned it is not evil to want to write something that will reach as many people as possible, (and sell a lot of copies of your book), so long as you write from your heart, it pleases you and you push yourself to tell the best story you can. He also discusses the difference between literary ("academic") novels, versus genre or commercial fiction.
I am more excited than ever about slicing and dicing my novel and working it over into all that it can be. Writing, for me, is not just about writing. By learning from these books, I am also growing as a person. I will dig deeper than ever as I cut my book apart yet again.
Take care everyone, and have a great week.
Scott
I have read a few books recently that have really helped with my work. After five drafts of my novel, I thought I had it all down, and that it was time to start looking for an agent/publisher; after putting the novel on hold in order to educate myself by reading these books, I am now ready to completely overhaul my novel once again.
The Successful Novelist, by David Morrell (Author of First Blood) was very eye opening. He not only offers tips on writing, but also insight into the publishing world, book signing tours and self-promoting your work as well.
The Mind of Your Story, by Lisa Lenard-Cook. One of the most revealing things - at least for me - is how she discusses how your story must move forward, even with the use of flashbacks, and you must somehow show that time has passed (for example, a character remembers something in her past while drinking a cup of coffee; when the story shifts back to the present, the coffee has grown cold. Even if it's only a moment, time has still passed).
On Writing, By Stephen King. I don't think I need to say much about this one; I have the audiobook as well.
The Elements of Style, by Strunk and White. I picked this up after hearing all of the above authors mention it in their books. It can be read in about two hours, but will teach you more than many 600 page textbooks. Even in speech, I don't look at the English language the same way after reading this book. I plan to study and memorize the lessons it teaches as I strive to become a better writer. Many consider this to be the "Bible" of English writing.
How To Write Best Selling Fiction, by Dean Koontz. I learned it is not evil to want to write something that will reach as many people as possible, (and sell a lot of copies of your book), so long as you write from your heart, it pleases you and you push yourself to tell the best story you can. He also discusses the difference between literary ("academic") novels, versus genre or commercial fiction.
I am more excited than ever about slicing and dicing my novel and working it over into all that it can be. Writing, for me, is not just about writing. By learning from these books, I am also growing as a person. I will dig deeper than ever as I cut my book apart yet again.
Take care everyone, and have a great week.
Scott