Which book do I need more?

IReidandWrite · Aug 12, 2006

I'm only going to buy ONE for now and get the other one later.

Self-Editing (Can't think of the whole title but it's been mentioned on AW before)

or

The First Five Pages?

Siddow · Aug 12, 2006

Self Editing gets my vote.

Soccer Mom · Aug 12, 2006

Ditto. Self-editing. First five pages is just okay with me. Self editing is the first step. Get the story right first. Then worry about submissions. Glad you are still able to get one of them, Nacho

IReidandWrite · Aug 12, 2006

Still?

I'm doing it without their permission. I think it was just the double whammy.

I mean, I have like $50 in my checking account, PLUS none of it is money that I asked for, so I should be able to do watever I want (legally) with it, as long as it's not a lot, haha.

beatkay · Aug 12, 2006

Self-Editing.

The still might refer to it being hard to find a couple years back. I think it's in a second edition now. Well worth it, new or used.

Christine N. · Aug 12, 2006

Yep, Self-Editing For Fiction Writers. Indespensible to the serious writer. You'll read it again and again.

howiehok · Aug 12, 2006

Self-Editing. What an eye opener. The most useful and well-explained book on writing I could wish to read. A godsend.

(in case it's not obvious, I think it's a pretty good book).

alanna · Aug 12, 2006

Who is this book by? With all the reccomendations, I might check it out myself...

Siddow · Aug 12, 2006

Renni Browne and Dave King.

AdamH · Aug 12, 2006

Self Editing. That's pretty much 90% of your work right there in getting a story ready. Most times I've spent more time editing than writing a story.

Some other books I'd invest in is the classic Strunk's Elements of Style, and Stephen King's On Writing. Also, I find an indespensible tool is a great thesaurus. There's come times where I'm struggling to find the write word and it comes in handy.

howiehok · Aug 12, 2006

Self Editing. That's pretty much 90% of your work right there in getting a story ready. Most times I've spent more time editing than writing a story.

Some other books I'd invest in is the classic Strunk's Elements of Style, and Stephen King's On Writing

What a surprise, the three books I have!

I also have How To Write A Damn Good Novel, but didn't find it that inspiring. In fact, I didn't agree with all of what Stephen King said, but what do I know??

Mayor of Moronia · Aug 12, 2006

I bought THE FIRST FIVE PAGES, read it, and tossed it.

There are some excellent old books, and the best of them is Robert Gunning's THE TECHNIQUE OF CLEAR WRITING. Rudolf Fleisch is another good reference. Both wrote their books about 1950. Gunning will likely make you want to rip your manuscript up and start over.

Deleted member 42 · Aug 12, 2006

Skip Strunk and White; you'll either be asked to buy it, Tremble's book, Zinsers's book, or William's book; all are intended for undergraduate students writing essays in lit and comp classes. You'll also probably have to buy a usage/grammar text, or handbook, named after a publisher or, quite likely, written by Diana Hacker. Get a used copy.

Mayor of Moronia · Aug 12, 2006

howiehok said:
What a surprise, the three books I have!

I also have How To Write A Damn Good Novel, but didn't find it that inspiring. In fact, I didn't agree with all of what Stephen King said, but what do I know??

I have King's book. C'mon! What did he say about his writing? That he was sooooo high he doesnt remember writing many of his classics! I believe he did say this. Definitely good practical advice! The book is enchanting but offers zero helpful hints for writing as well as King does.

Mayor of Moronia · Aug 12, 2006

And keep in mind that the folks buying books read at a 6th to 8th grade level. So youre limited to the 50 most common words, one & two syllables, and no long sentences, please!

Marlys · Aug 12, 2006

Why don't you check them both out of the library for free? If you find one or the other is a must-own, then you can buy it. After you've paid your mother back the $60, of course.

Jamesaritchie · Aug 12, 2006

On Writing

Mayor of Moronia said:
I have King's book. C'mon! What did he say about his writing? That he was sooooo high he doesnt remember writing many of his classics! I believe he did say this. Definitely good practical advice! The book is enchanting but offers zero helpful hints for writing as well as King does.

He was only that high for a certain period of his career, and there isn't a how-to book out there that offers more helpful tips than "On Writing." If you can't write well after reading this book, it's a hopeless task.

Other than inborn talent, "On Writing" has it all. It tells all there is to know about writing as well as King does.

howiehok · Aug 12, 2006

He was only that high for a certain period of his career, and there isn't a how-to book out there that offers more helpful tips than "On Writing." If you can't write well after reading this book, it's a hopeless task.

Other than inborn talent, "On Writing" has it all. It tells all there is to know about writing as well as King does

only if you want to write like him. You can discard everything he says and still be successful. There are plenty of successful authors out there who don't seem to have followed any of his rules.....

Mayor of Moronia · Aug 12, 2006

Jamesaritchie said:
He was only that high for a certain period of his career, and there isn't a how-to book out there that offers more helpful tips than "On Writing." If you can't write well after reading this book, it's a hopeless task.

Other than inborn talent, "On Writing" has it all. It tells all there is to know about writing as well as King does.

King is very clear about being blacked-out for a fair portion of his writing career. He says his regret is not remembering the writing.

But his book is autobiographical. If you consider sitting on your toilet, writing, a helpful hint...what can I say? The book is okay when you have nothing to compare it to, but there are plenty of excellent how-to-write books out there. Jon Franklin's WRITING FOR STORY is superb.

alanna · Aug 12, 2006

Siddow said:
Renni Browne and Dave King.

Thank you so much!

Siddow · Aug 12, 2006

I have to step in and defend King's "On Writing". I'd heard terrible things about it, avoided it for over a year, and after reading every other book on writing that my library owns, I finally checked it out.

I wouldn't say that it's a great "how to write" book, but for pure inspiration, it's fantastic. I also enjoyed David Morrell's "Lessons from a Lifetime of Writing" for exactly the same reason. You want step-by-step writing instruction? Take a class. You want to sit down with a dear old friend who's been through it? Read one of those books.

Siddow · Aug 12, 2006

Oh, and alanna, you're welcome!

Mayor of Moronia · Aug 12, 2006

Siddow

Exactly! King and Rhodes and Morrell all write wonderful inspirational books. I love King's book, but he has nothing to offer about how-to-write. Ditto for Richard Rhodes. Morrell has a few pointers in his.

A guy like Robert Gunning isnt inspirational at all. He analyzed many forms of writing, did the statistics, and points you in the right direction if commercial success is your goal. If a 6th grader cant read your book, youre doomed.

rugcat · Aug 12, 2006

I thought King's book "On Writing" was interesting and informative. Helpful? Depends on what you mean by that.

I've read quite a few books on writing and I can't think of one that "taught" me anything. On the other hand, each one has set off trains of thought that ranged far afield, eventually providing insights and helping solve various problems I've run into in my own work - even though the specifics in the writing book may not have been at all applicable.

So maybe they all "taught" me something.

johnnysannie · Aug 12, 2006

In response to the original question, my vote would have to be for "Self-Editing".

In defense of "On Writing", however, I would suggest investing in it when it's possible or at least checking it out from the library if possible. The first half of the book is more memoir than hands-on writing experience but it's interesting to see the evolution of King into a best selling author. In the second half of the book, King offers the nuts and bolts of writing in a clear, concise fashion that is much meatier than most of the "how to" books for writers (of which there are many).

I own very few books for writers - other than markets - but I own both "Self Editing For Writers" AND "On Writing". After more than twenty years as a working writer, I don't find many how-to books that offer anything I can use but I often recommend both the above books to emerging writers.

No book - or anything or anyone - can actually "teach" anyone else how to write! It's rather a hands-on learning experience.

Which book do I need more?

IReidandWrite

Siddow

I'm super! Thanks for asking

Soccer Mom

Crypto-fascist

IReidandWrite

beatkay

Christine N.

haz a shiny new book cover

howiehok

alanna

Siddow

I'm super! Thanks for asking

AdamH

Pumped Up Kicks

howiehok

Mayor of Moronia

Deleted member 42

Mayor of Moronia

Mayor of Moronia

Marlys

Resist. Love. Go outside.

Jamesaritchie

howiehok

Mayor of Moronia

alanna

Siddow

I'm super! Thanks for asking

Siddow

I'm super! Thanks for asking

Mayor of Moronia

rugcat

Lost in the Fog

johnnysannie