I'm participating in the 10 Day Writing Blogger Challenge that was created over at Hunting Down Writing.
Day 4:
Profile 3-5 top writing craft books
I have devoured a fair share of how-to-write books, most of them in the first couple years of the journey. I do have a few stand out books that I took to heart and affect what I do every day.
1. On Writing by Stephen King
The funny thing about this book is that the entire first half has little to do with writing craft at all. It's autobiographical, detailing King's childhood and early years of plastering his walls with rejection slips. Don't let that fool you--the advice he gives throughout the rest is must-have, solid, down to earth, and spot on knowledge. I credit this book (and the sage wisdom of author Susan McBride, an acquaintance at the time) as the reason I managed to finish my first novel after struggling with it for over a year.
2. How to Write a Damn Good Novel by James Frey
This book showed me all sorts of wonders about constructing conflict-driven plot and three-dimensional characters. It's also a good handbook for finding and sorting out problems with your manuscript. It's a vital desktop reference for any new writer or someone wanting to take their work to the next level.
3. Writing the Breakout Novel by Donald Maas
Another go-to volume to inhale like oxygen when you're a new writer. This is a great book for learning how to ratchet up the tension in your scenes and keep characters well away from being stiff and wooden. He also talks about subplots and how to weave them in for added interest. Great stuff.
Run to Amazon or your library and look for these! They won't disappoint. :)
I have devoured a fair share of how-to-write books, most of them in the first couple years of the journey. I do have a few stand out books that I took to heart and affect what I do every day.
1. On Writing by Stephen King
The funny thing about this book is that the entire first half has little to do with writing craft at all. It's autobiographical, detailing King's childhood and early years of plastering his walls with rejection slips. Don't let that fool you--the advice he gives throughout the rest is must-have, solid, down to earth, and spot on knowledge. I credit this book (and the sage wisdom of author Susan McBride, an acquaintance at the time) as the reason I managed to finish my first novel after struggling with it for over a year.
2. How to Write a Damn Good Novel by James Frey
This book showed me all sorts of wonders about constructing conflict-driven plot and three-dimensional characters. It's also a good handbook for finding and sorting out problems with your manuscript. It's a vital desktop reference for any new writer or someone wanting to take their work to the next level.
3. Writing the Breakout Novel by Donald Maas
Another go-to volume to inhale like oxygen when you're a new writer. This is a great book for learning how to ratchet up the tension in your scenes and keep characters well away from being stiff and wooden. He also talks about subplots and how to weave them in for added interest. Great stuff.
Run to Amazon or your library and look for these! They won't disappoint. :)
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