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Books On Writing
I have dozens of "how-to" books on my shelves and couldn't possibly mention all the good ones. So I've
decided to add a few every month or so. This month I added a book that blew me away, Writing The
Breakout Novel, by Donald Maass. This is one you can't miss!
New Favorites Added 5/10/02
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- - - -Writing The Breakout Novel by Donald Maass
- - - - - - - - -(Writer's Digest Books ISBN 0-89879-995-3)
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A multi-published friend of mine said that if you could take just one of Donald Maass' suggestions from this
book and implement it, you'd have a much stronger story and a potential blockbuster. I couldn't agree more.
I bought Writing The Breakout Novel last year after hearing Mr. Maass speak at the RWA National Conference
in New Orleans. I was impressed. As a New York Literary Agent who's written several books himself, Mr. Maass
knows the publishing business, but more importantly, he knows and loves stories. If I didn't already have one
of New York's best Agents on my side, I'd be knocking on Mr. Maass' door. (g)
So, what about the book? Well, I read it cover to cover because I couldn't put it down. Now I'm going
through it a second time, slowly, trying to assimilate it all -- an impossible task, because this book is
full of information. After writing eleven books and reading hundreds of how-to books on writing, nothing
much surprises me anymore. And I'll admit, occasionally, the advise in this book seemed obvious -- after
someone put it in front of my face and hit me over the head with it. LOL!!
Will it have the same impact on a beginning writer as it did on me and the other multi-published authors I
know? I'm not sure. Mr. Maass claims his book is for writers at all levels. So, maybe one of the newer
writers out there could check it out and let us know.
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- - - -The Writer's Journey by Christoper Vogler
- - (Mythic Structure For Storytellers & Screenwriters)
- - - - - - -(Michael Wiese Productions ISBN 0-941188-70-1)
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This book's a bit controversial among established writers, and I know wonderful and successful writers
on both sides of this fence. It seems you either "get" this book and can use it, or you don't. Personally,
I love it. But then, I love movies and plotting and dissecting stories to figure out why they work or
don't work. You have to decide for yourself.
Back Cover Copy (from first edition)
Based on the work of Joseph Campbell, this book provides an insider's look at how master storytellers
from Lucas to Spielberg have used mythic structure to create powerful stories which tap into the mythological
core which exist in all of us.
This practical writer's guide reveals the secret patterns of mythology. Writers will discover step-by-step
guidelines and learn how to structure plots and create realistic character. Innovative exercises help writers
troubleshoot and improve their own work. These ideas-which have been tested and refined by professional
screenwriter playwrights and novelist--will empower the writer's command of story telling with the ancient
wisdom of myth.
As a story analyst, Christopher Vogler has evaluated over 600 screenplays for major motion picture studios
including Walt Disney, Warner Bros., 10th Century Fox United Artists, Orion Pictures, The Ladd Company,
Touchstone Pictures and Hollywood Pictures. A specialist in fairy tales and folklore Vogler consulted for
Walt Disney's feature film hits, The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast. (from first edition)
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Self-Editing For Fiction Writers by Renni Browne & Dave King
- - - (How To Edit Yourself Into Print)
- - - (HarperPerennial ISBN 0-06-272046-5)
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Self-Editing For Fiction Writers was recommended to me by another author -- aren't they all? (G) It's the
kind of book I would have devoured when I was first starting out, but when I read it just recently I
learned and relearned a lot about the nuts and bolts of writing. Author Stephanie Bond claims to reread
this book at least once a year, and I think that's an excellent suggestion.
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On Writing by Stephen King
- - - (Scribner ISBN 0-68-85352-3)
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Okay, I admit it. I'm a Stephen King fan. I've been reading his books since the early eighties and think he's
one of the best story-tellers of our time. So, when I heard he wrote a book on writing, I was on the Amazon
waiting list way before the book came out. And I wasn't disappointed.
The first part of the book is about the man himself. Now you may ask, what does this have to do with writing?
Everything. Writing is a difficult way to make a living and a solitary and uncertain way of life. Reading about
Mr. King's life is an inspiration. Plus, it's great to discover that someone at his level is still a writer
at heart and suffers from all the same maladies as the rest of us.
The second part of the book is his thoughts on writing and the writing process. It's simple, straightforward
and informative. There are no great truths or revelations here, but some very basic and important
guidelines. Every author I've talked to about this book has found at least one piece of information in this
section that made the book worthwhile.
All in all, I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in writing or the writing life.
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Writing The Thriller by T. MacDonald Skillman
- - - - - -(Writer's Digest Books ISBN 080879-928-7)
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I bought Ms. Skillman's book while preparing to give a workshop on Suspense at the 2000 Moonlight and Magnolia
Conference. There aren't a lot of how-to books on this subject, and I was desperate. To my surprise, it turned
out to be one of the best books on writing I've read in a long time.
Whether you're interested in writing a thriller or simply need help plotting, this book will help. It also
includes articles by eleven best-selling authors, including: Tess Gerritsen, Richard North Patterson, Clive
Cussler, Michael Connelly and Mary Willis Walker.
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GMC: Goals, Motivation & Conflict by Debra Dixon
- - - - - - - - -(Gryphon Books ISBN 0-9654371-0-8)
- - - - - - -This book may be purchased from the publisher at
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -www.gryphonbooksforwriters.com
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This is the only book I know of that deals exclusively with Goals, Motivation and Conflict; three of the
most essential elements to writing good fiction. The book is excellent. Ms. Dixon understands what makes a
story memorable and she presents her knowledge in a clear, understandable format.
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Techniques Of The Selling Writer by Dwight Swain
- - - - - -(Univ. of Oklahoma Press ISBN 0-8061-1191-7)
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This is the "bible" for fiction writers. So, if you want to write fiction, get and read this book. Don't be
discouraged, however, if you don't get it all the first time through. No one does. Just keep it on your shelf, and
I guarantee you'll refer to it throughout your career. I do. And every time I pick it up, I see and understand
something I didn't get the last time I looked at it.
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Discover more of my favorite books by clicking on a link.
On Writing ||
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Romance ||
SciFi/Fantasy ||
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