Recommended Reading for Writers
I hope you’re really getting into your writing these days with the excellent advice Melissa is passing along. I know some days it probably feels like you’re flying along, writing sentences and paragraphs that fit together and contribute to your story. Other days you might feel completely stuck, like you will never write another word.
No matter where you’re at with your book, I know there will be times you need a boost, some inspiration and more tips about writing well. That’s where this post comes in – a recommendation list of books that will assist you on your writing journey. These books come recommended by hundreds of published authors, authors who were at one point where you are today.
On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King – Part memoir, part tough love writing guide, On Writing is a classic every author should own. Though the book King describes his childhood, how he started writing, what he overcame to be the writer he is today and then advice on perfecting your own technique.
Elements of Style by William Strunk and E.B. White – Almost unparalleled in its content, Elements of Style has been described as “direct, correct and delightful” by the New Yorker. If you have any questions about grammar, spelling, correct usage of a word, sentence structure, punctuation and more, this book holds the answers.
Chicago Manual of Style – Some would call this book picky and dogmatic, but they are the people who don’t know how valuable it is. It contains every imaginable answer to questions about preparing a manuscript for electronic publishing, being concise and clear when writing, correct grammar, citing sources and so much more.
Self-Editing for Fiction Writers, Second Edition: How to Edit Yourself into Print by Rennie Brown & Dave King – Complete with checklists and exercises for your own manuscript, Self-Editing for Fiction Writers will force you to take a merciless look at your writing and make it better. This book is a must have for all authors, but especially for self-published authors who aren’t getting the editing traditionally published books receive in a publishing house.
The Dictionary of Concise Writing: More than 10,000 Alternatives to Wordy Phrases by Robert Hartwell Fiske and Richard Lederer – If you find your writing is full of phrases like “based on the fact that” (use “because” instead) and “put an end to” (“cease” is a better fit) then you need this book. This is the ultimate guide to paring down your writing.
Stein on Writing by Sol Stein – The author of nine bestselling books Sol Stein doesn’t sugarcoat anything in this straightforward guide to writing. Instead, he firmly takes your hand, makes you cut mediocre content and scrutinize every single sentence of your manuscript.
Getting into Character: Seven Secrets a Novelist Can Learn From Actors by Brandilyn Collins – If your characters need some new life then this may be the book for you. Collins takes a theory actors have used for years and tweaks it to work for fiction so your characters have depth and personality. Learn how to communicate the deep psychology, behavior and motivations for why your characters do what they do throughout your book.
Writing the Breakout Novel by Donald Maass – As you probably already know getting your book picked up by a traditional publisher is nearly impossible. Maass, a literary agent and author of 17 books, will walk you through the most critical elements your book should have to really make it stand out from the rest.
There are hundreds of writing books, some that may be better than the ones on this list. Do your own research and find some that work for you. Don’t be a stagnant writer; keep learning and perfecting your technique from those who have gone before you.
Do you have a favorite writing book we missed? Share it in the comments below.
Happy writing,
Kate
Add comment February 4, 2010
Write Your Book: Conflict is a Good Thing?
Yes. Conflict is a good thing. We are not attracted to stories without conflict simply because we can’t learn anything from them. They are empty of what is needed to nurture our own personal growth, in whatever direction that may be. Now I, as well as the next reader, enjoy reading stories of happiness, but only after the character has traveled the path of understanding and growth and finally reached the reward from this journey.
Difficulty in a story — conflict — comes in a variety of forms and controls the pace of your moving and growing characters. Subtle to obvious inclines of action create a flow to your storyline with the page turning effect on your readers. But how do we — writers — begin to approach and deliver “effective conflicts?” There are a few different angles to help move towards conflict development and to carry the ups and downs throughout your story, cover to cover.
Internal (Character Growth) — the dilemma your character faces and the impact on who he/she is. Internal conflicts typically stir up universal emotions, such as some type of inner need, beliefs, desire and turmoil. Like us, characters carry the scars of experience and search for a way to repair any holes in their life. Their vulnerability is what must be confronted and the resolution, whether it is constructive or destructive, allows us to see how the character has grown.
External (Antagonist) — the external force causing your character to make internal choices and changes. Your story’s tension will rise as your character has choices to make. The purpose of the antagonist is to be the opposing energy that drives your character to make changes — the main characters need of something to force him/her to take the difficult path.
Rising Action — Three steps forward and two steps back. Your character will have to overcome a series of mini-obstacles before reaching the ending goal. Each conflict should drive down the root of the character’s internal conflict while teaching a lesson and providing a small, yet important, choice towards change. The key to each mini-conflict is a choice — a decision made between powerfully conflicting alternatives — so the story holds suspense and carries the empathy of the reader.
Dialogue — Bring emotion, tension and conflict to every page. Allow your characters to share who they are through the dialogue you assign to them. Each characters thoughts and statements should distinctly portray their individual opinions and emotions.
Subtext — How much of what we think and feel do we really say? However, at least a portion of that is shown through our body language and the mood of our actions. Actions speak louder than words…thunderously. Apply that very idea to your writing. Situations in stories — and life — are rooted deeper and far more complicated. Allow your characters to speak what it is they are not saying.
Your story’s conflict should be present page to page, constantly reminding readers of the journey they have embarked on. There may not be a constant obstacle, but the character carries the conflict on his shoulder, in her heart, and is visible in every moment — as it makes up who they are.
–Melissa
Friday: New Writing Tip and Writing Prompt
Add comment February 3, 2010
Write Your Book: Structuring Your Plot
It is 2 a.m. and I am fighting sleep. In the morning, when I sip my coffee, eyes half open, I may regret my decision to read just one more page. One more page, then write, then one more page — that was my thought process. I was…or am…entangled in the gradual climb of characters that I have come to care about and their story that is now part of my own. I have succumbed to the plot.
The Plot — how is it done? What magical ingredient is blended in with the words to turn pages? And where do we, as writers, discover and develop our own hook?
A plot is simply the casual sequence of events within a story along with the Why each event happened — the plot draws you into the character’s lives and helps you to understand each character choice. Narrative tradition calls for developing stories with particular pieces — plot elements — in place.
- Exposition — the information needed to understand a story. The exposition is when you introduce the reader to the setting, the characters and the situation (conflict) in which they find themselves. Show how the situation drives the character from their normal life toward a different conflicting situation, beginning the outline for the story.
- Complication (Action) — situations which develop the story through a series of complications and obstacles and the rising and falling of tension. Continually raise the stakes of your character’s emotional journey. Remember to advance both inner and outer conflicts, having them work together to show hope and disappointment. Include unexpected turns of events by surprising your readers with character actions and the surrounding events.
- Climax — the moment when tension runs deepest and stakes are at their highest and danger its worst. For example, right before an expected story turn, the character reaches the point in which all is lost and the goal unreachable. But then, characters then draw upon new strengths or lessons that can bring the story to a conclusion.
- Resolution — ties together any loose ends and allows the reader to see outcomes of character decisions. A resolution shows evidence of positive changes in the characters and surrounding events.
When writing your story, keep in mind that there is not a single right or wrong way to develop plot structure. Good structure can have multiple forms, so try not to over focus on the plot. Allow your plot to become a natural outcome of the route of your story — emerging from your setup of characters, their conflicts and the setting. Layout the sequence of events and determine which story techniques work. Use tips and advise solely as a map. The finding of your own path deep within yourself is the pleasure of writing and will lead you through the creation and development of your story’s plot.
Tomorrow: Insight into the Importance of Conflict.
–Melissa
Add comment February 2, 2010
Writers, Let’s Write!
Over and over you hear and we (along with every other writer’s blogger and advice giver) say to Write, Write and Write more. You hear that writing is the only way to improve upon your craft of writing … that practice makes perfect.
As with any other profession or hobby, you and I need a release — a change of pace or an opportunity to write something separate from our current work. And so, I am directing your attention to the Writing Prompts.
A new writing prompt is posted every Friday specifically for your writing enjoyment or for welcomed (and maybe even unwelcomed) homework — and is conveniently located on the right hand side (just scroll down a bit :). Its purpose is to allow you to branch out in new directions with your writing, stimulating new creativity and refreshing your spirits towards your current projects.
So enjoy. Enjoy the prompts, and enjoy your writing.
–Melissa
Add comment January 29, 2010
Writing Exercises: Bring Out the Character in Your Characters
A character should be engaging, compelling, real. How do we take the idea of a character and develop it into a walking, talking (written) person with all the idiosyncrasies specific to individual self.
Think about your character. Picture the details in your mind. And now ask yourself — or, better yet, ask your character — to answer the following questions so the two of you may become acquainted.
Character Questionnaire —
Name and age? Nickname? Given by whom?
What is most noticeable about your character’s appearance? Are he/she’s feelings favorable or unfavorable towards it? Why?
Describe your character’s demeanor.
Picture your character’s hair. How does your character wear it? How does he/she handle and touch it?
Describe your character’s hands. What does he/she use them for?
What is your character’s style? What types of clothing and shoes does he/she wear? Colors?
What does your character do first thing in the morning? Last thing at night?
Describe common gestures your character makes. Any habits?
Describe your characters voice. Any common phrases?
What does your character carry in his pockets, her purse, brief case or car? How does it relate to their personality?
Where does your character live? Describe the city or town. Describe the house. Feelings toward the location?
Has your character lived anywhere else? How does he/she feel about those places? Why did he/she leave?
What is your character’s favorite spot in his/her home? Least favorite? Why?
What does your character’s bedroom look like? What does it say about him/her?
What does your character dream about?
Describe your character’s family. What are the feelings between the character and each family member?
Who does your character love? Has loved? Loves him/her?
Is your character single, in a relationship or married? What are the elements of that relationship?
What is your character’s profession? Earnings? Feelings about the job?
What does your character do during spare time? A hobby? Any passions?
What is your character’s most treasured possession? Where did they get it?
What does your character fear or struggle with?
If possible, what about your character’s life would he/she change?
What is your character’s philosophy on life? Strong beliefs?
Biggest mistake? Best thing ever done?
What, right now, does your character want most of all?
I know that this is a long list of questions, and the truth is, there are many more to ask. You, as well as I, are developing a relationship with each character and in order to share their story with readers, we must know them.
The collection of each character’s story, in a collaborative effort, will then help you to write your story. Much of what is previously written may not be stated in your completed work, but will be visible in the interactions of each character and the transitions throughout the story. Your behind the book efforts will give you confidence in your characters and realistic responses to any given situation.
Good Luck and Let us know how your characters are evolving.
–Melissa
The following is a developmental exercise to help get the words moving once you have a foundation for your character.
Exercise: Describe your character in his/her familiar environment performing a habitual task and add in an element of emotion. Use suggestion to convey your character and the emotions. Try not to tell the readers, but create a mood and persona. Go back and discover if your character’s movements offer insight into whom he/she is.
Add comment January 27, 2010
Write Your Book: 3-D, an Arc, and Knowing Your Characters
All stories are about people, even when they are about elephants. It is the being — the feeling and personality — inspired through imagination and a creative collectiveness of what surrounds us that develops a character. And the stories that move us, the ones you and I hold onto, have found the art of the character in all its aspects.
Personalities are complex. They are dimensional. A character needs to reach the reader on a level of understanding, connectivity and admiration for the journey.
Goal 1: Avoid stereotypes. Preplan your character’s attributes and allow them to develop throughout your storyline. Flat and predictable personalities will lead to uninteresting characters that move at a rocky pace. As the writer, you need to know your characters before you place them in motion within your story.
Goal 2: Make your characters 3-D. (And I mean without the psychedelic glasses). A three-dimensional character has an inside and an outside. On the inside, a well-written character is built of motivating forces, hopes, fears and ethics that drive their inner life. On the outside, each character will show habits, mannerisms, personality traits, styles and tendencies visible to other characters as well as the reader. Begin writing your characters, starting with their inner selves and extending to their outer selves.
Goal 3: Define your Character Arc. This is the path of personal growth a character undergoes in a story in which he/she wrestles with and overcomes a limitation; transcending their own flaws to do something great. Great can be anything, but it is often the quietest and more personal of moments that define us. The ones in which we overcome our own limitations and rise towards something more. The arc keeps the flow of tension and conflict moving throughout the story.
As writers, we need to establish a relationship with our characters — get to know them and make them family. Understand what makes them who they are and how that fits in with the role they will play. The inner workings, or behind the scenes, of your writing will mirror the outer story.
You may learn about your characters simply by writing about them, whether those notes and ideas are included in your story or not. Develop your characters before their debut — each imperfection and quirk adds realness and a human element identifiable by readers.
Now let’s dig a little deeper… Tomorrow: Writing Exercises to Bring Out the Character in Your Characters
–Melissa
Add comment January 26, 2010
Write Your Book: Your Writing Ritual
You can ask anyone who writes what happens or needs to happen to set creativity in motion. A quieted mind. That lucky sweater. The right setting. The little habits and routines that make setting aside time to write part of the daily grind.
I am referring to a writer’s ritual. Yours and mine and what we do to be comfortable while writing. Maybe your ritual is already well-defined or maybe you’re still placing all of the key elements in line. Sitting in a particular chair. The smell of a pipe. Moonlight or sunshine. Create a little nook; a place of comfort and security that allows your mind and imagination the freedom to roam.
The writer’s ritual is a process understood and often needed by writers. The main focus of your ritual should be allowing your environment and certain patterns play a role in how you start writing and keep your flow.
Benefits to a Writing Ritual:
Reduces Anxiety. The effort of writing can increase anxiety. The routine of a ritual, a place and time with comforting and familiar surroundings, invokes positive feelings and confidence and gives you a sense of identity.
Increased Control. A writing ritual doesn’t guarantee you will always be in control of your writing, but it can give you the feeling of such control. Once you are in that place, it is just you and the writing. An “at home” feeling gives you the power to be yourself through your work and to reach for new heights. You have decided to create a routine and now it is time to write.
Fluency. A combination of the above helps to eliminate writer’s block and enhance the flow of your writing and the development of your story. Most rituals take place during story development and idea generation, lessening the need for constant revisions.
The act of writing rituals may seem inconsequential to some, but its’ purpose is to create the setting for you as a writer and to give you whatever you need to creatively and effectively write.
And now I ask you to experiment. Try different locations and incorporate a variety of your preferred comforts. You’ll know when you have found it — the perfect scenario for your writing. It is when, where and how you are able to openly and uncritically explore all possibilities.
Share with us what you ritually do to enhance your writing.
–Melissa
Coming Soon… A look into Characters.
Add comment January 19, 2010
Write Your Book: Crafting a Voice
A Voice. It is what every writer wants to have and every reader longs to read. A written identity, yours and mine, unique to each of us. We know it’s there, in the mix of all our thoughts, ideas, and hopes for our version visible on paper. But, how do we uncover our personal writing voice and craft a personality recognizable by readers?
Written words say something about who you are, whether it is your interests, an angle you prefer to take, or something a little more personal. Your voice is your writing style. It is your story, the way you tell it.
It’s easy to get caught up in the appreciation of our favorite authors, recognizing what it is that gives them their voices. And it is also okay to practice with techniques learned from the authors you read. But don’t restrain your abilities and your voice by only mimicking what has already been done.
Here are a few ways to help keep you on the path of sharing your voice:
Let passion be your guide. Follow your urge to write. Follow your ideas and inspirations.
Find the Feeling. Each piece of writing has an underlying feeling. Find the feeling that belongs to what you are writing and let yourself go. The piece may then write itself.
Write like you talk. It may really be that simple. Try speaking aloud or recording your thoughts before you begin to write.
Keep it personal. Let who you are shine in your writing. Your specialties and interests will color your words.
Edit later. Leave the focus on mechanics to the editing stage. Just write. Let yourself make mistakes and you can fix them later. There are no bad first drafts.
The easiest free flowing form of writing is your voice; it’s the one that comes naturally and from your core. It is the internal voice that made you fall in love with writing, the voice that wants to be heard. Be yourself in your writing. Announce that this is you and this is what the readers can expect when reading your work.
–Melissa
Next Week: Let’s dig into story development. See you then…
Add comment January 15, 2010
Beware of the Exclamation Point
I thought while Melissa was doing this great series on starting a book this week I’d jump in with a quick tip to keep in mind while you’re writing.
I have a pet peeve that I’m often guilty of myself which is strange because I usually try to avoid doing my own pet peeves. But this one is there, hanging around and getting in my writing. I’m speaking of exclamation points. Of all punctuation, the exclamation point is the one that requires the most sensitive handling. Too much and your readers are annoyed and the effectiveness of the exclamation point is wasted. Too little and your writing seems dull and flat with no expression.
In her excellent book on proper punctuation use, Eats, Shoots and Leaves, author Lynne Truss has this to say about exclamation points.
“Ever since it came along, grammarians have warned us to be wary of the exclamation mark, mainly because, even when we try to muffle it with brackets (!), it still shouts, flashes like neon, and jumps up and down. In the family of punctuation, where the full stop is daddy and the comma is mommy, and the semicolon quietly practices the piano with crossed hands, the exclamation point is the big attention-deficit brother who gets over-excited and breaks things and laughs too loudly.” (Truss, page 138).
Whenever you type or write an exclamation point stop and consider if it serves the sentence or paragraph you just wrote, or is it being the “big attention-deficit brother.” An exclamation point is used to show strong emotion or emphasis. If the sentence you just wrote doesn’t require strong emotion it should not end in an exclamation point. Here are some correct and incorrect ways to use exclamation points:
Correct:
- Get attention: Look out! There’s a car speeding toward you!
- Surprise/Excitement: Oh my goodness, what a generous gift!
- Shock: The president has been shot!
- Urgency: Watch out for the icy roads!
- Anger: The new smoking ban is completely absurd!
- Astonishment: I cannot believe she is pregnant!
Incorrect:
- This orange is the best I’ve ever had!! It is so sweet and juicy!!!
- You’ll have the most fun you ever had in your life!!
- See you tomorrow!!
As you can see from these examples, the exclamation point has its place in writing. Without it, “Look out, there’s a car speeding toward you” falls completely flat. Be thankful for the exclamation point, but be wary of it too. Keep it in your back pocket and use it only when it’s really necessary.
Happy writing! (correct or incorrect use? You tell me J)
- Kate
Add comment January 14, 2010
Write Your Book: Get Started
So, you have been thinking about writing a book. Maybe you’ve dabbled with a page or two, or even a chapter. Your story’s topic may be well defined or in bits and pieces. Perhaps an idea for a title is already in motion.
To get started writing a book, you have to just get started. I know, I know…this is easier said than done. So let’s take a look at the dominating reasons why you, I, and almost every other writer hesitate. Why we don’t just get started.
- An overwhelming task. Writing a book is an accomplishment. We tend to focus on the end result which seems so large. Break down your final goal into stages. Piece by piece, chapter by chapter, you are another step closer. Don’t rush yourself and enjoy the process.
- Time. The truth is that there is always time for writing. Always. The only way to start writing is to start writing, right now. There is not a timeline or a deadline for your story so don’t wait and allow as much time as you think you can make available.
Each writing crutch goes hand in hand with the other and there is a very simple solution for both. Create a writing plan. Decide on a time each day and write. Don’t worry about quality — just write. You may write pages that you’ll throw out later, but they are developmental to where you are going.
Write, write, write and write. Maybe it’s notes, an outline, descriptions of scenes or characters. Or maybe you simply begin your story. Write and write more. You need nothing to start but yourself and the decision to do so.
And so, to avoid the sugar coating and faux rose scent, I tell you that there is No Other Solution. Pick a time each day and write. What will come from each effort is your story — the emerging of your book and your author voice.
Sneak peek: Friday brings Write Your Book: Crafting a Voice.
Until then, keep writing.
–Melissa
Add comment January 13, 2010
