This is my Insecure Writers Support Group post for August 2021.
and Sandra Cox!
Please stop by their blogs and say thank you.
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August question - What is your favorite writing craft book? Think of a book that every time you read it you learn something or you are inspired to write or try the new technique. And why?
I'm gonna be a real rebel this month.
I chose to answer only the first part of the question, because I rarely read craft books more than once. And I'm going to break the rules by listing more than one.
Save The Cat by Blake Snyder
(I also have the STC for writers version on my e-reader, but I haven't read it yet.)
This is the book I'm most likely to go back to an re-read, at least parts of it. I also use a STC-style beat sheet to polish my plots. I got the worksheet from Jami Gold.
Other books that have helped me on my writing journey are:
Self-Editing For Fiction Writers by Browne & King
Techniques of the Selling Writer by Dwight Swain
The First Five Pages by Noah Lukeman
(This one may make you want to self-publish *gasp*, but it will save you time and trouble if you decide to pursue a traditional publisher.)
Techniques of the Selling Writer by Dwight Swain
The First Five Pages by Noah Lukeman
(This one may make you want to self-publish *gasp*, but it will save you time and trouble if you decide to pursue a traditional publisher.)
I have also gleaned a wealth of knowledge from blog posts and critique partners--probably as much or more than I've gleaned from books.
One book on my shelf that I haven't read yet is The Art of War for Writers by James Scot Bell. I hear it's good.
Thanks for visiting. :)
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IWSG is the brainchild of Alex J. Cavanaugh. It's a monthly bloghop that offers a safe haven for writers to express their feelings and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. It's also a venue for offering support, both in the form of comments and positive posts. Writers of all kinds are welcome.
We 'meet' the first Wednesday of every month. If you're interested in learning more, click on the link above. And don't be intimidated by the size of the group. We're not expected to visit everyone on the list.
I've read Self-Editing for Fiction Writers and The First Five Pages many times. I like a different version of Save the Cat. It's Save the Cat for Writers.
ReplyDeleteI have that, too, in ebook form. Need to read it.
DeleteThe self-editing book has been on several lists today.
ReplyDeleteIt's a good one and doesn't only cover spelling and grammar editing. It has much more.
DeleteI have now seen a repeat of Save the Cat, it must be a good one.
ReplyDeleteThat's another one I have (in ebook form) that I haven't read yet.
DeleteSave the Cat! My favorite book.
ReplyDeleteI hope the one for writers is even better.
DeleteAnd thanks for ordering the mugs!
DeleteI don't own Techniques of the Selling Writer, but I do all the rest! Great list. One I definitely agree with.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was writing up my blog post, I wanted to include the web resources I refer back to a lot, but then I started rambling on about the book I picked, and decided that was long enough for a post.
Throw it in the next one. :)
DeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteI usually read my crafts books more than once too, and I like Save The Cat very much. I also have Dwight Swain and Self-Editing For Fiction Writers.
All the best.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat G @ EverythingMustChange
I love Self-Editing For Fiction Writers!
ReplyDeleteIt's a good one.
DeleteSave the Cat seems to be a popular choice. I selected that one, too.
ReplyDeleteIt is. It's very good.
DeleteSuch a rebel :)
ReplyDeleteHappy August!
LOL
DeleteSame to you, though I'm ready for October and cooler weather.
Yep those are must reads! I use STC for every story. Those beats are ingrained in my head. I took a STC master class once and it was really good.
ReplyDeleteI have to read STC. I've heard such good things about it and have it on my bookshelf. Just haven't made the time to read it.
ReplyDeleteI've read a couple of the books you've mentioned, and heard about the rest. What I probably really need, however, is a book on writing good prose.
ReplyDeleteTry Self-Editing for Fiction Writers. It's not about proofreading (spelling, grammar, etc.), as the title makes it sound.
DeleteHello Melissa. I'm pleased I've met someone this round who mentions Techniques of the Selling Writer by Dwight Swain. I find a lot of conferences, online courses, use his book as the basis of their teaching. A stellar book.
ReplyDeleteYes, it is. Thanks for visiting my blog.
DeleteSave the Cat is my fave! keeps me organized
ReplyDeleteI like your other recs as well
hope things are going well for you!
Tara Tyler Talks
Thanks for the craft books shout-out, Melissa:)
ReplyDelete