The Story solution was written for Screenwriting. This is suggested for the writer who needs to look at their story in scene. It’s helpful to picture each chapter and the few “scenes” within each chapter as scenes like those you would see in a movie. He reveals in this book his” 23 interlocking actions used in every successful screenplay to create dynamic, three-dimensional heroes, and captivating, emotion-filled plots”.
Read MoreI have not read this one yet. It came highly recommended from my last writing class. Did I mention that I’ve taken classes from Gotham Writers for about seven years. I’ve found them to be a great way to workshop a novel and to be part of a community of writers.
In the master class, I wrote the last 150 pages of Madison in six weeks and skipped much of the description in order to get the story down. I am going to read Word Painting next to help me flesh out the last half of Madison.
Read MoreI am proceeding on the premise that a successful writer is an avid reader. Besides the classics and the new bestsellers, much of that reading should be books to progress your writing. This book is the single most helpful book on creating story. She’s amazing.
Read MoreOkay, so it isn’t a writing book. But let’s face it, when we sit down to write and the house is a mess we are all too happy to get up and work on anything other than our novel. This has some really great writing avoidance techniques. I mean, if you aren’t getting your butt in that seat to write, you might as well get the house organized for once and for all. After that, get your butt in that seat to write. My house is more organized than it ever was before I started writing. I no longer have any excuses not to sit and write. Enjoy.
Read MoreNo writer’s library is complete without these three books.
A writer’s time, by Kenneth Atchity. He says it all in the first two words: Writers write. It’s nice to know that every feeling you go through writing a book and taking it to publishing, has been felt by others. He is a one man cheering section, not to mention extraordinary ideas for writers regarding time management.
Stephen King’s, On Writing is an essential book to see how difficult a time a truly successful novelist had in the beginning. Even if his stories are not your thing, this book on writing is fabulous.
Finally, The Elements of Style, by Strunk/White/Kalman. No writer should be without this reference for the basic principles of plain English and the mantra of the book is so appropriate: “Make every word tell (the story).”
Read MoreI know we have this online. However, during my edit using repetitive word software, the Thesaurus has been my best buddy. I find myself browsing for alternatives to my overly used verbs, adjectives, and those lowly adverbs that I decide to allow into my manuscript. Another must have. What can I tell you?
Read MoreI’ve finished a novel. Madison is finally completed. Really, I’ve written three. The others are marinating in the desk drawer. But this one, I want to carry forward over the publishing threshold. I’m editing it for the third time and it will probably see a few more full edits before I’m through. I’ve had an editor review the entire thing only to learn that I put the cart in front of the horse with that move. If nothing else, I am beginning to understand the process.
I’ve sent out about twenty query letters to as many agents and received several very nice responses. Those responses made it clear that a website is pretty much a mandatory requirement. I am now spending my summer building a website. It is a fun endeavor. I’m learning quite a bit and I am enjoying collecting personal content for it.
Oh, how I am tempted to put Madison in the desk and start a brand-new fresh novel. I miss the free hand writing with abandon, getting into the writing flow and loosing myself in the process. So much fun! But no. I am going to see this through. I’ll keep you posted on my progress in this author blog space. Have a wonderful summer.
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I am still digesting this book and it calls for a second read. It’s a no-nonsense approach to the craft of storytelling. How to bring in the drama, grab a reader and not let go. A good “how-to” to add depth and texture to your novel. I’m afraid that it will call for a total rewrite of my manuscript. Sigh.
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