Author: Susan
Date:   12-08-03 16:49

This is another general question. Does anyone have any favorite books on writing fiction?

I have been trying to expand my reading list and would like some recommendations.

Author: Ed Poe
Date:   12-08-03 16:58

These are my two current favorites and they skew toward the writer's life/inspiration. They are "must reads" in my opinion.

ON WRITING by Stephen King
THE FOREST FOR THE TREES by Betsy Lerner


For books on the business end of writing/publishing try:

WRITING THE BREAKOUT NOVEL by Donald Maass
THE CAREER NOVELIST by Donald Maass
BEING YOUR OWN LITERARY AGENT by Richard Curtis
THE BLOCKBUSTER NOVEL by Al Zuckerman

For the theory of the three-act story you can't be the Chris Vogler book, the title of which escapes me at the moment. Also consider STORY by . . . oh darn, what's that guy's name?

I'm not big on craft-of-writing books. Too many rules that apply, except when they don't.

--Ed

Author: Bob Kellogg
Date:   12-08-03 17:31

The two I go back to again and again are:

STEIN ON WRITING by Sol Stein
SELF-EDITING FOR FICTION WRITERS by Browne & King

The first one tells you how to put it together and the second tells you how to make it work.

Bob K.

Author: Susan
Date:   12-08-03 17:40

Thank you I will put those on my wish list. I read Self-editing for Fiction Writer"s and found that very helpful.

The book called "STory" is that the one by Robert MCKee?

Author: Ed Poe
Date:   12-08-03 17:55

The book called "STory" is that the one by Robert MCKee?

Yes.

--Ed

Author: Keith Cronin
Date:   12-08-03 20:24

Stephen King's On Writing is a life-changer. Get the audio version, which he reads himself. Even somebody who's not a fan cannot help but be caught up in his enthusiasm and sincerity - it's like having a nice long chat with good ol' Steve. Great stuff.

Sol Stein's books on writing are great, too - I've got a couple of them.

Anne Lamott's "Bird by Bird" is cool, but you have to be open to the author's quirky, heart-on-the-sleeve delivery. Some male writers don't dig the author's vibe, but I did.

I also enjoyed "Dare to be a Great Writer" by Bishop, mostly because he's such an interesting guy.


KC

Author: -T
Date:   12-09-03 06:59

On Writing by Stephen King

Author: Holli Moncrieff
Date:   12-09-03 10:19

I have just have to give another plug to King's On Writing. It's a fabulous read, and it inspired me to start writing again after a lengthy hiatus.

I also like Writing the Breakout Novel by Donald Maass, but I'd be thrilled if everyone banned Zuckerman's book, since he uses our SASEs to send out advertisements for it.

I've heard The Author's Way is good, but I've never read it.

Author: Tessa
Date:   12-09-03 16:13

Becoming a Writer by Dorothea Brande. One of the best books ever written on writing.

Author: Susan
Date:   12-10-03 12:34

Thanks again to everyone who responded. I'm glad I didn't ask one of those newbie questions that gets everyone mad at me. While I have read some books on writing, I haven't really begun to scratch the surface.

Author: Dave Bobrow
Date:   12-10-03 20:01

Rita Mae Brown's Starting From Scratch is kind of unique.

Paul Darcy Boles' Storycrafting is one I've found helpful.

Author: Santosh Maithani
Date:   12-11-03 05:26

Are there any books available online...

Author: Susan
Date:   12-11-03 11:24

I don't know about books on line. But I do know that you can find bits and pieces of advice just by doing a google search. I've found lots of samples that help explain ways to improve your writing, including showing vs telling, active vs passive voice,etc.