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| books on a shelf* |
Your hostesses here at Seriously are grateful to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for the sake of freedom this Memorial Day. We honor them. Thanks goes out to their families as well.
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As many of you know, I’m working on a book series. There’s
nothing like a contractual deadline to get you focused on your work, right? Or
focused on your weaknesses. I’ve discovered over the years that there are (at least) five
stages in growing as a writer:
1. Not seeing the missing elements in your work.
2. Knowing something is missing, but being unable to identify
what.
3. Identifying what’s missing but not knowing how to fix it.
4. Knowing what’s missing and where to go for help to fix it.
5. Knowing what’s missing, knowing how to fix it, and
effectively fixing it.
This week, I found myself in just such a place as number
four above—I knew something was missing in my plot arc, but I couldn’t fix it
without help. So I turned to a writing craft book for help.
We’re living in an age of plentiful writing craft books. My
writing craft library grows nearly every year, how about yours? I’m forever a student
of the craft, and I recommend we stay teachable. Here is a list of some books on writing
that have helped me over the years, and perhaps they have helped/can help you:
Rivet Your Readers
with Deep Point of View by Jill Elizabeth Nelson—a helpful, short-read
how-to on mastering deep POV. I often point my editing clients to this
resource. Very helpful!
The Writer’s Journey
by Christopher Vogler—a guide to mythic structure and the hero’s journey.
The Anatomy of Story
by John Truby—written for screenwriters, but helpful for all story crafters,
this book helps writers develops story elements in a compelling way to satisfy
their readers.
Plot and Structure
by James Scott Bell—a nuts and bolts approach to crafting a compelling plot
readers can’t resist.
The Irresistible Novel
by Jeff Gerke—a book for beginners about writing from your passion, and
learning the rules so you can break them. This book also helps fiction writers
craft a novel that engages their readers’ emotions throughout.
Write Your Novel from
the Middle by James Scott Bell—a very helpful, short-read guide to zeroing
in on your story’s central theme. This writing how-to directs writers to craft
the character’s self-awareness moment midway through the novel and write the beginning
to build up to that point, and write the ending to show the transformation from
that midway point. I highly recommend this one!
The Story Equation
by Susan May Warren—another how-to I highly recommend. This guide helps you design
your characters by considering key elements. This book released in 2016, and I’ve
found it to be tremendously helpful since then in my own writing. Don’t miss
out on this one. (Incidentally, I also have several of Susie May’s
workbooks as well. Extremely useful! Find them at www.mbt.academy)
Techniques of a
Selling Writer by Dwight Swain—everyone talks about this book! I recently
recommended it to a client who wasn’t following the logic of action, reaction,
decision. (my words). Beginners and seasoned writers will find useful tips here.
For me, having these (and several other craft books) on hand
in print format works best. That way I can highlight throughout and then pull them from my
shelf as needed. I tried studying craft books on my Kindle in e-book format, and I can highlight
there, but for some reason the information sinks deeper when I highlight, and
refer back to, the paperback copy.
Your turn: Which writing craft books have helped you the
most? Which do you recommend? Do you ever turn to craft books to help you fix
what’s missing in your novel? (I sure do!) If you were recommending a single craft
book to a new writer, which one would you point them toward?
Happy writing (and studying), friends!
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| Husband Material by Annette M. Irby |
Wyatt Hansen has no fears about commitment, but only three years have passed since his beloved wife died, and he can't bring himself to break their annual dinner date—that is until he meets restaurant owner, Lara Farr. Lara doesn't have time for romance; she has a business to run. At least that's what she tells herself so she doesn't have to admit that commitment scares her. But Lara's business is failing, and it just may take a miracle—or marketing analyst, Wyatt Hansen—to save it. Can Wyatt rescue Lara’s restaurant, help her overcome her fears, and prove he is good husband material?
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| Annette M. Irby |
Annette M. Irby is a freelance editor and Christian fiction author who dabbles in gardening and photography. She has completely fallen in love with her grandson. She enjoys spending time with her family and husband of over twenty-five years. You can learn more about Annette by visiting her website or her page here on Seriously Write.
Connect with me at:
Facebook Reader Circle: https://www.facebook.com/groups/252272708574760
Twitter: @AnnetteMIrby
Book Review Website: www.annetteirby.com
* Photo credit: the awesome folks at Pixabay.com
