It’s Official!
I’ve let a few folks, like family and friends know I’m seriously writing. This basically means I’m not talking about I “want to write” a book, but I am writing. Turning 35 this year was one of the driving factors. It was like “Ty” if you want to do this, you might try putting your pen to paper or making use of the laptop for more than surfing.
So seven chapters into my first attempt at a novel, I’m finding the process exhilarating and baffling all at the same time. I want to learn the craft. In between my regular stack of reading material, I have books on plotting, dialogue and characterization. As an avid reader, I have developed a new sense of appreciation for authors. I will post my progress on the blog as a way to keep me motivated.
If you are reading this and you are interested, these books have been plain eye-opening.
- PLOT & STRUCTURE by James Scott Bell
- DIALOGUE by Gloria Kempton
- WRITE GREAT FICTION: CHARACTER, EMOTION & VIEWPOINT By Nancy Kress
If you know of any other great books for writers, please feel free to add a comment. Any other tips for a beginning writer would be appreciated too!
Hi Ty! Thanks for entering my contest and for linking to my blog! How awesome you’re writing!
My favorite book on characterization is GETTING INTO CHARACTER by Brandilyn Collins. She has the most unique book on character development that I’ve ever read. Nancy Kress’s book is really good for emotion and viewpoint, but I thought Brandilyn’s was better for characterization.
Camy
Thanks Camy! I will have to check that one out. I love Brandilyn’s blog.
Hi Ty! I’m with ACFW and I just joined the ACFW Carolinas Yahoo group today.
A book I’ve read that might help you with the difference between mystery and suspense(I had trouble identifying the differences) is How To Writer Killer Fiction by Carolyn Wheat. Here’s a very long link to the book on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1880284626/sr=1-1/qid=1154910469/ref=pd_bbs_1/104-3845934-1560722?ie=UTF8&s=books
Oh and I LOVE Plot & Structure. After reading it I sent JSB an email to thank him for writing such a wonderful book and he replied with a very nice note.