A GOOD WAY TO DEVOUR.....
.....your favorite craft book.
Rarely to I reread a book, unless it is a craft book, and when I read it over it's usually by flipping through the pages to find the part I remember that inspired me. This weekend I picked up James Scott Bell's, Plot and Structure, and started from the beginning.
Here's a summary of how he devours a craft book:
Read 1st time with a yellow highlighter
2nd time with a red pen to mark things missed the 1st time
3rd time write out insights on yellow legal pad
Type up notes
Wow. I have never gone that far, but if a multi-published author/speaker can still learn something new, obviously I can too. (Lol, pretty much goes without saying!) Using that inspiration, I'm recommitting to studying the craft, pulling out my favorites and redigesting the ideas, suggestions, and bits of inspiration that jumpstarted me in the first place.
Here are a few of my faves:
Plot and Structure, by James Scott Bell--love his easy style and practical information. Also enjoying his The Art of War for Writers.
Writing the Breakout Novel, by Donald Maass--stakes, Stakes, STAKES. Also good for developing your premise and big ideas.
But far and away, my all-time favorite writing book is Write Away, by Elizabeth George. There's something about the way she digs into her research, and the way she records her writing journey for each book, that makes her world seem so authentic on the page. This is a great book to curl up with and internalize the wisdom imparted by a long time successful author.
What is your all-time favorite craft book, and more importantly, why?
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Weekend Memories
3 hours ago
10 comments:
I haven't read too many craft books, but instead will carefully read favorite authors to study the craft on the page. I've sometimes gone back and read a novel a second time just to pick up the fine details I might have missed in the first read. I like the sound of Elizabeth George's book, though, and will definitely check it out.
My favorite book on craft is GMC by Debra Dixon. But my favorite writing craft/memoir type book is On Writing by Stephen King. There's just something about that book that intrigues me. Perhaps it is his brutal honesty, about writing, about celebrity, about himself.
:)
I'm working on a A Novel Idea that I got from the ACFW conference last year.
Ok, I know I'm tired this afternoon, but I think I am realizing just how tired...when I read the title to your post, I was thinking you meant craft books as in arts & crafts (like card making, or knitting, or those kind)! Time for a nap I think, lol!
I really need to get some of these kinds of books you mention to help me along the writing path!
Wow! That's an intense way of reading a book. I mostly read for pleasure, so craft books are rarely to be found in my library. However I do have a Creative Writing book that I like to skim from time to time for ideas. :)
I don't have one but I use to sew like a maniac. I really enjoyed it, but at the time writing was taking a backseat. I've since shifted gears and I'm much happier.
WOW! I need your organizational skills big-time.
Hmmm. Favorite craft book would HAVE to be self-editing for fiction writers. That book enhanced my writing ability by about 80%. What I need to do is give it a reread and redo those tough exercises.
Thanks for another great post.
Patti
www.pattilacy.com/blog
I love all of Bell's books. They are hands-down my favorites. I haven't heard of Write Away! I'll have to check it out!
I don't think I have Write Away, must look into that one. Perhaps I've just forgotten. I really need to get reading the craft books again, too.
Bell is a great teacher. So much to learn, so little time!
Joanne, I think you're onto something by rereading your favorite books to see what works. I really should try that!
Erica, how is it that I've never read GMC? I feel like superdork because it's one of the writing staples.
Betsy, I have to pull my copy out again. I've read that one in bits and pieces to glean some good ideas. The concept of pulling together all the greats was brilliant!
Shelley--naps are always a good idea :D Do it!
Julie, when I first read the segment where he talked about his process for reading a craft book, I was in awe. Makes me want to start taking notes on a yellow pad.
T. Anne, anyone who can sew definitely has my respect! I can do basic buttons, but sewing is a real talent.
Oh Patti! How did I forget about Self Editing? It's an amazing resource. That's one I need to go back over.
Jody, I'm with you. All of Bell's books are great. His easy style makes them a delight to read.
Eileen--it's so good to see you! Defintely check out Write Away. It's inspired me more times than I can count.
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