It's time to once again answer a question for the Express Yourself Weekly Meme. Jackie @ Bouquet of Books and Dani @ Entertaining Interests hosts this meme and provide excellent questions for our consideration.
Are there any writing books you recommend to your fellow writers? If you're not a writer, what books do you recommend to your fellow readers?
Since I consider myself a writer, I'll give you a brief list of books that have helped me become a better writer.
How to Write Science Fiction and Fantasy by Orson Scott Card
This was actually part of my mom's book collection, but as a curious kid who wanted to be a writer more than anything, I ended up keeping this book in my room full time. I read it several times and absorbed all of the advice it had to offer.
On Writing by Stephen King
This book is a wonderful mixture of biography and instruction. It's an entertaining read and full of helpful information.
Zen in the Art of Writing by Ray Bradbury
This book of essays is full of inspiration and tips on how to dredge up the brilliant story ideas you already have floating around inside you. Reading it makes me want to put pen to paper.
Early Del Rey by Lester Del Rey
This book is a compilation of short stories that Lester Del Rey had published early on in his career. Each story is followed by insightful commentary about being a young writer and how one grows as a writer over time.
These sound like ones that may interest me. I think I'll start with Ray Bradbury's. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteGreat choices here! I've read 2 and 3 on your list. I'll look into the other two. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteWhat's your thoughts about no linky as opposed to having one for the meme?
I have not read any but I'll add them to my list. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteGreat Post! I dislike reading books on writing, but am so grateful that I do, because I realize how much I suck and how much I need to improve.
ReplyDeleteWhile "The Essential Guide to Getting your Book Published" by Hilary Eckstut and Henry Sterry is not necessarily in the same vein as the type of writing books you have mentioned, it really has helped shape my writing in the form of queries and all that rot. Wait a minute--I think it has helped me. I am still currently unagented. Hmmmmm. Perhaps my suck-factor is more than previoulsly anticipated.
I have a couple of those.
ReplyDeleteI'd recommend Save the Cat by Blake Snyder. It's on screenplays, but the fifteen beats alone make it worth it to read.
Those are all great picks.
ReplyDelete