Words On Words
October 9, 2007
I visited a local bookstore this afternoon to buy some writing references for November. Unfortunately, I left empty-handed. I’d already read the well-known books on the shelf, and nothing else really jumped out at me. I was also disgusted by the outrageous prices. Writing books are usually quite expensive, but still having to pay an extra $7 above the American price when the Canadian dollar is higher just really bugs me.
To keep my interest piqued for NaNoWriMo, I’ve decided I should have some writing-related books ready to read during the month. I’m going to dunk my head into this thing and not come up for air until December. I’m searching for inspirational author autobiographies as well as general writing references.
For the autobiographies, I’m considering rereading Stephen King’s On Writing and Terry Brooks’ Lessons From a Writing Life. Both are fantastic, and I’d gladly recommend them to anyone even remotely interested in the craft. For the references, I just found a half-read Immediate Fiction by Jerry Cleaver on my shelf, so I’ll definitely be reading that. I also have my eye on Beginnings, Middles & Ends by Nancy Kress and Characters & Viewpoint by Orson Scott Card.
If anyone has any favourite books they’d like to recommend, that would be fantastic. I’m always on the lookout for great writing-related books. I’d be especially grateful for an autobiography recommendation. It’s inspiring to read how someone else accomplished the task you’re setting out to face.
Well, welcome to the club of NaNo hopefuls. This is year number… five for me? I barely scratched by in 2005 with 45,000 (5,000 short of goal) but I’m hopeful that this year will be different. I’m going to start up a NaNo blog for my writings and musings; you’re welcome to join in on the madness once it’s up and going.
I’m so excited that you’re doing this!
Comment by Amanda — October 9, 2007 @ 8:10 pm
Happy to be a member!
45,000 is very good. I’ll be happy if I reach that.
Comment by Rob — October 10, 2007 @ 1:55 am
Stephen King’s On Writing is a real gem, definitely worth the re-read! Good luck with it all - hope NaNoWriMo goes really well for you!
Comment by Absolute Vanilla (and Atyllah) — October 10, 2007 @ 3:28 am
Donald Maass’ “Writing the Breakout Novel” is also a good one.
Comment by Bernita — October 10, 2007 @ 8:45 am
I could let you in on my secrets, but then I might have to kill you. Or maybe trade secret for secret. Secret secret secret! If I was saying “beetlejuice” we’d all be treated to Michael Keaton in stripey pants, right about now. Ahh.
Comment by mb — October 10, 2007 @ 8:22 pm
Pee ess, order books from Amazon. With that crazy looney (HAR!) being stronger than our pitiful weakling currency, you’re sure to snap up a real bargain. Especially in the used books. K, I’m done hijacking your space. Promise.
Comment by mb — October 10, 2007 @ 8:24 pm
“Elements of Style,” Strunk & White. ESSENTIAL. Really, I’m done now.
Comment by mb — October 10, 2007 @ 8:24 pm
Anne Lamott’s Bird by Bird is great. Also, Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg. I’ll warn you though, writing books can kill your drive. Don’t over-indulge.
Comment by Jaye Wells — October 10, 2007 @ 9:22 pm
I’ve read both Bird by Bird and On Writing - both good.
Comment by strugglingwriter — October 11, 2007 @ 11:59 am
Thanks Vanilla! I really enjoyed “On Writing” the first time around, but it’s been years. Looking forward to rereading it.
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Thanks for the suggestion, Bernita. “Writing the Breakout Novel” is actually the most recent writing-related book I read. It was a good one.
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Mwahaha, beware the crazy looney! Unfortunately, mb, we only get free shipping through Amazon.ca, and those prices are still higher than the prices listed on Amazon.com, so either way it comes out to about the same price. The used books suggestion is a good one, though…
“Elements of Style” is the one book that’s always next to my computer. I love that little thing.
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Thanks Jaye! “Bird by Bird” was one of the first writing books I ever read. I remember finding it really inspirational when I did.
I’ve actually also read “Writing Down the Bones”, but when I went to have a look through my bookshelf just now, I noticed a copy of her other book “Thunder and Lightning: Cracking Open the Writer’s Craft” that was sitting there unread. I must have picked it up at the same time and forgotten about it. So thanks, in a roundabout way you found me a free book to read!
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I also enjoyed both of those, Writer. I’d definitely recommend any of the books listed in the comments here as well. All quality reads.
I guess it’s time to stop reading about writing and actually start writing! It seems I’ve run out of writing books with which to procrastinate!
Comment by Rob — October 11, 2007 @ 10:53 pm
Rob! I just bought “No Plot? No Problem!” from Chapters - it’s by the guy who came up with NaNoWriMo. I’m pretty psyched to read it. I’ll let you know what the verdict is after I finish it.
Comment by Amanda — October 12, 2007 @ 8:40 pm
That’s actually the book I wanted to buy, but the bookstore I went to didn’t have it. I’ve seen it in another bookstore before, so I’m planning to buy it tomorrow. I’ve heard it’s quite good.
Comment by Rob — October 13, 2007 @ 10:22 pm