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jessicawinum
Feb 26, 2015, 11:07:56 PM2/26/15
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Hi all!
I thought I would get a little Friday conversation started...so, tell me, 'cause I want to know, which books on writing and the writing life are your favorites? What about them makes you love them?
I'll start.
Hands down, my top is Stephen King's book On Writing. I am not a huge fan of King's horror novels, although I did spend a nail-biting few days one summer reading Under The Dome. What I love about King is his honesty about the rigors and dedication that are required to be a successful writer. And he should know!
Next, Bird by Bird, by Anne Lamott. Not a day of writing goes by that I don't say to myself, "Just write a shitty first draft, Jessica." If you don't know what I am talking about, read the book. You won't regret it. And neither will your writing life.
Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg is another favorite. She focuses a lot on the zen quality of freewriting and being true to your writer-self.
And finally there is William Zinsser's nonfiction writing classic On Writing Well. Zinsser is like the friendly, writing mentor we all crave. One who is friendly, down to earth and encouraging. You can't go wrong keeping a copy of this book on your desk next to Strunk and White's The Elements of Style. You do have Strunk and White, don't you? If not, get a copy. Now.
Now, your turn.
~Jessica
I thought I would get a little Friday conversation started...so, tell me, 'cause I want to know, which books on writing and the writing life are your favorites? What about them makes you love them?
I'll start.
Hands down, my top is Stephen King's book On Writing. I am not a huge fan of King's horror novels, although I did spend a nail-biting few days one summer reading Under The Dome. What I love about King is his honesty about the rigors and dedication that are required to be a successful writer. And he should know!
Next, Bird by Bird, by Anne Lamott. Not a day of writing goes by that I don't say to myself, "Just write a shitty first draft, Jessica." If you don't know what I am talking about, read the book. You won't regret it. And neither will your writing life.
Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg is another favorite. She focuses a lot on the zen quality of freewriting and being true to your writer-self.
And finally there is William Zinsser's nonfiction writing classic On Writing Well. Zinsser is like the friendly, writing mentor we all crave. One who is friendly, down to earth and encouraging. You can't go wrong keeping a copy of this book on your desk next to Strunk and White's The Elements of Style. You do have Strunk and White, don't you? If not, get a copy. Now.
Now, your turn.
~Jessica
FWPMikeyDee
Feb 27, 2015, 2:44:46 AM2/27/15
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Yep, King's On Writing is at the top of my list. Numero uno for sure. I'll have to think about the rest.....
That "Just write a shitty first draft " seems like the kind of advice I need. I'll def check Bird By Bird out.
On Thursday, February 26, 2015 at 11:07:56 PM UTC-5, jessicawinum wrote:
On Thursday, February 26, 2015 at 11:07:56 PM UTC-5, jessicawinum wrote:
Hi all!
Debra Farrimond
Mar 16, 2015, 7:00:57 PM3/16/15
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I'd agree on Stephen Kings 'On Writing'. Hands down my favorite and not sure I can think of anything I've like as much as On Writing. I also found lots of great information in Larrys Brooks 'Story Physics'. I also like Writing the Breakout Novel by Donald Maass.
I'm sure there are many I'm leaving out but those three I've read more than once, so it increases their personal value in my eyes!!
Debra
I'm sure there are many I'm leaving out but those three I've read more than once, so it increases their personal value in my eyes!!
Debra
FWPMikeyDee
Mar 16, 2015, 7:10:46 PM3/16/15
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Hmmm, never read either one of those. Gonna have to check them out. Thanks for the heads up!
Kathleen Krueger
Mar 17, 2015, 10:52:29 PM3/17/15
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The War of Art by Steven Pressfield. It's short but provides a very unique view on the struggle many writers face inwardly.
FWPMikeyDee
Mar 27, 2015, 4:01:13 AM3/27/15
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This is a bit off the wall, but I just read Shindler's List for the umpteenth time. It inspires me when I am having trouble getting my thoughts on paper.
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