Face it. Most of us do not have unlimited funds to attend workshops and conferences on a regular basis, especially those of us who are yet pre-published. So what do we do to improve our technique and therefore increase our chances of getting “the call?”
I’ve recently finished two incredibly helpful books on writing. The first is Syd Field’s The Foundations of Screenwriting. I know what those of you who haven’t read his book are thinking. You write novels, not screenplays. Mr. Field is a plotting genius. He lays out the foundations for a story so simply, in such a plotting-for-dummies kind of way that the only thought running through my head as I read his book was “duh.” Why didn’t I see that before? So that’s where my book should really begin or end or climax or whatever.
After this epiphany, I started on Debra Dixon’s Goal, Motivation & Conflict. Where Mr. Field’s book shines on overall story structure, I found Goal, Motivation & Conflict to be most helpful in developing individual characters and scenes. As in do I need that scene? Or darn it! I spent four days on that scene and it stinks. How do I save it? What is my character doing in this scene and why?
Does anyone else have recommendations for excellent books on the craft of writing? What do you like about them?
Melinda Leigh is an award winning pre-published author of romantic suspense.
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Hey, Melinda! I’ve heard lots of things about King’s ON WRITING. I broke down and ordered the other day. Waiting on it to come so see what I think about it.
by Keri Ford March 23rd, 2009 at 10:09 amThanks Keri. I’ll put that on my wish list.
by Melinda Leigh March 23rd, 2009 at 11:03 amHI Melinda (waving from GIAMx4 loop),
I’ve got On Writing Romance by Leigh Michaels, because I sort of wandered accidentally into romance writing [I took a left turn at fantasy and it somehow turned into paranormal chick lit, go figure] and wasn’t sure I understood all the rules.
I keep hearing good things about the G, M & C book–might have to break down and get that one, too.
by Deborah Blake March 23rd, 2009 at 8:28 pmDeborah-I understand completely. I backed into writing romantic suspense. I’ll be sure to check out Leigh Michaels’ book. thanks.
by Melinda Leigh March 24th, 2009 at 8:19 amHi Melinda,
Great post!
I’ve wanted to read Deb Dixon’s book too..it looks great!
Also, I did read Stephen King’s book. After a renewed it so many times from the library, I finally broke down and bought it! Soooo inspirational….and definitely one you can re-read and get something new from it!
by Christine Clemetson March 24th, 2009 at 3:21 pmI’ve heard a lot about Deb Dixon’s GMC, but have yet to get it. My favorites are Vogler’s The Writer’s Journey, You Just Don’t Understand by Deborah Tannen and Goddesses in Everywoman by Jean Shineda Bolen. They all dovetail nicely to help you work on plot, dialogue and characters respectively.
by Caridad Pineiro April 8th, 2009 at 1:25 pm