Welcome to Writers' Anonymous

[JeannieHolmes]

I've created this section for anyone who wants to discuss the process of writing and the business of publishing.

Please note, I CANNOT read your individual work or refer you to an agent for legal reasons.

However, if you have a question about character development, plot holes, query letters, etc. -- I'll gladly answer general questions, as best as I can and as my schedule allows.


--Jeannie

[amarchen]

Could you recommend me some books on writing?

Thanks!

[JeannieHolmes]

One of my favorite books is Sol Stein's ON WRITING because it covers the fundamentals of fiction as well as nonfiction writing.

As for other recommendations, it really depends on the genre and if you need to work on a specific issue. But here are a few I can recommend:

On Writing Horror: A Handbook by the Horror Writers Association

How to Write Science Fiction and Fantasy by Orson Scott Card

Creating Character Emotions by Ann Hood

Writing the Breakout Novel by Donald Maass

The Fire in Fiction: Passion, Purpose, and Techniques for Making Your Novel Great by Donald Maass

Plot & Structure by James Scott Bell

Murder and Mayhem by D.P. Lyle

Howdunit Forensics by D.P. Lyle

Forensics and Fiction by D.P. Lyle

Hope this helps.

[amarchen]

Wow, I might be in the right track because I have almost all of them

I am reading "The Writers Journey" and I like it a lot. I started with "Writing Fiction for Dummies" and it has helped me a great lot.

Another question: Do you organize your writing? I mean, do you outline a lot or do you start with a simple idea and start writing, going with the flow?

Thanks!

[JeannieHolmes]

I start with a basic idea of how a story will unfold and then create a loose outline. My outlines aren't chiseled in stone. I leave room for the characters to surprise me. I think all stories need a structure, plus I tend to have complicated plots, so that's why I outline.

The key to writing is to find what works for you. Some writers never outline and create wonderful stories. Others outline in great detail and they also create literary marvels. If you've tried outlining and find it too restricting, toss the outline and just write. The reverse is also true. If you've written 1000 pages and feel you're going nowhere, try outlining.

There is no one way to approach writing. What works for me may not work for someone else. I hope this makes sense and you find some value in it. It's early for me and I haven't had nearly enough coffee yet. ;D

[Raven]

Can I add a few books that were recommended to me and that I found very helpful?

ON WRITING by Stephen King
Part bio, part instructional- very informative and entertaining

BIRD BY BIRD by Ann Lamott
Extremely inspirational and helpful!

FIRST FIVE PAGES by Noah Lukeman
Very informative. Kicks your butt into shape! Not at all entertaining or fun, but gets the job done.

My copies are full of notes and sticky tabs.
Read with a pen handy. If you aren't underlining or taking notes, you're not taking it seriously- in my anal opinion.

[JeannieHolmes]

Great books, Ravie! Thanks for sharing.

[amarchen]

Thank you Raven! I listened to "On Writing", read by Stephen King and the experience was fantastic. It was a moving experience.

[ailishsmom]

Thought I'd share this recent pep talk for aspiring authors by Jim Butcher.


And to all the authors (published, pre-published or otherwise) out there: Hang in there! We got your back!

There ain't no free lunch.

[Skitty]

I really liked the Jim Butcher post. Can be applied to life in general, not just writing. Thanks T!