Title: How to be a Famous Writer Before You’re Dead (Your Words in Print and Your Name in Lights)
Author: Ariel Gore

Writing books and magazines used to be in my staple reading diet. I devoured them. But, I’ve pretty much abandoned the habit in the last few years.

I guess, after a while, all the advice just began to sound the same to me. There was nothing new, nothing revealing, nothing that excited me enough to want to actually WRITE.

Then I saw this book at the library a few months ago. I decided to borrow it just for the heck of it.

And, without expecting it, I actually enjoyed reading this book. It inspired me. Gave me lots of ideas and food for thought. But most importantly, it allowed me to explore my writing roots AND got me back to writing.

I also love how it enabled me to explore my strengths and weaknesses as a “rising lit star”… and it helped me to re-focus my writing dreams. And, since finishing this book a couple of months ago, I’ve been on that personal writing journey.

Some of my favourite quotes from the book:

“You must write the thing you most want to read.”

“Embrace your genius.”

“You don’t have to be good at something to do it. Put your heart in to your work, don’t take yourself seriously, and practice!”

The only regret I have about this book is having to return it to the library. I wish I can have it in my own bookshelf to refer to whenever I need to remind myself of certain writing goals and dreams.

Note to Australians: Buy How to Become a Famous Writer Before You’re Dead: Your Words in Print and Your Name in Lights from Fishpond. They offer free shipping for orders over AU$50.

This is the continuation of this previous post about favourite writing books:

* On Writing Well by William Zinsser (Harper & Row, 1980)

Writers Say: “Zinsser is himself a good writer, providing a role model as well as telling writers in words how they ought to proceed. He also gives examples of how other writers solved certain problems.”

* A new self-teaching course in practical English and effective speech by Estelle B. Hunter (The Better Speech Institute of America, Chicago USA 1935)

Writers Say: “I’ve read hundreds of books and articles on writing and this one tops them all. I like these books because they are written in an easy to understand style, and seem to answer all the questions a writer might have. They include problem grammar, imagery in writing, plot building, characterization, etc.”

* Sally Stuart’s Guide to Getting Published by Sally Stuart (Harold Shaw, 1999)

Writers Say: “It’s excellent! She is extremely honest and loves helping writers. The book itself is comprehensive, covers all aspects of writing and is very practical. For instance, one part covers ‘Recognizing salable themes’. My favorite chapter which is the one I really need at this time is titled: ‘On Time Management/Self Discipline’.”

* Fiction Writer’s Workshop by Josip Novakovich (Story Press, 1995)

Writers Say: “No matter how you use it, this book is full of wonderful examples (often using the classics) and very specific help on how to correct problems you have with writing.”

Pluses:
- can be used as a reference book to look up something that is giving you some trouble
- use as a workbook/lesson plan
- can just read through and enjoy

A few years ago, I run a “Favourite Writing Stuff Survey”. A few writers by the name of Nancy, Teresa, Louise, Paul, Carol, Sharon, Margery, Barb, Ken, and Ern took part in the survey, along with a few other writers. And, I’d like to share the results of the survey again right here.

First, off we’ve got the following:

Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Browne & Dave King
Louise Dumont Says: “It not only tells you what NOT to do but it gives you an example of something written in passive voice and THEN shows you how to correct it!”

Other Pluses: a “Show & Tell” chapter, well written with many examples

* Stein on Writing by Sol Stein
Writer Says: “Loaded with helpful info, but especially on characterization.”

* The Complete Guide To Writing and Selling The Christian Novel by Penelope J. Stokes, PhD
Teresa Arseneau Says: “I felt more equipped and more confident of the Lord’s involvement in my writing after reading this book.”

Additional Pluses: helpful hints on how to go about getting a book published, advice on writing like dialogue, point of view, characterisation, and more.

* Elements of Style by Strunk and White (McMillan)
Writers Say: “Concise rules for clarity and style.” and “It’s the classic book for writers who wish to do well in their craft. Definitely a must-have!”

Well, that’s it for now. More soon.

Not all books on writing are real. Well, of course, since they’re published and sold in book stores, technically, they’re “real.” But, if you’ve acquired a room full of writing books and/or you’ve camped out by the shelves of your local library or bookstore, you know that not everything is palatable to the writer’s taste buds.

And then, there are books that stand out as if they were wearing neon jackets in a formal dinner party filled with ‘black-tie’ books. They seem to light up, explode, and draw you in. And, they become writers’ best friends – all ragged, dog-eared, marked, and highlighted.

Often, you will find yourself back to it again and again – like a real best buddy – when you feel stuck, needing encouragement and inspiration, wishing to find a companion in an alone journey. A good writing book does all that. Maybe even more.

A couple of years ago, a good writer-friend lent me a copy of Ray Bradbury’s ZEN IN THE ART OF WRITING. She “ooohhhed” and “aaahhhhed” about the book and the author. I had no clue who he was and what the fuss was all about.

While I began to read, the reason dawned on me. You see, in-between chapters, I’d often fumble for my pen and notebook. Taking notes and writing notes on my notes. Although it may feel as if it’s mostly writing endless pieces of nonsense scribbles, the long term lessons I learned then carries over until now. There wasn’t much instruction in the book. There was no “how-to-do-so-and- so”. But, the book lit a match and fired something that kept me wanting to write more.

Good reason enough to “oohh” and “aahh” a writing book, right?

Whether Mr. Bradbury’s book is in your “oohh” and “aahh” list or not, many writers who read writing books agree on some basic stuff. That is, a Good Writing Book gives you back something in return for your reading time and effort (as well as money in many cases) other than plain instruction or published words in book-bound paper.

Reader-writers believe that a good book should be able to fire you up like firecrackers in a new year or independence day celebration. It should allow you to catch the writing bug and equip you well. And on top of it all, a real writers’ book inspires you enough to put it down and let you write, write, write.

Some Writing Books In My “Oohh” and “Aahh” List: (I’ve got more, of course, so I plan to share more in the future. Feel free to share yours too!)

1) WRITING DOWN THE BONES by Natalie Goldberg (Shambhala)
2) FREEING YOUR CREATIVITY by Marshall J. Cook (Writers Digest)
3) READY TO WRITE by Willy Marquez (OMF Publishers)
4) CREATIVE WRITING: A PRACTICAL GUIDE by Julia Casterton (Macmillan)

I liked the fact the Evan Marshall was able to come up with a process that will help beginning writers to get going with their novels. And, at the same time, provide ‘veteran’ writers a way to analyse and reshape an ailing manuscript.

This book is certainly worth having on any aspiring novel writer’s bookshelf while going through the process.

Reader Comments:

I just read your latest newsletter and I wanted to add my two cents about Evan Marshall’s book, The Marshall Plan for Novel Writing. This book is a must have for any writer in the early stages of novel development, or struggling with a stalled work in progress. As a creative writing workshop leader I have recommended this book to numerous students and each of them have had tremendous results.

Marshall also has a workbook that goes along with the book. Again, this tool is terrific. I am currently working my way through the workbook to develop my paranormal murder mystery. I cannot say enough about these two resources.

- from Corrie Ann Gray
http://www.topica.com/lists/writing202news

I have been a writer of short fiction from age 9 on. This book is a blueprint of how to take short fiction and expand it to novel length. I agree that this is a must for new writers, as well as the seasoned pro.

- from Mac

As a writer, I’ve always found a special affinity towards other writers. I write about writing because I enjoy connecting with other writers… and those who wish to become one. I read about writing because it makes me feel connected and I love to learn new things.

The ability to see and share with our audience the very things we feel most passionate about is important in writing. And perhaps, even with life in general.

This is why the tendency of writers to bond is no different than that of musicians jamming with their instruments as a band, or activists coming up with pep rallies, or sports fans rooting for favourite teams. They also like to read about the things and people they care about. They also enjoy “talking shop” with one another. The only difference between them and writers is that writers don’t just read, talk, or watch the things they like. They write about it.

Whenever I meet another writer, I get all excited and start asking things like: What do you like to write about? Where have you been published? How did you start writing? Yes, I never get tired of the stories – either successful and struggling ones – when it comes to these. And, I never get tired of handing out ideas, suggestions, and encouragement to writers who may need them at the time.

I also seek out ideas, suggestions, and encouragement whenever I need them. That’s why I enjoy having a writing community, a good stack of reading materials on writing, and a healthy bookmark/favourite file of writing web sites. If I want quotes and inspiration from various ‘writing greats,’ one of the books I turn to is Sophy Burnham’s For Writers Only. It’s filled with ideas and essays on writers’ struggles, stories, and successes. I love being able to read these writers’ journeys into the writing life because they inspire and guide me in my pursuits.

With all of these things in my system, do I actually find the time to write?

Definitely. No matter how difficult it may be to bring out the words at times, or to come up with something clever, funny, inspirational, or informative – Nothing beats the actual process of writing itself