Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Giving a Free Seminar

I'm giving a free seminar at Coffee Time Romance on Project Management for Writers.

http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/board/forumdisplay.php?f=1186

Stop by and see what we're talking about. So far, I posted two lessons:

Lesson #1: Writing is an Art -- Publishing is a Business
Lesson #2: A Goal is a Dream with a Deadline

I love workshops, both taking them and giving them. I learn even when I'm giving one. It's great to review things. And the students always have new/brilliant insights that I never even thought of.

Friday, September 3, 2010

My favorite books on writing

These are my favorite books on writing, the books that helped me to get published in the first place. However, I just realized that it's been years since I've bought a how-to book on writing and I'm not familiar with the new ones. (I've been writing 4 books per year, reading romances to keep up with current trends etc., which kind of kept me busy.) So if you have a favorite that's not listed here (especially if it's somewhat newer) would you please tell me about it? I'm going to put them on my Santa list :-)

So this is what's on my bookshelf:

•Ansen Dibell: Plot

I found this book immensely helpful and would recommend it to every aspiring author.

•Christopher Vogler: The Writer's Journey

Based on Joseph Campbell's work, written in a more digestible format.

•Debra Dixon: Goal, Motivation & Conflict

A must read.

•Donald Maass: Writing the Breakout Novel

Solid advice from a knowledgeable industry professional. Every writer should read this book.

•Dwight V. Swain: Techniques of a Selling Writer

This is one of my favorites. Solid advice.

•Eve Paludan: Romance Writer's Pink Pages

A wonderful reference book that includes publishers' guidelines and tons of other industry information.

•Joseph Campbell: The Hero with a Thousand Faces

A super book, but not an easy read. Would recommend to advanced writers.

•Julie Checkoway: Creating Fiction

A collection of essays from writers' workshop. Angled toward literary fiction.

•Kathryn Falk: How to Write a Romance and Get it Published

A classic.

•Leonard J Rosen: The Everyday English Handbook

A concise guide to grammar.

•Linda Griffin: The Writer's Guide to Critique Groups

Excellent source, written by an editor.

•Linda Seger: Creating Unforgettable Characters

The title says it all. One of my favorites.

•Linda Seger: Making a Good Script Great

Whether you're writing scripts or novels, I think you'll find this practical guide useful. Full of illustrations from well-known motion pictures.

•Marc McCutcheon: Building Believable Characters

A great guide for beginning writers.

•Margaret Shertzer: The Elements of Grammar

•Noah Lukeman: The First Five Pages

Excellent advice! Take it to heart.

•Noah Lukeman: The Plot Thickens

Lots of exercises to sharpen your fiction.

•R. Browne & D. King: Self-Editing for Fiction Writers

A must for every writer. It will help you make that all-important good first impression on editors.

•Robert McKee: Story

A super book, but not an easy read. I'd recommend it to the advanced writer.

•Sol Stein: Stein on Writing

Would recommend to advanced writers.

•Stephen King: On Writing

A wonderful insight into the life of a mega-author. He has a lot to teach, and it's all in easily digestible, no-nonsense prose.

•Sue Crafton: Writing Mysteries

A collection of essays by top writers of the genre.

•Syd Field: Screenplay

Great for plotting. A classic.

•Valerie Parv: The Art of Romance Writing

A great book for beginning romance writers.

•W. I. Strunk & E.B. White: The Elements of Style

A classic for good reason.

HAPPY READING!!!!