The days and months are flying. It’s August already–another IWSG day. The purpose of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group is to share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
Our awesome co-hosts are PK Hrezo, Cathrina Constantine, PJ Colando, Kim Lajevardi, and Sandra Cox!
August 4 question always option is: What is your favorite writing craft book? Think of a book that every time you read it you learn something or you are inspired to write or try the new technique. And why?
I think you’ll agree there are so many good craft books and we can learn from all of them. But let me ask how you read a craft book? From beginning to end? Spot read? Scan a paragraph here and there. Read just what you need? I have to admit I’m pretty guilty. Years ago I read a book called Writing Pop Fiction. The title alone tells you how long ago that was. 🙂 The author suggested the new writer (me) take 12 (or whatever) sheets of paper, each signifying a chapter and jot down a few things that might happen in each chapter. That pretty much helped me write my first two books and I find myself still reverting to that method when I’m having problems. But most times, I create a basic Beginning, Middle and End of my story or book. I think I learned that from Syd Field’s Screenwriting book.
When I read a craft book, I do so with a highlighter. Even if I read on my kindle, I highlight in various colors. I like to be able to revisit without reading the entire book.
One of my favorite how-to books is by Walter Mosley. I LOVE this book. I’ll quote here from my old blog:
I love this instruction from This Year You Write Your Novel by Walter Mosley.
Poets know that poems are songs, but few of us realize that novels are too. If there is no music to your novel, no sound, then the book will be at best incomplete. You must have a rhythm to your characters, a unique cadence to the way each one speaks, an identifiable cacophony to the world(s) they inhabit, and a beat to the story that, when varied, gives the read an almost unconscious sign of events about to unfurl.
No one will tell you how to score your novel, so that means you have to discover the music for yourself.
This little book is about 128 pages; it was wonderful from beginning to end. When I finished This Year You Write Your Novel, I felt rejuvenated, excited about writing and anxious to get back to my own books and stories.
Another book that I find wonderful for novelists and screenwriters is The Screenwriters Bible by David Trotter. 
I liked it so much I bought my writing son-in-law a copy. As you can see, I’m heavy on the highlighter here.
Books on the craft of writing are a must, but we need to actually read good books. We can learn so much from our favorite authors. I don’t know about you, but when I read a good story with characters I like, or that fascinate me, I feel encouraged to sit down and write.
Do you read with a highlighter in your hand? How do you study a novel?
I always highlight my non-fiction books. Then next time I go through them, I focus on those key points.
Yes, nonfiction is a definite, though I have been known to highlight a beautiful phrase in a novel — and write notes in it when I’m studying it’s structure.
I tend not to highlight books, just can’t bring myself to do it. Easier with a eBook though.
I totally understand. I used to write notes in a notebook but decided that was too arduous. Thanks for popping in, Luicana.
This is a dangerous month for me. I tend to read more about writing than I actually write. You have doubled the danger in your post by pointing out two books to me.
Thanks? Maybe?
Yes, I highlight. Some claim I paint my books. The first time through it’s a yellow highlighter. The second time through I add some underlining with an authoritative red pen.
Hi Larry, I know what you mean. I’m hooked on any kind of how-to-write book. I really enjoy holding the book in my hand rather than an e-reader. Thankfully, hubby likes to read too so he doesn’t begrudge me needing more shelving every few months. 🙂 Hey, considering how you highlight, I may have bought one of your used books. LOL Thanks for reading my posts.
I loved your post Jessica. And that lovely quote up there. I don’t highlight as such but I try to put down the key points in a journal.
I love the idea of keeping a journal of writing points from books, but I’ve never been good at journaling period. Right now I’m journaling scripture and prayers. Been at it for almost a year so it’s my one success when it comes to journaling ANYTHING! 🙂
I love reading craft, business, life books. And the screenwriting one is great! I’ve gotten out of the highlighting end of things though.
I find a lot of business books can apply to writing. Do you?
I don’t highlight, but I do use sticky tabs. My favorite writing book at the moment is Story Genius, and it has a minimum of half a dozen tabs in it.
Hi Kim, I have Story Genius too. I haven’t read it yet. I’ll have to get a fresh highlighter! 🙂 Thanks for popping in.
Those books are all new to me, so thanks for the tips. I like the quote about thinking of your writing as music – although I’m not blessed with a great sense of rhythm, ha!
Hi Nick, I love finding books I’ve never seen before — especially books on writing. Unfortunately, our fortune is in books! 🙂
Hi,
Thank you for presenting Walter Mosley’s book, This Year You Write Your Novel. What he said hit me because I believe the same thing too. I am a singer and believe that books are just like singing a beautiful song. I hadn’t heard of him before but he is now on my TBR list.
All the best.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat G @ EverythingMustChange
Patricia, Like you, I’ve always believed we each have a rhythm in our writing. I was thrilled when he confirmed my thoughts. Now if only I could sing! To me, singing is one of the GREATEST talents/gifts. Unfortunately, I sound pretty frog-ish. 🙁
I’m a highlighter too – in nonfiction 🙂
Love rereading those highlights when I’m drafting
Thanks for dropping in, Jemi. I’ve been known to highlight a pretty phrase in a novel, or a thought I identify with. My daughter does it too. When I read books she’s passed on to me, reading the notes she’s put on various pages (fiction or nonfiction) is just as interesting as the book. LOL
Oh, yes… If I’m going to have a writerly book like that, it must be a personal copy because I use a pen to underline and mark notes on the margins! Sometimes I take notes on paper on the things that really jump out at me.
As for studying novels, I do that when I have a curiosity–as in, how an author might transition a flashback or a time skip. Or simply the mechanics of the formatted word!
Great post. Thank you!
♥.•*¨Elizabeth Mueller¨*•.♥
Elizabeth, I’ve been studying time skips too. I notice that writers seem to handle it differently. I think it’s all in what works, but then I wonder … if I think who determines if it really works? I suppose the reader. 🙂
One of my favorite craft books is also by a screenwriter, Matt Bird: The Secrets of Story. He starts by asking how you would react if you boarded a plane and someone sat next to you and said, “Boy, I almost missed this flight!” Do you really want to hear why?
He says we’re always writing for strangers and he starts the book with thirteen rules for keeping them interested. My favorite is: “Your story is not about your hero’s life; it’s about your hero’s problem.”
I’ve used this book for the past few years, and still haven’t applied everything he suggests.
Thanks Rick, I’ll check it out. Sounds good.