I heard this book is an excellent resource in helping writers learn how to freelance and create a reliable income. SCBWI recommends it and it has rave reviews on Amazon.
I'm excited to see what this book has to offer. I don't consider myself business savvy, and I want to start educating myself. (Another thing I'd like to know more about is Web Design, if anyone has any great books to recommend, drop me a comment!)
Historical fiction has always been one of my favorite genres to read, but I could definitely use some tips on writing it.
This book also comes highly recommended by SCBWI.
I'm hoping to find some techniques to help organize research and tips on adding world-building details.
Another book recommended in the latest issue of SCBWI (notice a pattern?)
I've registered for TWO creative courses this summer, and know I'll be doing a lot of critiquing. I genuinely enjoy giving feedback and editing. I have some practice, but it's something I'd like to develop and strengthen.
And maybe if I work well with people in my classes and provide helpful feedback, I'll gain some more writer buddies/critique partners.
I'll definitely review the books and share a tip or two after I read them!
Any good writing books you recommend?
The best writing book I ever purchased was Writer's Guide to Character Traits: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/writers-guide-to-character-traits-linda-edelstein/1018008566?ean=9781582973906&itm=1&usri=writing%2bcharacter%2btraits (Although it has a new cover now. Blue with...I think an eye on it?) It was written by a psychologist and has all these traits of various characters, from a boss to a serial killer. To me, the #1 most beneficial section is the one where it details how kids act, whether they're 12 weeks or 12 yrs old. What year do they start to teethe, to speak, to think the opposite sex has cooties, to break away from parents? It's chock-full of info!
ReplyDeleteI also like these three companions:
Many writers own copies of both THE HERO WITH A THOUSAND FACES and THE POWER OF MYTH by Joseph Campbell. He put together The Hero's Journey, which is what epic quest stories such as HARRY POTTER and LOTR bank upon.
Christopher Vogler wrote THE WRITER'S JOURNEY to mimic Campbell's ideas for writers after using them in his own work, then Kim Hudson wrote a version called THE VIRGIN'S PROMISE that shows the female's journey since Vogler focused on males.
Um...it's also good to have a slang dictionary or two. Teen fantasy writer Tamora Pierce recommends SLANG THROUGH THE AGES, which is out of print now, but sometimes you can get it cheaply used on Amazon (I did) (http://www.amazon.com/Slang-Through-Ages-Jonathon-Green/dp/0844208345/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1307153203&sr=8-1)
It's good when you're writing in times long past. :)
I knew about the Hero one, but I'll have to check out the character and slang books! Thanks! They sound helpful and awesome!
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