Chris Brogan had an interesting idea recently to go on a three book diet for the year.
The idea was simple and appealing; commit to three books for the entire year, read and re-read them, and try to really get something out of them instead of just consuming, discarding, and forgetting.
I’ve been thinking about it since his original post in November, but I already knew I couldn’t commit to it.
I was looking through the books I’ve read this year (some that I started over the holiday but finished last week) and I already have a list of seven.
He recently posted that he had to give up the “diet,” which is understandable, but I still like the idea and have thought about applying it to writing books this year. You know, picking three of the best and actually working through all the suggestions and prompts they give to see if any of it works for me?
Assuming you could stick to this diet, which three books on craft would you choose for the year?
I have a few in mind, but I’d appreciate your suggestions, especially if you’ve found the best book on editing ever written.
credit: themetapicture.com
Speaking of editing, how many of you work with writing partners or critique groups?
How do you find them?
Do you have to be social, make friends, and ask if someone wants to be your writing partner?
Crap…
I’ve heard very good things about Stephen King’s book on writing.
There are plenty of online groups you can join to get critiques and advice.
Looking forward to hearing how it develops!
Thanks Guap! I tried the old google for groups and meetups but I’m so skeptical of anything online that doesn’t come recommended from someone I trust.
On Writing is a great one-one of the first books about writing I read, so it’s definitely on the revisit list!
I mostly read books on TV writing these days, so unless you’re interested in that…
I’m not a typical bookworm. I don’t read all day long or anything and I watch too much TV. But I can’t imagine going on a book diet; I think I use instructional books as my cheat sheet for life. The idea of giving them up gives me anxiety.
It gives me anxiety too which is why I couldn’t ever commit to just three books a year.
I’m with you on watching too much tv as well.
Tv writing books sound interesting. I didn’t even know they had those.
New cause of anxiety: now I’m thinking about the pile of books I have to read!
One of my favorites is “Story Engineering” by Larry Brooks. I also love King’s “On Writing.” These two books showcase very different styles of writing, but I found both very helpful. And for a third, I’d pick “The First 50 Pages” by Jeff Gerke. Good luck!
Thanks Carrie! I have two out of the three with Story Engineering toward the top of the list based on your last recommendation of it. I read it and then read another book about writing (see my habit here?).
I’ll check out the third, with the main objective of…write more, dang it!!!!
Isn’t it funny how we all want to write, but it can be so hard to just sit down and do it?
Good Luck! I guess this has not been in the forefront of my mind, but I have thought about joining a writing class or group. Have a Great One:)
I’ve been trying to find a writing class as well, mostly at the local universities. It’s all on a list of things that never quite get done
I don’t know any writing books, so I hope someone mentions one, because I am nearing the end of the first draft of a book. Great idea.
Congratulations on getting close to the end of draft one!
I don’t have any suggestions but have heard about Stephen King’s book as well. (Good recommendations). I’m curious as well about writing groups and editing books. I’ll be spying on the comments.
Well if I don’t get many responses on those topics (also the ones I was most curious about) I think I have my next research project.
Stephen King’s, “On Writing;” Anne Lamott’s “Bird by Bird;” and of course the old standby, “The Art of Writing Fiction” by John Gardner. Also, “What If” by Anne Bernays and Pamela Painter is pretty good as well. I’ve got alot. Now I just have to APPLY these things. That’s the hardest part! Good luck!!
Applying it is the hardest part!! Thanks for the suggestions! And you can leave as many comments as you want to here
I left you a comment about my favs and it disappeared — did you get it?
oops there it is. I’ll stop taking up so much space on your blog now….
I’m not big on reading books about writing, but I do see benefit in taking classes about writing. Six years ago I wanted to write a play, but I was not sure how to go about it. Therefore, I signed up for a ten week playwriting class here in New York at the Gotham Writers Workshop. I instantly hit it off with the instructor, a bright young guy, and several of my classmates. I enjoyed it so much that I took the next level course the next term, also taught by the same guy. As for writing a play, it took me about a year to complete, but I did write one. To this day, I remain close friends with the instructor. If you’ve got the shekels to invest in a class I’d suggest that you consider traveling down that road. For me, the feedback was invaluable.
That sounds like a lot of fun! Congratulations to you on writing that play. The feedback is definitely what I’m looking for, and I’ve been looking for a class that I can work into my schedule. So far finding that has been elusive because I would like to be in a real class instead of just online.
But, you’ve inspired me to look a little harder for one!
If you lived in New York, I’d recommend Gotham. They have courses online, too:
http://www.writingclasses.com/index.php?gclid=CPThjoTH4LQCFQyk4AodNg4Abg
I just prefer being in a space with people. Do you have a Y that offers writing courses near you?
I will check oout Gotham, thanks! We do have the Y here, but I never thought to check if they had writing courses. I will look there as well! I’ve been trying to catch registration at the community college but the classes fill up fast and I haven’t made it into one yet. (Excuses excuses)
May I ask where’s “here” for you? It might be well known on your site, but as you know I am quite the laggard so I’m only getting to know you and your site. If you’d rather keep “here” on the QT, I will not take offense.
Not a secret at all. I’m in Austin, TX so I think there should be a very rich and diverse community of writers and classes here, it’s just a matter of getting plugged into a community. A step I’m just now getting comfortable enough to try to make.
I’ve heard a lot of great things about Austin. They have a terrific film festival that I’ve entered scripts into a few times back in the day when I cranked out screenplays. My stories advanced but never won. There should be some place like the Y or Gotham there. It’s a big enough place and it sounds very cool and arty to me.
Currently working through “Word Painting” Rebecca McClanahan, and “Seven Steps on the Writer’s Path”: Nancy Pichard and Lynn Lott.
Both force me to practice, notice, and face the work when I clearly need to be cleaning toilets (one of my many excuses for not facing the empty page-LOL).
No more reading diets for me–I just finished Stephen King’s 841 page “11/22/63″ and continue to be amazed by his telling of a story.
If you find a class, I hope the teacher is . . . careful with your craft.
Thanks for the suggestions Momma. Hey you should start a blog! Or start guest posting on mine
Love you!!!
Hay back! Remember you are talking to your “Blog challenged” Mom–it took 25 min. for me to get this response accepted and posted on your blog. Too funny! Also, I did it twice, so the bugger may show up again. Love you too. Happy Friday!
That wasn’t your fault, there were some problems on WP that day. Both came through, I just deleted one, and I think it had to be moderated just because you added a picture and your screen name. Otherwise your comments should always come through without moderation. If you change your mind, you are always welcome to post here. Love you!!
If you’re comfortable with exchanging critiques with people you know, you can reach out to your blog buddies. I’ve found several excellent “betas” to work with.
For good, practical articles and advice on writing and editing, I find Writer’s Digest is a good source. I just picked up “Story Engineering,” but I haven’t gotten too far in it yet, so I’m not sure if I’ll enjoy it.
Thanks JM! I would be comfortable exchanging critiques with other bloggers, so I should probably work on reaching out to people more. I probably need to get a little farther in page accumulation before I have anything to offer in a writing partner/critique relationship, but I’d like to start developing some of those connections.