Post by steppedonwolf on Jun 12, 2009 22:05:18 GMT
Be very, very careful with these.
One of the reasons I stopped writing for six long years is because of all the - ahem - 'essential advice' contained within these books. Conflicting advice.
Do this. DON'T do that. Show don't tell. Write what you know. Predict the market. Don't predict the market.
They all promise 'the ONLY way to succeed.' And have YOU heard of any of the authors?
Out of (what felt like) the millions I read, three books I found useful:
Writing Horror Fiction, by Guy N Smith. The first 'How To' book I read and still one of the best.
Not just because I'm a lifelong fan but because he doesn't talk down to you like all the others in the canon do. He gives practical, useful advice and above all encouragement . He wants you to succeed and wishes you well. Sadly lacking in so many other books.
Writing Horror by the HWA. A collection of essays by writers such as Harlan Ellison, Joyce Carol Oates etc on the varying styles and demands of the genre, in all its aspects - young adult, gothic, historical, graphic art, etc. Harlan Ellison does come across as a miserable old bastard, though.
How To Write A Million - The Complete Guide To Becoming A Successful Author - by Dibell, Scott Card & Turco. Shite title, cheesy gold blocking on white cover, but don't be fooled. This is a great handbook on the techniques needed to be mastered by any writer, regardless of genre.
Also: John D MacDonald's preface to Stephen King's Night Shift. In those short pages I learnt more about writing than I did in the multitude of self-help books available.
"Note this: the two most difficult areas to write in are humour and the occult. In clumsy hands the humour turns to dirge and the occult turns funny." One of the gems that stuck with me. Check it out and you'll see what I mean.
Please share with the board any books that you might have found useful - or let us know the ones you feel should be avoided like the plague.
One of the reasons I stopped writing for six long years is because of all the - ahem - 'essential advice' contained within these books. Conflicting advice.
Do this. DON'T do that. Show don't tell. Write what you know. Predict the market. Don't predict the market.
They all promise 'the ONLY way to succeed.' And have YOU heard of any of the authors?
Out of (what felt like) the millions I read, three books I found useful:
Writing Horror Fiction, by Guy N Smith. The first 'How To' book I read and still one of the best.
Not just because I'm a lifelong fan but because he doesn't talk down to you like all the others in the canon do. He gives practical, useful advice and above all encouragement . He wants you to succeed and wishes you well. Sadly lacking in so many other books.
Writing Horror by the HWA. A collection of essays by writers such as Harlan Ellison, Joyce Carol Oates etc on the varying styles and demands of the genre, in all its aspects - young adult, gothic, historical, graphic art, etc. Harlan Ellison does come across as a miserable old bastard, though.
How To Write A Million - The Complete Guide To Becoming A Successful Author - by Dibell, Scott Card & Turco. Shite title, cheesy gold blocking on white cover, but don't be fooled. This is a great handbook on the techniques needed to be mastered by any writer, regardless of genre.
Also: John D MacDonald's preface to Stephen King's Night Shift. In those short pages I learnt more about writing than I did in the multitude of self-help books available.
"Note this: the two most difficult areas to write in are humour and the occult. In clumsy hands the humour turns to dirge and the occult turns funny." One of the gems that stuck with me. Check it out and you'll see what I mean.
Please share with the board any books that you might have found useful - or let us know the ones you feel should be avoided like the plague.