Description
This article is from the misc.writing Recommended Reading List FAQ, by Terry L Jeffress jeffress@xmission.com with numerous contributions by
others.
2.1.2 On Being a Writer part2 (misc.writing Recommended Reading List)
Goldberg, Natalie. "Writing Down the Bones." Shambhala
Publications, 1986. ISBN 0-877733-75-9, trade paperback, 171
pp., $10.00.
The book consists of about 60 two- or three-page chapters,
each of which presents a brief technique or suggestion for
improving one's writing and creative process, with emphasis on
the latter. Many times, the advice is presented via anecdotes.
A very "Zen" approach to creative writing, as one might guess
from the publisher.
Lamott, Anne. "Bird by Bird." Anchor, 1994. ISBN 0-385-48001-6,
trade paperback, 239 pp., $12.95.
"Bird by Bird" takes a very different approach from standard
how-to-write fare. Lamott admits that for most writers,
writing will not produce wealth, happiness, or security. Yet,
writers keep on writing anyway. Lamott focuses her advice on
getting you in tune with your subconscious and on overcoming a
lack of self-confidence. She encourages you to set small
assignments for yourself: you should only work on as much of
your story as you can see through a one-inch picture frame. By
achieving assignment after assignment, you will eventually
accomplish a great deal of work.
Lamott must also have one of the most self-deprecating brains
every to have inhabited a human form. She tells humorous
stories of her own continued nervousness about her writing in
spite of her established successes. From her own experience,
she gives numerous tips on overcoming the inner critic that
keeps telling you that forcing your pen through you temple
would produce a better result than putting the point to the
paper. For on thing, you should allow yourself to write really
bad first drafts. No one will see the draft, so you don't have
to worry about quality. Later, you can throw away most of the
dreck, but you will also want to save the really good parts
that you would have never produced if you had tried to produce
really good copy from the beginning.
-- Terry L Jeffress <jeffress@xmission.com>
Michener, James, A. "James A. Michener's Writer's Handbook:
Explorations in Writing and Publishing." New York: Random
House, 1992. ISBN 0-679-74126-7, paperback (8.5 x 11 inches),
182 pp., $15.00.
Michener describes his creative process from initial idea
through proofing of the galleys. He offers writers a look at
how much work a seasoned professional still has to put into
his books. Michener follows the life of a chapter in one of
his novels from manuscript, to editor, to galleys, to final
copy. In an appendix, Michener answers the questions he is
most often asked by would-be writers. He explains that hard
work and determination with an attitude of "I can be
published" are essential to success as a writer.
-- Terry L Jeffress <jeffress@xmission.com>
Ueland, Brenda. "If You Want to Write: A Book about Art,
Independence, and Spirit." 10th ed. St. Paul, Minnesota:
Greywolf Press, 1997. ISBN 1-55597-260-8, trade paperback, 180
pp., $11.95.
This fine little book was originally published at about the
same time as Dorothea Brande's book and must be the "most"
inspirational writing book ever to fall into my possession.
Carl Sandberg called this book, "The best book ever written
about how to write." This is not a "nuts-n-bolts" book; it
raises you up, brushes you off, and sends you along the path
to new heights of creativity.
Continue to:
Share and Enjoy
Bookmark this story so others can enjoy it:
Tags
writing, recommended reading, reviews, writing-related books, journals, periodicals, internet resources
