Wednesday, August 4, 2021

Writing Craft Book Recommendations #IWSG


The IWSG question of the month: What is your favorite writing craft book? And why? 

I imagine a large percentage of people will say Stephen King's On Writing is their favourite writing craft book. While I did enjoy it and it's chock full of quotable quotes of goodness, I feel it sits more solidly in the memoir category. For me anyway. 

I have a few favourites I go back to over and over again. On Writing is one of them, but also The Art of War for Writers by James Scott Bell just works for me. It's described as Sun Tzu's The Art of War for novelists. It's easy to read. Super helpful. So many gems in its pages. 

Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott is another brilliant one. This one has a whole lot of anecdotal stories that bring the challenge of writing alive. It's wonderful to read someone else's succinct understanding of what it's like to be a writer. Again, this one has lots of golden nuggets to take away and apply to my own writing. 

Save the Cat is another wonderful one if you're looking to understand story beats. While it's more focused on screenwriting, it's helpful tips can be applied to novel writing too. 

There are a whole bunch of others. Each has had it's impact on me in some form or another. How about you? Which writing craft books have you loved? 

This post was written for the IWSG. Every first Wednesday of the month, members post on their blogs about their writing insecurities or offer some encouragement to others. If you are new to the IWSG or want to learn more, then please go HERE.

 

 

 

51 comments:

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Lynda - thanks for these ... I know of them - and I'm sure they're helpful to all aspiring authors - you write so well and I really enjoy your stories. Cheers Hilary

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Yes, Save the Cat! My favorite.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

I have On Writing on my shelf but I've not read it yet. I need to.

Natalie Aguirre said...

Someone else recommended Jame Scott Bell's books. I've read others by him, but not this one. I really like Save the Cat for Writers.

Cathrina Constantine said...

My daughter recommended Bird by Bird years ago. And it looks like Save the Cat is the go too on peoples blogs. Another daughter read On Writing, and she agrees with you. It read more like a memoir, no help in writing.

Toi Thomas said...

I too like King's book but also feel it's more of a memoir. I'll have to check out The Art of War for Writers .

Ronel Janse van Vuuren said...

There are so many writing craft books that I've read and enjoyed. None really fall into the "loved it!" category.

Ronel visiting for IWSG day Being Busy vs Being Productive

Rachna Chhabria said...

Hi Lynda, thanks for all the writing craft book recommendations. I'm going to bookmark this post.

Lynn J Simpson said...

I do love Anne Lamont's writing! And Bird by Bird is on my 'read again' list!

H. R. Sinclair said...

You know, I've still not read On Writing. But I have read Save the Cat!

Computer Tutor said...

Good choices, Lynda. I haven't heard of Save the Cat. Being a dog lover, that's a bit suspect but I'm still going to click through and check it out!

chickangell said...

I agree about On Writing, while good with some excellent quotes, there are better books that focus more on the craft. I love Elements of Style. It isn't just focused on fiction writing, but it has some great tips that apply to all written content and made a huge difference for me with blogging particularly.

talklady said...

I've been reminded of books that I've read, relished, and learned from, but forgot to mention in my post today. 'Save the Cat' is a gem!

Carol Kilgore said...

Yes, yes, and yes. I especially love the Anne Lamont book. I don't have the James Scott Bell book but I have a couple of others by him.

Pat Garcia said...

Hi,
I like Anne Lamont books. I also have two or three books by James Scott Bell but I usually go first to The Writer's Journey.
All the best.

Shalom aleichem,
Pat G @ EverythingMustChange

Nick Wilford said...

I have heard Save the Cat mentioned a lot. Great to get some good recommendations today.

PK HREZO said...

Hi Lynda! Yes! Bird by Bird and STC are MUST HAVES!!!

Fundy Blue said...

Happy IWSG Day, Lynda, and thanks for your recommendations!

Liza said...

I'm keeping a list of all these great books on writing. Haven't heard of The Art of War for Writers. Onto the list it goes! Thanks!

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Thanks, Hilary. I really appreciate that.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

It is a good one :)

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

While it's heavy on the memoir side, I still recommend it.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

I highly recommend it

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

There is a little help in On Writing, but it's not as rich as other books on writing.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

It's been a while since I've read it but it stuck with me. It's time I read it yet again.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

The ones I listed have stuck out for me.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Hope they help

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

It's definitely one of those books that are worth multiple readings

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

It's a good read even if it's not jam-packed with writing tips.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

lol...think of it as Save the Dog then ;)

Patricia Stoltey said...

I have too many favorite writing craft books to list here, Lynda. In addition, I have a new one from Mystery Writers of America to digest. So much expertise out there and not enough time to read them all.

Diane Burton said...

Good recommendations. I enjoyed reading On Writing, very inspirational. Many people have mentioned Save the Cat. I have it, just need to read it. LOL

Olga Godim said...

So many people recommend Save the Cat in this IWSG round. How did I miss it before? After reading one blog after another that praise it, I went ahead and ordered it from my library.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Elements of Style is another good one!

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

It is a gem. I love it and often refer back to it.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Yes, his others are also good.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

They are both well known. :)

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

I haven't read The Writer's Journey. I'll have to check it out.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

It's always good to find new gems

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Totally agree :)

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

You're welcome :)

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

I've been recommending that one since I first started blogging. It's been around for a while.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

So true! My TBR list just keeps getting longer.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Read it! It's super helpful.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Brilliant! I hope you get a lot out of it.

Denise Covey said...

Save the Cat is Alex's favorite, so I think that's why it's mentioned a lot. With all the craft books we have sitting on our shelves we should all be pro by now. Sadly, most cause a brain freeze for me.

Tara Tyler said...

lots of great recs
I remember reading Bird by Bird with a group
but Save the Cat will always be my fave

Tara Tyler Talks

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

It's good to read them occasionally, but I honestly think reading lots of the type of books you want to write helps way more. It's about seeing the theory in action, and learning what you like and why.

J Lenni Dorner said...

I haven't read Bird by Bird, but have read all the others you mentioned. Did anyone from your area win at the Olympics this year?
Joe Kovacs, my from neck of the woods, won silver for Shot Put Throw.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

It is a good one.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

No idea. I kinda missed the whole Olympic thing...um-ah!