I’m at the point where I’m getting really immersed in my novel’s world. I’m trying not to get overwhelmed and that’s when it’s time to take a break and enjoy the vacation.
I also want to thank all of the new RSS feed and email subscribers. I’m glad that you all enjoy reading the blog! It’s great to have the company of kindred spirits on the writing journey.
One of the first craft books I purchased was How Fiction Works by Oakley Hall. It’s a good craft book to have in your toolbox.
Right from the start, the author introduces a list of 15 writing tips that I wanted to share with you:
- Write every day.
- Observe and listen.
- Employ all the senses.
- Use strong verbs.
- Detail!
- A specific always beats an abstraction.
- Describe in motion.
- Anglo-Saxon words are usually more effective than romance based.
- Fiction is dramatization; dramatization is point of view, sense impression, detail, action and dialogue.
- In dialogue, keep speeches short.
- Look for likenesses, parallels, contrasts, antitheses, and reversals.
- Beware the use of the habitual case (would), the passive voice and the word there.
- Plotting is compulsion versus obstacles.
- In the second draft, start deleting adverbs.
- Borrow widely, steal wisely.
This book covers the basics but considering all the red marks I have in it, it’s a good investment.
Vacation is still going well. I could really get used to this! Of course, the mortgage still needs to be paid and I have to eat so back to work I go next week.
But until then I will fight the urge to check my corporate email and continue to enjoy the stress-free days.
I can tell you work hard on your day job, so enjoy your time off. Good luck with writing this week.
I just reserved How Fiction Works. Sounds like a great resource. Thanks!
Gwendolyn: I know that you will really like this book. Very concise and simple, which is what I like.
I’m really enjoying my vacation — rather like a “writer staycation” but still very nice and relaxing. :)
I guess #13 would make more sense to me if I read the whole book, huh? I’ll have to look into it. Have fun on your vacation, and definitely don’t check your email :) –Though I’ll admit, I have a hard time not checking my work email when I’m away…
THis sounds promising. I’m always looking for great books on the craft to recommend to people, thanks! I’ll add it to my ‘to buy’ pile.
Tiana: Ha, the author is sort of “old school” so when he says “compulsion vs obstacles” he basically means a characters actions/desires put against obstacles.
Heather: You should check it out. It was published in 2001 so a lot of libraries carry it.
Those writing tips are great. Now to apply them all!