“Techniques of the Selling Writer provides solid instruction for people who want to write and sell fiction, not just to talk and study about it. It gives the background, insights, and specific procedures needed by all beginning writers. Here one can learn how to group words into copy that moves, movement into scenes, and scenes into stories; how to develop characters, how to revise and polish, and finally, how to sell the product.
No one can teach talent, but the practical skills of the professional writer’s craft can certainly be taught. The correct and imaginative use of these kills can shorten any beginner’s apprenticeship by years. This is the book for writers who want to turn rejection slips into cashable checks.”
In addition to some of the points Browne and King discuss, such as characterization, Swain discusses broader issues for modern writers, such as conflict and story arc. He also discusses at the beginning of his book some of the “why” and “how” behind our chosen career. Why should a writer bother writing if it’s so hard? How can a writer reduce the painful trial-and-error period of learning to write well? Not as easy a read as Browne and King’s book, but definitely worth your time.
The First Five Pages by Noah Lukeman
Blurb:
“Whether you are a novice writer or a veteran who has already had your work published, rejection is often a frustrating reality. Literary agents and editors receive and reject hundreds of manuscripts each month. While it’s the job of these publishing professionals to be discriminating, it’s the job of the writer to produce a manuscript that immediately stands out among the vast competition. And those outstanding qualities, says New York literary agent Noah Lukeman, have to be apparent from the first five pages.
The First Five Pages reveals the necessary elements of good writing, whether it be fiction, nonfiction, journalism, or poetry, and points out errors to be avoided[…] With exercises at the end of each chapter, this invaluable reference will allow novelists, journalists, poets and screenwriters alike to improve their technique as they learn to eliminate even the most subtle mistakes that are cause for rejection. The First Five Pages will help writers at every stage take their art to a higher — and more successful — level.”
Lukeman’s book covers a plethora of topics that can hinder a writer’s manuscript from being its best. Though Lukeman focuses more on literary fiction as opposed to commercial fiction, his explanations of each topic are perfect for beginners who need information on both overarching concepts and basics like word choice, all in one place, and his examples and ending exercises make it easy to see exactly what he’s talking about. A fast, easy-to-understand read.
As I said above, these are just a few of the hundreds of books to choose from. Once you’ve identified the areas in your writing that need the most work, you can find books devoted just to that area, whether it be dialogue or characterization or grammar. Ask your writer friends what books or other resources helped them as well. The one key is to never stop learning and growing in your craft.
Be sure and check back May 1st for the next installment of the blog. Next month, the worst grammar mistakes you can make!
– Lea
*Top photo courtesy of idan586.
“If you want to be a writer, the sole requirement is that you write.”
