Writing Books

[Widsith]

Has anyone read any guide books about writing? Is there one you highly recommend?

I've only started learning how to write, and one of my first textbooks was, "On Writing Well" by William Zinsser. The prof of my writing class recommended it, and I enjoyed it a lot.

It's fun to read and showed me how my automatic writing ticks and habits affect the readability of my work. For example, I learned how my speech patterns and way of thinking influence (read: clutter) my writing, and how that ultimately translates into a bored reader.

It also taught me how to handle cliches, slang and over-used phrases (i.e. when to use and when to avoid), how to learn the precise meaning of words, to appreciate the subtle differences between synonyms so that my writing becomes intentional and succinct, and lots more.

What writing books do you recommend?

[Dancing On The Journey]

I've taken several community college classes, and read some books with "writing exercises," that were good. Can't recall any names! The best way to learn to write, I've been told, is by writing! Start a blog! I just started one a couple of months ago.

[PaintingLady]

I think that practice in any of the arts is key. I like the idea of the writing exercises, journaling, just starting and doing it. Has anyone ever self-published? Thoughts?

[iampiper]

Writing books are great, and they are filled with wonderful tools to aid in the fundamentals of writing. One of the greatest keys to writing, is reading. Read, read, read! Then, write, write, write. Honestly this are the two main exercises I use to develop my writing. This may sound silly, but while practicing tools to develop your writing is important, and should not be negated-praying for the guidance of Holy Spirit has proven pivotal to me. He will lead you to the tools you need to develop your writing. The above suggestions for journaling and blogging are important for any writer! God bless!

[A Word Fitly Spoken]

Everyone is exactly right. The best way to improve your writing is to read and to write. However, there is also much to be gleaned by learning from the mistakes of others. There are many quality writing courses and books out there. Some of them are reasonably priced, while others are quite expensive. The key is to shop around and find out what each person is offering and if it is worth the price they are asking. The thing that I've discovered with most writing manuals is that they tell you "what to do" but they don't tell you "how to do it." That's very frustrating to me! I have a new website for writers that displays some great writing resources, including some free ones. In addition to that, I also have a writer's blog that offers articles on the craft of writing. The more you learn, the better you will be able to improve your craft.

As far as self-publishing, I have personally self-published three devotional books through Amazon's service, CreateSpace. The publishing process is easy, quick and affordable. The tricky part is marketing the books, but that is the case even with a traditional publisher. Some will say that self-publishing is the course of losers who can't get their work published elsewhere, but if you'll do a little research, you'll discover that many best-selling authors self-published AT LEAST one book.

[LyndaLeeSchab]

There are so many wonderful books on writing. James Scott Bell's book, "Plot and Structure," is great. Another one is "A Novel Idea," a collection of advice on writing, written by tons of published Christian authors.

My debut novel just released last month from OakTara Publishers. I opted to go the traditional route. It's been a long journey, but I've learned so much along the way and I wouldn't change a thing. The best advice I would give is to "apply the butt glue and just write." This is advice I need to constantly remind myself because I tend to lack discipline. LoL. But so many writers (myself included) spend time talking about writing, learning about writing, and thinking about writing, but not enough time actually writing. While talking about, learning, and thinking are important, we're not officially writers until we write something. Ha.

With a bit a talent, lots of discipline and perseverance, it can happen!