I like to write and therefore I like to read books about writing. Here’s a couple that I enjoyed, along with my reviews.
“What we choose to see, hear and read matters greatly. People need good stories just as they need home-cooked meals, clean water, spiritual peace, and love. A good story is part of that process. It affirms divine order in the universe and justice in human affairs–and it makes people better than they were before they read it.” John Erickson’s book is full of home-spun wisdom and plain speaking as he reflects on “faith, culture and writing.”. In addition to the interesting story of his own journey as a writer, he is generous in sharing his insights with those who have a passion for writing and seek to become published. This book is a gold mine for all aspiring writers, young and old. His final piece of advice is worth putting on every writer’s desk in a prominent place: “Don’t write anything that would shame your mother.” Can I hear an “amen?”
I’ve never read a book by Stephen King, but have had this one recommended several times from different sources. The first third of the book is about King’s story and what kinds of circumstances and relationships shaped him as a person and as a writer. I’m not a big fan of profanity in writing, but his explanation of why some people use it (including himself) was actually fairly interesting and thought provoking. (Still not a fan of it.). The rest of the book was on the process of writing and here’s where the book really started to take off, for me. I enjoy writing, but have never really aspired to write a novel. Yet, after reading King’s book, I begin to think that if I did decide to start something (dare I?), I’d have a good idea where to start and the pitfalls to avoid. Some of his observations are as hilarious as they are profound. The horror genre is not one that I enjoy, but I might pick up one of his books some day just to see how his writing process worked out in a published book. His general mantra was that it’s all about the story – everything else has to take a back seat. Good stuff.
Let me know if you have any books on writing that you’d like to recommend to me!
I’ll probably delete this in the morning while I work on the novel that I started two years ago.
Lynniebeemuseoday 