For the last year, the Madison Street Books Writer’s Group, which I’m part of and have the honor of leading, has been going through Steering the Craft by Ursula K.
Two books you might consider because both are written with wry humor as well as wisdom about writing: Benjamin Percy's "Thrill Me" (cheesy cover but that's part of the fun) with chapters like "making the extraordinary ordinary" and "feckless pondering" and Chuck Wendig's "Gentle Writing Advice" with chapters like "But Do I need to Write Every Day?" and "Nobody Knows What They're Doing" (but members will need to be comfortable with lots of swearing in this one)
These are all perfect, thank you!! I think the first two you mentioned are definitely going to make the short list I show the group, and Wayne has mentioned the Rubin to me too! He also said he hears people really get a lot out of it.
Plotting and Writing Suspense Fiction by Patricia Highsmith intrigued me recently — seems like genre instruction because of the title, but suspense and mystery skills can apply to all types of fiction.
I’ve definitely plowed through my share of craft books in the last few years. I loved Matt Bell’s Refuse to Be Done for his cussed persistence. It’s short and great for those who need encouragement finishing a novel. One that might be more appropriate for a group, with exercises sprinkled throughout, is Lisa Cron’s Story Genius. It would work for novelists and short fiction writers. And it’s an easy read.
Oh I think that Matt Bell one might be good for me actually, I’ll add it to my list. And I haven’t heard of Story Genius, that looks like a good one, thanks so much!
Steve Almond’s Truth is the Arrow, Mercy is the Bow worked well for my book group.
Oh this one looks so cool and I’ve never heard of it, thank you!!
Two books you might consider because both are written with wry humor as well as wisdom about writing: Benjamin Percy's "Thrill Me" (cheesy cover but that's part of the fun) with chapters like "making the extraordinary ordinary" and "feckless pondering" and Chuck Wendig's "Gentle Writing Advice" with chapters like "But Do I need to Write Every Day?" and "Nobody Knows What They're Doing" (but members will need to be comfortable with lots of swearing in this one)
Oh these are great suggestions, and I haven’t heard of either! Thank you so much!
Second votes for Truth is the Arrow, Mercy is the Bow and Gentle Writing Advice.
In your "out of left field" category, I've heard tons of people get A LOT out of The Creative Act, by Rick Rubin (not specific to writing, sadly).
Two others I haven't read cover to cover but pick up periodically: Still Writing, by Dani Shapiro, and Craft in the Real World, by Matthew Salesses.
These are all perfect, thank you!! I think the first two you mentioned are definitely going to make the short list I show the group, and Wayne has mentioned the Rubin to me too! He also said he hears people really get a lot out of it.
I love the Science of Storytelling by Will Storr - for fiction really, and can work for memoir. Not for non fiction writers :).
Ooo this one looks cool, thanks!
Plotting and Writing Suspense Fiction by Patricia Highsmith intrigued me recently — seems like genre instruction because of the title, but suspense and mystery skills can apply to all types of fiction.
Oh I think I have some folks who will appreciate a suspense and mystery rec, thank you!
I’ve definitely plowed through my share of craft books in the last few years. I loved Matt Bell’s Refuse to Be Done for his cussed persistence. It’s short and great for those who need encouragement finishing a novel. One that might be more appropriate for a group, with exercises sprinkled throughout, is Lisa Cron’s Story Genius. It would work for novelists and short fiction writers. And it’s an easy read.
Oh I think that Matt Bell one might be good for me actually, I’ll add it to my list. And I haven’t heard of Story Genius, that looks like a good one, thanks so much!