A chance posting on another forum (US-based) revealed that many of the members own several 'How to Write' type books - and I do mean several - quite a few have 30 or more!

I currently have Stephen King's 'On Writing', and that's only because until recently I was a massive fan. And that's it. (Feeling inadequate - moi?)

Consensus was that it was practically de rigueur to be able to identify and emulate various technical styles, which I have to confess had never crossed my mind.

What do people think - do you use these? If so, which? Are they a good idea, or are there dangers attached, particularly for new writers like me?

Interested to hear your thoughts.

Consensus was that it was practically de rigueur to be able to identify and emulate various technical styles, which I have to confess had never crossed my mind.

Mine neither.

I love Sol Stein's Solutions for Novelists which is full of tips for editing once you've finished the first draft, interspersed with anecdotes about his job as an editor.

Also worth getting How Not To Write A Novel by Mittlemark and Newman.


- NaomiM

Only one - "How To Become a Writer" by Dorothea Brande.

I'll confess to having 'a few' but no way near 30.

When I first starting writing a few years ago I bought a couple that were recommended at the time (Natalie Goldberg-Writing Down The Bones and Dorothea Brande-Becoming a Writer) and the first one really helped me to think about writing in the way that suits me. It's not a dictatorial one imposing rules and regulations but more about 'freeing the writer within' and a bit Zen!

I've got a couple of others (as well as the ones already mentioned in the thread) and really just use them to dip in to if I am stuck on a particular area like viewpoint or setting and want a couple of different perspectives.

I think in the beginning though it is possible to read too many of these books and you may end up reading so much about 'how to write' and not actually doing any writing - I know I did at first so now I don't read them cover to cover, I just dip in when I need to.

I have some. Nothing like 30, though! I think that they can be useful, because they make you think consciously about your writing, rather than following old habits without even knowing it let alone questioning it. But there are good books and rubbish ones, and there are ones that will suit you and others that simply won't. You have to remember that the book was made for you to use and get value out of, and not for you to follow slavishly. Basically, take them with a pinch of salt and they can be valuable, but don't let them take you over.

Yes, I have some, but I'm particularly not-interested in the highly technical ones. I think the first I bought was John Moat & John Fortune's The Way To Write, and Dorothea Brande.

I prefer how-to-read books: David Lodge, Francine Prose, John Mullan. Train yourself how to read, and you'll learn how to write.

But FWIW, this is my exploration of the subject, and list, on my blog, and if anyone wants to add any of their favourites which haven't been mentioned in the comments, I'd be really grateful, as the more the merrier:

http://emmadarwin.typepad.com/thisitchofwriting/books-for-writers-a-partial-view-and-a-partial-list.html

Emma

I've been reading a few, mostly ones Emma D has recommended to me on here, and always to look at very specific aspects of writing.

They can get you to consider things in new ways, but you're not going to be brilliant overnight simply because you've read them

They're more helpful for people running creative writing workshops, perhaps, because they show you how to frame your ideas and express them to other people. You may have internalised techniques and ideas, from your own experience of writing and reading, but getting those techniques and ideas across to less experienced writers and readers is another thing. So it helps to have a choice of vocabulary and approaches - a short-hand.

Also worth getting How Not To Write A Novel by Mittlemark and Newman.

Oh goodness, yes, I'd forgotten about that one - it was so entertaining, I forgot it had a serious purpose. Definitely not one to read on public transport, though

I have "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Writing a Novel".

LOL.

Writers are generally looking for a series of know-hows; how to format and pitch etc.

Also, insights into story structure (how to layout a story etc - I recommend http://www.clickok.co.uk/index4.html ).

Then of course, inspiration that will give them those great ideas.

If they're smart, they also read into finance (the getting of), which is what this industry is really all about. Writing and making the film is really quite easy.

Writing and making the film is really quite easy.

Gosh. I wonder where I'm going wrong.

Lol, Leila.

Um, apparently that site has all the answers ...

LoL Leila. We're all sorted out, then...

Emma