Even then I understood that my manuscript--my second born!--no matter how promising, needed help. After joining RWA and enlisting in the cyber revolution (i.e., connecting to the Internet and discovering list-servs), I began hearing the names of certain how-to books over and over again. I soon discovered why.
An accounting of my personal favorites, and why they are so revered, follows. This list is far from exhaustive, but if you're starting out, one of these books may provide the boost you need.
Writing The Book
- GMC: Goal, Motivation, & Conflict, by Debra Dixon
Gryphon Books For Writers http://members.aol.com/gryphonbks/gryphon.htm ISBN 0-9654371-0-8
"GMC" is my personal light bulb book. No wonder my story seemed flat. I had never learned to identify goals, motivations, and conflicts for my characters and tie them all together within the plotline. Those concepts, in my opinion, lay the foundation for the whole story. GMC presents them in ways a beginner can easily understand and apply and incorporates enough substance to satisfy an advanced writer seeking review. You're given a simple chart format to use and plenty of examples within a modest 164 pages. You will "get it" with this book. It is the book on my shelves most likely to be voted the "If You could Suggest Only One How-to Book". I'm only sorry I didn't have it when I finished that first manuscript. And I swear Ms Dixon isn't paying me to say these things! *grin* - Techniques of the Selling Writer, by Dwight V. Swain
University of Oklahoma Press ISBN 0-8061-1191-7
Swain examines many facets of fiction writing within these pages, but "Techniques" opened my eyes to not only the concept of scene and sequel but also its importance. A plodding read, however. - Scene & Structure, by Jack M. Bickham
Writer's Digest Books ISBN 0-89879-551-6
Bickham, a disciple of Swain's, expands upon and simplifies the concept of scene and sequel. I found this book clearer than Swain's in both organization and language. If you have to choose one or the other, choose this one. You'll be more likely to stick it out to the end. - Story by Robert McKee
HarperCollins ISBN 0-06-039168-5
Although "Story" is targeted toward screenwriters, the ground covered is common to most modern story telling. It's my opinion that it would be helpful to attend one of Mr. McKee's "Story" workshops or listen to the audiotape before, or concurrent with, reading the book. This one should be read in an environment free from distractions and with a writing pad at hand for taking notes. I wouldn't recommend "Story" to a beginner, but due to its cornucopia of brain food, I can't leave it off this list. - Dynamic Characters, by Nancy Kress
Writer's Digest Books ISBN 0-89879-815-9
This is the book I see most often named as a favorite how-to for character creation--and rightly so. From character names to the connections among characters, plot, and theme, Ms Kress covers it all. Beneficial to both beginning and experienced writers. - The Weekend Novelist, by Robert J. Ray
Dell ISBN0-440-50594-1
I include this one here not for any lightning strikes of inspiration but because it guides you week by week through a whole year with the goal of typing THE END. Mr. Ray provides you with excellent how-to advice and exercises as well as a 52-week game plan, which I think works equally well as a beginners' learn-as-you-go course and as a time management tool for more experienced writers. Although, hmm ... regarding time management, he kind of assumes you can tell your family to go away and leave you alone when you decide it's Writing Time (Case in point, from page 6, regarding the sanctity of your writing time as applies to family and friends: "Post the scheduleAs the novel grows and you need more time, post a new schedule. "). Nonetheless, having the game plan prearranged is beneficial if you tend, as I do, to spin in circles (happy circles, granted 
) when unexpected free time sneaks up on you.
Revising the Book
- Woe is I, by Patricia T. O'Conner
Berkley (Riverhead Books) ISBN 1-57322-625-4
To the point, useful, humorous and ... get this ... a page-turner. It's not as though grammar spells "action-thriller," is it? But it can be fun, um, sort of, and Ms O'Conner makes it so. - The Elements of Style, by William Strunk, Jr. and E.B. White
MacMillan ISBN 0-02-418220-6 (paperback)
Although there is a slightly archaic feel to some of the "rules" set forth in this slim volume, there are not many writers who will argue its merits. Coupled with a more contemporary grammar book such as "Woe Is I", Strunk and White should satisfy most of your grammar needs. - Self-Editing For Fiction Writers, by Renni Browne and Dave King
Harper Perennial ISBN 0-06-272046-5
Once you've completed your manuscript, be it short or long, fiction or non, it is absolutely imperative for you to dissect it with a critical, objective eye. You must leave your sentimental attachments to particularly moving passages and one-of-a-kind scenes in the bathtub, or bedroom, or wherever the Muse normally clonks you over the head and says, "Maahhhhhvelous, dahlink. Simply mahvelous." Some folks call this brutal purging activity "revising and polishing". I call it fun. I love the self-editing process. Not being by nature an organized person, however, I've often found myself editing in circles, duplicating my previous editing efforts, all the while thinking, "Déjàvu... déjàvu ...". This book presents the self-editing process in an orderly manner with checklists at the end of each chapter. I love checklists. I love this book. - The 10% Solution, Self Editing for the Modern Writer, by Ken Rand
Fairwood Press ISBN 0-9668184-0-7
Clearly this author takes his own advice. The 10% Solution is only 63 pages long. The basic premise? Write your draft, then edit out 10% of the original material. Mr. Rand will show you how to do this in an efficient manner. This is especially helpful for writing effective short articles, short stories ... and short reviews of self-editing books.
Surviving The Book, the Writers' Life, the Writers' Block, and whatever Writing Thing You Can Think Of... and Then Some
- On Writing, by Stephen King: A Memoir of the Craft
Scribner ISBN 0-684-85352-3
To think many people scoffed upon learning that Stephen King had written a how-to book. Weren't they surprised? This gem really is a book for writers of any ilk, and surprisingly encouraging to a beginner. It's not so much a how-to book as it is an engaging, down-home brew of reasonable writing guidelines and reminders, inspiration, affirmation, and sensibility. There's something for everyone here, not just for Stephen King fans. What did I find for myself? "Self-permission" to stick with my own style in all areas of the craft--from the desktop clutter to the words I choose. - Bird by Bird, by Ann Lamott
Doubleday (Anchor Books) ISBN 0-385-48001-6
I didn't have a sunburst "aha" moment with this one, but rather a gentle dawning of insight. Ms Lamott addresses many of the emotional issues that we writers face, such as "Shitty First Drafts" and "Jealousy", with humor and empathy. Picking up "Bird by Bird" and reading a relevant chapter is like sitting down for a cup of coffee with a friend when you want the company of someone who understands you. Bird By Bird reminds us "We're Not Alone".
Cruising The 'Net
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There are some websites and electronic newsletters "out there" that beg your scrutiny. Chock full of wonderful information and links, here are three to get started:
- Alicia Rasley's Writers' Corner
- Coffeehouse For Writers, including Fiction Fix newsletter
- Writing-World.com
- Want more? Check out my Useful Links page.
In A Nutshell
As I cruised my bookshelf while planning this article, the list of "necessary to breathe" how-to books grew ever longer. But a long list is not going to help anyone who's on an unforgiving budget, now, is it?If you are a totally clueless beginner as I was, I'd recommend two starter books: Debra Dixon's "GMC", and Stephen King's "On Writing". If you must choose only one, then "GMC" will appeal to those looking for something simple, clear, and to the point. "On Writing" will appeal to Stephen King fans (it goes without saying, but I said it anyway), and to those who enjoy a bit more cogitating with their how-tos.
May The Muse lurk within your how-to books.