What’s the best writing how-to book you’ve ever read?
What’s that? You don’t believe in them? Move along please. Thank you.
I’ve read a leaning tower of them since I began writing almost six years ago. Some I’ve found really useful, some less so, but all of them have had something to offer.
If you like how-to books, you’ll no doubt have your favourites, as do I. Without doubt this year my favourite has been Make a Scene: Crafting a Powerful Story One Scene at a Time, by Jordan E. Rosenfeld. Once in a while a book comes along that really makes a difference, and this – for me – is one such book.
Rosenfeld breaks the book up into four major sections:
- Architecture of a Scene
- The Core Elements and the Scene
- Scene Types
- Other Scene Considerations
Right from the first chapter I knew I was holding in my hands a book that was going to help me to prepare for writing my novel, and I haven’t been disappointed. It has affected not only my writing, but my reading, too.
More details available here:
http://www.amazon.com/Make-Scene-Crafting-Powerful-Story/dp/1582974799
If you’re like me and you’re making the change from writing short stories to writing a novel, add this to your list of wants for Christmas.
And feel free to share your own recommendations.
November 25th, 2009 at 9:44 pm
This is on my amazon wishlist – has been since you first recommended it at Critters. Maybe Santa has noticed it there!
November 25th, 2009 at 10:04 pm
I hope you do get it for Christmas, Sophie. Does this mean you’re expecting to write novel-length fiction in the near future? That’d be cool.
November 25th, 2009 at 10:26 pm
I am so honored that you enjoy my book. And if you’re okay with this, I’d like to make you and anyone else who comments here a deal. Show me your receipt for the purchase of Make a Scene and I’ll send you either a second free copy to give as a gift, or a free copy of my book with Rebecca Lawton, “Write Free: Attracting the Creative Life.”
my email: jordansmuse (at) gmail (dot) com
Happy Thanksgiving!
Jordan E. Rosenfeld
November 25th, 2009 at 10:47 pm
Hi Jordan,
How lovely of you to drop by and leave a comment. It gives me an opportunity to thank you personally for writing a book that has helped me with my writing. Thank you!
That’s a very kind offer, too. My receipt is long gone as I bought my copy of your book some months ago, but it’ll be interesting to see whether anyone else comes along and takes you up on the offer.
Many thanks,
Bob
November 25th, 2009 at 11:45 pm
This is still somewhere on my wish list too (boy, is that thing pages long!). I guess I baulked because I now have so many of these books and not much to show for it. But I still like reading them, so I might grab one for Xmas.
Hi Jordan! – I’ll keep your generous offer in mind.
November 25th, 2009 at 11:47 pm
Bob, I’d still be glad to send you a free copy of your choice. Email me your address and it’s done.
Really, I’m honored to be having this conversation!
Jordan