Thank you for including recommendations for vignettes. This is exactly what I need for my current project. I also turn to screenwriting books for help, especially The Anatomy of Story.
Thank you so much for this, Courtney. And it just goes to show. I *assumed* that you had an MFA. Sitting here on the outskirts of what I imagine is an exclusive Real Writers Club that I should have signed up for long ago but didn’t, I often feel the pull towards more so-called formal, higher education. I already have an MA and DTCM in whole other fields (plus a whack of debt to go with it). More “formal,” “higher” education isn’t my answer and neither, likely, are craft books. Probably, there is no answer. I just need to keep reading and writing. Again, thank you. Your words and shares are a lantern on this path!
The four books on craft/writing/creativity I have on my writing desk at all times (within actual arm's reach as I'm writing this) are: Bird by Bird, On Writing, Big Magic, and Before and After the Book Deal. I've read every page of all 4 of these, and am comforted having them nearby as resources/points of inspiration. Bird by Bird reminds me to JUST WRITE - shitty first drafts and all. On Writing reminds me to treat reading as my job, as much as I do writing, and to treat my office/writing desk time with the devotion and discipline it deserves. Big Magic is a book I encourage anyone to read who feels like they need permission or validation for making creative work (or creative play) a priority in their life. It is a beautiful celebration of art in all forms, and the 'x factor' of fulfillment it brings that can never be matched by a byline or big paycheck. Before and After the Book Deal taught me so, so much. My copy is just a patchwork of colorful underlines.... SO MANY underlines. Courtney, your guidebook is an absolute treasure trove of practical insight on the industry. I'm SO much more informed and equipped to pursue publishing with realistic expectations because of it.
I feel relieved to know not everyone absolutely loves craft books. I dip in and out of some writers writing about writing, but it can fall flat when I am not working on something in the same genre. Thanks for posting!
I also like screenwriting books. Save the Cat for screenwriting, the original, really got me started with writing, and Stephen King’s memoir.
Thank you for including recommendations for vignettes. This is exactly what I need for my current project. I also turn to screenwriting books for help, especially The Anatomy of Story.
Thank you so much for this, Courtney. And it just goes to show. I *assumed* that you had an MFA. Sitting here on the outskirts of what I imagine is an exclusive Real Writers Club that I should have signed up for long ago but didn’t, I often feel the pull towards more so-called formal, higher education. I already have an MA and DTCM in whole other fields (plus a whack of debt to go with it). More “formal,” “higher” education isn’t my answer and neither, likely, are craft books. Probably, there is no answer. I just need to keep reading and writing. Again, thank you. Your words and shares are a lantern on this path!
This is so helpful Courtney!
The four books on craft/writing/creativity I have on my writing desk at all times (within actual arm's reach as I'm writing this) are: Bird by Bird, On Writing, Big Magic, and Before and After the Book Deal. I've read every page of all 4 of these, and am comforted having them nearby as resources/points of inspiration. Bird by Bird reminds me to JUST WRITE - shitty first drafts and all. On Writing reminds me to treat reading as my job, as much as I do writing, and to treat my office/writing desk time with the devotion and discipline it deserves. Big Magic is a book I encourage anyone to read who feels like they need permission or validation for making creative work (or creative play) a priority in their life. It is a beautiful celebration of art in all forms, and the 'x factor' of fulfillment it brings that can never be matched by a byline or big paycheck. Before and After the Book Deal taught me so, so much. My copy is just a patchwork of colorful underlines.... SO MANY underlines. Courtney, your guidebook is an absolute treasure trove of practical insight on the industry. I'm SO much more informed and equipped to pursue publishing with realistic expectations because of it.
I want to add Renée Branum's DEFENESTRATE to the list of novels-in-vignettes that are non-crazy making. It's stunning. https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/defenestrate-9781635577396/
Also what is the experimental zoom about? Is it for writing experimental fiction?
I feel relieved to know not everyone absolutely loves craft books. I dip in and out of some writers writing about writing, but it can fall flat when I am not working on something in the same genre. Thanks for posting!