Have you read any how-to-books lately? Looking back at the list of books I'd read in 2009, I found several. Ever ask yourself why these books appeal to us? I decided to look for an answer.
WRITE AWAY by Elizabeth George.
WHY DID I READ THIS BOOK?
I love the Inspector Lynley mystery series on Masterpiece Theater. I found Elizabeth George had also written a book on writing. I was curious.
LEARNED?
After a writer has her idea and characters, she needs to ‘spend’ time on location to work out the logistics of the story. For Elizabeth George this means a trip to the UK to work on her novel. Forget technology! I’m going to pack!
WAS IT HELPFUL? On a scale of [1-5] with [1] being Routine information...up to [5] being an Ah ha Moment
I'll give WRITE AWAY a [3]
COLOR CODE: [highlighting with a different color each time I’ve read the book…]
[1] New book [5] still Trying to master
WRITE AWAY gets a [1]
TAKE AWAY: Entertaining, good for mystery writers
Have you read this book? How would you respond?
9 comments:
I haven't read this particular how-to book, but I have read several lately. In fact, I always have at least one in the works. Most recently helpful was The Turth That Tells a Lie. I also just finished Stephen King's On Writing. I have to admit, I didn't 'get' that one at all, but from the intro comments I don't think there was anything *to* 'get'. Still, it left me scratching my head. Must be me, because King's generally brilliant. I'll have to check out Write Away - especially with your endorsment. Plus, I can always use another excuse to travel :-. Maybe I'll set the next one in Tahiti...
I haven't read this particular how-to book, but I have read several lately. In fact, I always have at least one in the works. Most recently helpful was The Turth That Tells a Lie. I also just finished Stephen King's On Writing. I have to admit, I didn't 'get' that one at all, but from the intro comments I don't think there was anything *to* 'get'. Still, it left me scratching my head. Must be me, because King's generally brilliant. I'll have to check out Write Away - especially with your endorsment. Plus, I can always use another excuse to travel :-. Maybe I'll set the next one in Tahiti...
Oops. I meant - the Lie That Tells A Truth - that darn title is a bear to remember - but the content is memorable!
Hi Rebecca, thanks for stopping by to post. I'm with you totally...I don't get King. And I'm usually clutching a how-to while I read and write fiction...is that part of the writer's mindset? Don't rush on this one unless you like the series...gulp.
Did I tell you how much I'm looking forward to reading your book?
"Write Away" has been on my list to read, for the same reason, Carol. I've stopped reading the how-to's, but have several on my shelves as reference books to look up particular questions I have. But I've been more intrigued with meditation books written by writers. I'm reading Nevada Barr's "Finding Enlightenment: Hat by Hat" and loving it.
Hi LaVerne!
Are you snowed in? How's the book in a month project coming?
Hat by hat...sounds interesting. Thanks for taking time to post.
I've just finished Save the Cat by Blake Snyder, the screenwriter.
It's really easy reading and even though it's for screen writers it hammers home a lot of relevant points for us fiction writers.
Hi Elisabeth.
Save the Cat is on my list as well. Thanks for posting.
How very interesting! Thank you. I attempt to read books on writing but never do--I have a shelf full. Carol, I appreciate your pre-reading and rating them for me.
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