Thursday, October 31, 2013

My Top 10 How to Write Fiction Books

I like to read and yes I also like to read about how to write creatively. I've found inspiration and help from reading fiction itself. You can see how authors not only format their stories but how they introduce characters, convey emotion, speed their story pacing.
I mentioned in a previous post how wonderful Chris Baty's book, No Plot? No Problem!, was for inspiring me to finally attempt to write fiction through participating in Nanowrimo.  I will again trip along with another story this November.  
The following are my top ten books about writing that have helped me in the last few years.
Which books have helped or inspired you to write? 
Elements of Fiction Writing - Beginnings, Middles & Ends Elements of Fiction Writing - Beginnings, Middles & Ends
Characters, Emotion & Viewpoint Characters, Emotion & Viewpoint: Techniques and Exercises for Crafting Dynamic Characters and Effective Viewpoints
The 

Elements of Style The Elements of Style
Naming 

the World: And Other Exercises for the Creative Writer Naming the World: And Other Exercises for the Creative Writer
Plot & 

Structure Plot & Structure: (Techniques And Exercises For Crafting A Plot That Grips Readers From Start To Finish)
Scene & 

Structure Elements of Fiction Writing - Scene & Structure
Seize 

the Story Seize the Story
Self-

Editing for Fiction Writers Self-Editing for Fiction Writers
Writing 

Fiction For Dummies Writing Fiction For Dummies
Writing 

Magic Writing Magic: Creating Stories that Fly

How to Write a Nanowrimo Novel

Minimizing distractions when you are writing. 

One of the first things I look at is actually what am I using to write. 

Pen and paper?  Laptop?  Speech to word program? Alphasmart Neo keyboard, thank you. 

nanowrimo 2006

I've used my Alphasmart Neo for years and really love it.  Sad to see they will no longer be produced but hopefully mine will last for years.  You can read more about Alphasmarts here and if they sound good to you rush to buy one if you can find one anymore.  I think I'd better pick up an extra Neo myself.  Of course there are similar keyboards but the Alphasmarts are really good. 

The reason I use my Alphasmart is that I have few distractions when using it.  It allows me to type, stores my words and then I can transfer it at some point to my computer.  It is very easy to use and batteries (3 AA's) last forever even when I use my Neo daily.  I'm going on a year right now with the current set of batteries. 

I tend to transfer writing from my Neo to my computer once a week but during Nano I may transfer more often depending on how impressed I am by the marvellous story I am writing. 

Lots of people use various software programs to minimize distractions as well.  Such programs help you focus on the story which is what Nanowrimo is all about. 

Figure out what works for you to minimize distractions and type, type, type.
We will worry about editing another month and NOT in November. 

Sunday, October 27, 2013

Unleash Your Inner Book with Nanowrimo 2013

Time for Nano!  Time for Nano!
Sure that's what we'll all jump up and down for as we spring towards the beginning of another November of frantic writing.
Here's a great introduction to it...

Nanowrimo in 3 Minutes

Why do I participate?  Maybe it's just to fill up the month or maybe, just maybe, there is a tiny part of me and thinks I'll score with an idea one day.  Sure I'd like to sell a book or two but my problem is actually allowing anyone else to read what I produce.

One other problem but you mustn't think about till after Nanowrimo is over.

Even though I've taken a few of Holly Lisle's great courses I've yet to actually edit *read edit properly* one of my novels and I've participated in Nanowrimo since 2006.  I've even written other novels outside of Nano as well but let's just say I've yet to push my lazy butt to prepare any of them for release.

So another Nano year?  Bring it.

Chris Baty's book was a lifesaver at the start and I recommend you rush to buy it.. or not. Yes, this is an affiliate link but it's a book that greatly helped me.