3 Excellent Books on Fiction Writing
Over the last one year, I have been reading a few books on writing fiction. For guidance on writing non-fiction, I found an excellent book. But so far I have not found one comprehensive book that covers most of the required topics in the art of writing fiction. So I recommend three books, each good in a specific aspect of fiction-writing. However, if you want to read only one book, go with the second book mentioned below.
1. Story: Style, Structure, Substance, and the Principles of Screenwriting by Robert McKee.
This book maybe intended for screenwriters, but is an excellent reference for novel writers, as well. This is THE BOOK if you want to understand how to evolve the overall structure (plot outline) of your story/novel. It mostly deals with the broader/global aspects of the story and gives many relevant examples from popular movies. Extremely well written and engaging, this book is a must-read.
2. Make a Scene: Crafting a Powerful Story One Scene at a Time
This book deals with the specifics of what is to be written in . . . each scene! Think about it – your story is actually multiple scenes woven together. There are many types of scenes and each has its own considerations. Writing these individual scenes effectively constitutes your novel, and that is what this book explores. The examples given from popular novels are appropriate and effective. This is the best resource to learn the nuts-and-bolts of writing fiction.
3. Self-Editing for Fiction Writers, Second Edition: How to Edit Yourself Into Print by Renni Brown and Dave King.
There was a time when I thought editing was proofreading. No, there is much more to editing than proofreading, and this book outlines them all very well. Written by two professional editors, this book, I feel, is a must read for all authors, as it will help us to write better fiction from the editor’s point of view. I think authors can read this book once they finish the first draft, but it will also be useful to read it before writing that novel. This book will save some work/time for the editor, and if you’re charged by the hour for editing, some money for you, as well!
Destination Infinity
PS: These recommendations are only from the books I have read, and found useful.
Have not read any one of them, may read one or two in the future.
Even I have not read any of them. Must read some of these book soon. I will first finish the Stephen King’s book. I bought it after seeing your review of that book.
These books are better than Stephen King’s book, which is also good. You can start with reading that book, though.
Destination Infinity
Recently i enrolled myself into a write fiction online workshop,where a writer suggested never to buy books telling how to write! Her logic – Such books are written by people who have no particular idea of what to write about!
I would love to improve my writing. May be i should start with the second book ,first.
🙂
There are good books, there are bad books. I have read some bad books on writing fiction, too! I can say for sure that these three are good, as I have read them.
Destination Infinity
I’m never the kind of person who writes stories, but interesting. The third book might be interesting for me, though I’m yet to read Stephen King, which is highly recommended by a writer friend.
The Stephen King book is good, but not good enough for writers. Only 30% of that book is advice for writers.
Bookmarked this post for future reference!
the book about crafting scenes sounds interesting, will try to find in the library.
It’s good. Alternately, you can buy the eBook from Kindle – it’s not very expensive.
Destination Infinity