You've read that good writers are avid readers, right?
There are writers who say they simply don't have time to read.
Gina raises an eyebrow and tsk's them.
The best teacher is a well written book. If you're not reading, you're going to miss out on being the best writer you can be. I firmly believe that.
They say you pick up subconciously, through reading, the elements of good story telling. That's probably true, but when I read I also take mental and paper notes on a very aware level.
Sometimes, I sit with notebook in hand, writing tag lines that I like and words that would work in my story.
One thing I'm struggling with now is showing fear in my characters without always resorting to a pounding heart or sweaty palms, and derivatives of such.
I plan to read a scary novel by a best selling author and see how she does it. I will be taking notes. Free lesson from a master. Gotta love free.
Speaking of which, I actually won another author signed book! Am I lucky or what? Lynn Coleman had a chatroom lesson on show vs. tell last night and they had a drawing for an autographed novel of hers and they picked my name.
That lady seems to know her business so I look forward to reading it. I'll share my insights afterward.
What I'm reading now: Writer's Digest's, Short Story Writing Vol I and II.
I've read them before but they were so helpful teaching me symbolism and a plethora of other subjects I thought I'd look again. Those are great books btw. Among my favorite how to's.
And, I'm also reading Kathryn Mackel's, The Departed.
It's dubbed a "Christian Chiller" and lives up to the name. This lady is great at suspense. I'm learning a lot from her. She can really write.
I urge anyone that likes Peretti and Dekker to check her out. She also wrote, The Surrogate, which I haven't read but plan to.
I'm almost done that book and then I'm going to read that scary secular novel to learn technique from. Then I want to read Ron and Janet Benrey's, Dead as a Scone, etc. I've got about 10 books waiting for my attention.
What are you reading?
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Saturday, August 20, 2005
What are you reading?
I just started That Hideous Strength by C.S. Lewis, the 3rd book in his Space Trilogy. I'd read the previous two and enjoyed them, but I just hadn't gotten to this one. It's held my interest.
ReplyDeleteOn the nonfiction front, I'm reading Blue Blood by Edward Conlin, about a NY cop. One of my characters in my second novel is a cop, and I'm trying to learn their psyche.
My wish list of upcoming releases includes Terri Blackstock's Last Light, Brandilyn Collins' Web of Lies, The Crossroads by F.P. Lione, As Good as Dead by Patricia Rushford, and Plaguemaker by Tim Downs.
It's good to see someone reading Lewis's Space Trilogy, C.J. In my opinion, Perelandra is one of the best Christian sci-fi books available. That Hideous Strength, tends to be rather soap-opera-ishy. At the time, Lewis was being influenced by Charles Williams's stuff (he was one of the Inklings).
ReplyDeleteI'm currently finishing David Dark's, Everyday Apocalypse. He explores redemptive themes found in pop culture, everyone from Beck and Radiohead, to the Ethan Bros. and the Simpsons. Pretty deep. I'm waiting for Neil Gaiman's, American Gods, winner of the Hugo Award. I think I'm giving up on the CBA.
You're always giving great info for good books, CJ. Thanks. And what a great idea reading a biography to "get into character". Why didn't I think of that?
ReplyDeleteMike, giving up on the CBA? Maybe you just haven't found the right writer for your taste. There's got to be a match. But, the ABA is a good market too and pluses to getting published there. However, I think you're talking about in your reading? But, I guess if you don't read the CBA then it'd be hard to write for them.
Either way, Mike. You ooze talent so eventually you'll find your place. No doubt about it.
Gina, I read The Departed several weeks ago. It's a good book and I hope you get a lot out of it. My review is still online at Whalin's review of The Departed on FaithfulReader.com I just finished Something Fast by Bob Beltz (a new NavPress novel) that releases next month. Interesting. If you like thrillers, I love Joel Rosenberg's Ezekiel Option. It's one of the best I've read in some time. I'm currently starting Robert Liparulo's first novel, Comes A Horseman which releases in early November with a 50K first hardcover printing. It's too early to tell what I think about it.
ReplyDeleteYou are exactly right. We need to be reading. Terry The Writing Life
Thanks Terry for your comment. I'm almost finished The Departed and its great. I will check out Ezekiel Option and the other's you mentioned. I need more bookshelves!
ReplyDeleteAppreciate you stopping by.
I found my way over here through TL Hines' site. *You gave me a lovely compliment about a title for his book* (The trilogy of death). :)
ReplyDeleteI SUCK at titles and when I read your comment I just giggled!
I'm reading Dave Long's Ezekiel's Shadow, DeAnn Gist's A Bride Most Begrudging and Bobby Welch's You: The Warrior Leader.
I'm a Stephen King fanatic and have been for as long as I can remember. I have learned a LOT from the man over the years and could actually point out times of crisis in his life by his novels (though I didn't know it until I read "On Writing" and then I found out I was right all those years ago!) If you haven't picked up "On Writing" it is one you will want on your shelf.
I look forward to reading the chapter(s) you've posted!
Hi Michelle. Thanks for visiting and your comment. That was a great idea for a title! Kinda scary for CBA maybe?
ReplyDeleteThose novels you're reading all sound good. I do have Kings book on writing. I've read it a few times.
Let me know what you think of my chapters. (Hey were about the same trilogy age, I see. Though mine's sneaking closer to quadrilogy (alright, pretty sure that ain't a real word).