Friday, June 12, 2009

Self-Editing for Fiction Writers

Not too long ago, I bought a new writer’s book. Like I didn’t have enough of them already. What can I say? I simply couldn’t resist.



This book, “Self-Editing for Fiction Writers: How to Edit Yourself into Print” by Renni Browne and Dave King seems to be a great addition to my collection. Here’s the table of contents to give you an idea of what’s inside:

Show and Tell
Characterization and Exposition
Point of View
Proportion
Dialogue Mechanics
See How it Sounds
Interior Monologue
Easy Beats
Breaking Up Is Easy to Do
Once Is Usually Enough
Sophistication
Voice

I’ve just started reading this and so far, so good. Have you acquired any good writing books you’d like to brag about?



17 comments:

  1. That really is a great reference book. It serves me as a checklist and reminder for things to look for during revisions.

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  2. Just read Terri Tiffany talking about this book.

    Another good one is Donald Maass' Writing the Breakout Novel (book and workbook).

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  3. Terri's talking about this book, too? LOL Two great minds... ;)

    Lynnette Labelle

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  4. I keep hearing about this book, so it must be good! I just bought Donald Maass's Breakout Novel Workbook, and I am reading through his Fire In Fiction book. It is very good with alot of examples from novels to "show" what he is talking about.

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  5. This is at least the tenth time I have heard about this book. I guess I'll have to get it!

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  6. It's official...I'm going to need a trip to Barnes and Nobles SOON!!!

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  7. Just started my summer break and hope t make good writing use of my time. Thanks for the tip.

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  8. pI like Spunk and Bite. I haven't read it all the way through yet, but I've really enjoyed learning more about style.

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  9. I've read it about five times and pick it up frequently to refresh myself on this or that.

    Love it.

    I also love Plot and Structure by James Scott Bell and The First Five Pages by Noah Lukeman.

    Those are my favs.

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  10. This one sounds good. I guess I'm going to have to check it out.

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  11. Hmmm the contents seem helpful I may have to look into this one.

    I need to build my library of writing books rather than my fantasy collections lol!

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  12. No, but I should. I like Margie Lawson's classes.

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  13. Sounds like a good read! I'll be sure to look for it as I'm a newbie writer.

    As of this week I've also become a newbie blogger (I have one whole post so far) I would really appreciate any feedback on the direction of my rambles... BTW Thanks Lynnette, the discovery of your blog lent me the confidence to venture forth into unknown waters.

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  14. I have heard a lot about this book and would love to know whether it ends up being worthwhile.

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  15. I've heard a lot about Donald Maass' books. Maybe I should check 'em out. Thanks.

    Lynnette Labelle

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  16. Hey girl! I'll have to check that book out for sure. Everything going ok? Haven't see you around the boards lately. Hope you had a happy birthday!

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  17. My favorite new book is Manuscript Makeover by Elizabeth Lyon. It's brilliant! And I've read all the other ones listed here.

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