Comments on: On Writing: Why Mastery Should Matter to the Serious Author

By: Unplugged Book Sales: Is It Possible to Sell Books Off Line?

Unplugged Book Sales: Is It Possible to Sell Books Off Line? — Wed, 04 Dec 2019 19:36:14 +0000

[…] to THIS BLOG where I have a long list of resources—who aren’t necessarily me—to help make […]

By: zachsteel

zachsteel — Mon, 25 Nov 2019 21:40:24 +0000

Excellent post Kristen. I already have a few of the Mastery Manuals and am developing my skills. I love audiobooks too as you can quickly get totally engrossed in the story, as long as the reader and story are good! But I think you still have to read in print to pick up the technical nuances of writing in the early days. My personal gremlin is the humble comma 🙁 Grammarly is always reminding me I have a “Missing comma in compound sentence.” Eats, Shoots & Leaves is now on my Next Up reading list.

By: Top Picks Thursday! For Writers & Readers 11-07-2019 | The Author Chronicles

Thu, 07 Nov 2019 19:07:09 +0000

[…] Lamb explains why mastery should matter to the serious author, and Janice Hardy lists ten things to remember if you want to be a published […]

By: Babs Mountjoy

Babs Mountjoy — Fri, 01 Nov 2019 23:16:21 +0000

I think Dwight Swain’s book is also a must-read…even though it can be dry as a stick. Taught me a lot. https://www.amazon.com/Techniques-Selling-Writer-Dwight-Swain/dp/B0087A25EY

By: Renee Wittman

Renee Wittman — Fri, 01 Nov 2019 20:31:52 +0000

I also like C. S. Lakin’s ‘Layer Your Novel’ for structure on writing. These are good resources!

By: B.C. Laybolt

B.C. Laybolt — Fri, 01 Nov 2019 15:50:00 +0000

How is it that every paragraph I read in this makes me agree MORE? *Rubs neck sore from nodding*.

By: Jean Lamb

Jean Lamb — Fri, 01 Nov 2019 02:08:37 +0000

I would also like to recommend The Writer’s Survival Guide by Rachel Simon, and Zen and the Art of Writing by Ray Bradbury, if only for the mainline you will receive of joy.

By: Bob

Bob — Wed, 30 Oct 2019 16:10:39 +0000

Thanks for this great post. I’m an avid reader: fiction/non-fiction and, yes, writer’s craft books including many of those you listed as well as blogs. I’ve started two books one of which I’ve shelved mostly because I think that the theme has been overdone. Perhaps it is just an excuse but sometimes I feel paralyzed with trying to get all the elements right: plot, character arc, emotion, conflict, tension,etc. Yes, I know, we are told to just write then work out the rest in the editing and revision process. But this is exceedingly difficult to do. I’m envious of writers like you who can do 2,000 to 4,000 words a day, a goal I can only dream of.

Having given up on the novel I have decided to focus on trying to do short stories. Of course this has it’s own set of challenges.

A few craft books I have found helpful are: Dynamic Characters by Nancy Kress, Dialogue by Gloria Kempton and Creating Character Arcs by K.M. Weiland.

By: Kristen Lamb

Kristen Lamb — Wed, 30 Oct 2019 14:55:36 +0000

In reply to peterdannauthor.

Thank you so much! I put a lot of work into these posts because I really DO want you to succeed and the resources here are, by and large, a list of MY mentors. I wouldn’t have made it without them, especially Les Edgerton. His book ‘Hooked’ was the first time it all made sense, like tumblers in a lock. In fact, in my early years, I bought copies for every writer friend I had. Even gave a copy to my mom who wasn’t a writer, but loved the book because it’s much like learning how a master magician creates the illusion.

Great to meet you!

By: peterjearle

peterjearle — Wed, 30 Oct 2019 11:35:29 +0000

Now and again I need, but hate, to be reminded of all the potholes I have fallen into, still fall into and those I know so well I live there and try to ignore. Thank you.