My New Favorite Writing Book: Delve, Pivot, Propel by Steven James

by Lynn H. Blackburn @LynnHBlackburn

Delve, Pivot, Propel by Steven James is now in my Top 5 craft books that I recommend to writers. 

Fun fact: Story Trumps Structure by Steven James is my #1. So, clearly, I’m a fan of Steven James’s storytelling approach. 

I could probably begin and end this post by saying, “Buy it, read it, mark it up, highlight it, put sticky tabs on the things you most resonate with, refer back often.” And, this would be the shortest post in The Write Conversation history! 

But I’ll give you more to go on than that! 

Writing Tips from Bestselling Writers

by DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills

We all have our revered and treasured writers who never fail to bring us exciting and quality reads. Let’s look at a few bestselling writers’ favorite writing tip(s) in alphabetical order.

Common Writing Obstacles (Part 6): Plotting

by Henry McLaughlin @RiverBendSagas

This is one more installment in a series on common obstacles writers face.

Some people say you can’t have a story without a plot. Others say you can’t have a story without characters. Both are true. I think characters are more important.

The Case for Re-Reading Writing Books

by Lynn H. Blackburn @LynnHBlackburn

For many writers, the transition from one year to the next is a time filled with evaluation and planning. We consider what we did the year before and look to the future, sketching out our goals for everything from the number of pounds we’ll lose to the number of books we’ll read. 

I tend to set my goals based on areas of weakness, not strength, which is why I rarely set a reading goal. I read a lot, so I don’t need any incentive to encourage this behavior! 

An Author's Promise to His Readers

by Henry McLaughlin @RiverBendSagas

As writers, we’re constantly making promises to our readers. Often they start with our title and cover. A cover of a couple looking longingly at each other promises romance. How disconcerting it would be to discover a horror story on the pages. Even though some romances can end up horrible.

Writing Books to Guide Authors from Steven James

by Tim Suddeth @TimSuddeth

My family likes to take Sunday afternoon drives through the countryside. We’ve been doing this for many years, that we know most of the roads around us. When we turn out of our development, we may take one of many routes we have already traveled, or we may find a new one. We only know we have to be home by dark.

Troubleshooting Your Novel - A Book Review for Writers

Troubleshooting Your Novel

by Lynn Huggins Blackburn @LynnHBlackburn

I have a bit of an issue with writing craft books.

I love them.

My craft shelf is loaded with them, but there are only a few that get pulled out time and time again.

Troubleshooting Your Novel by Steven James is going to be one of them.

Troubleshooting Your Novel is divided into five parts:

Plot Problems Solved in 3 Questions

Before you get into the post from Henry McLaughlin today, all of us at The Write Conversation want to wish you a Happy & Blessed Thanksgiving!

Plot Problems solved in 3 Questions

by Henry McLaughlin @RiverBendSagas

Here is a tool that may prove helpful. Best-selling author Steven James presented this material at an intensive novel writing retreat I attended.

Whether you’re an outliner or an organic author, these simple, yet intriguing questions, will get your creative juices flowing.

The questions open doors into areas of our story we may not have explored before and will lead us to more compelling stories.

I’m Making a List—of the Best Writing, Publishing & Marketing Books in 2014

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

Today’s post relies heavily on your participation.

I’m going to share the book industry books that have helped me the most this year. 

But I’m only one person and can only read so many books. Think of the to-be-read list we’ll compile when we put our heads together!

Edie’s Picks of Best Writing, Publishing and Marketing Books for 2014

Thursday Review—Story Trumps Structure—A Writing Book for Everyone

by Lynn H. Blackburn @LynnHBlackburn

If you’ve been writing for any length of time, you’ve probably been asked the ever popular question, “What kind of writer are you?” What they want to know is are you an outliner or a pantster. Do you plan every scene in advance, or do you write organically and discover what happens along with your characters?

If you’re an outliner, you can find a plethora of books that will help you on your journey.

If you’re an organic writer? Not so much.

If you aren’t sure, join the club.