Thursday Review—Getting Into Character by Brandilyn Collins

A review by Lynn H. Blackburn

I’m going to tell y’all something that I don’t make a habit of sharing. I wouldn’t even tell you, except, well, you’re writers.

So, I’m hoping you’ll get this.

Sometimes…

I stand in front of my mirror and act out my scenes.

Does anyone else do this? Anyone?

Thursday Review—The Art of War for Writers

The Art of War for Writers: Fiction Writing Strategies, Tactics, and Exercises
James Scott Bell

I collect books on writing like I collect...well...books. For me, the library I've compiled has been a big part of how I learned the craft of writing. It has also been how I've kept current in the industry. There is one particular shelf where I keep my favorites, and this small gem can be found there.

Actually, all of James Scott Bell's books on writing are there.

He's written several, seven actually and they can all be found in bookstores everywhere and of course, on his website. I've also had the opportunity to sit in his classes. If you have the opportunity to take any of his classes, don't pass it by.

Thursday Review—Writers on Writing

Writers on Writing

Writers on Writing
 a book review by Lynn Huggins Blackburn

Don't you love it when you read a book and it's so good you just can't put it down?

I do, too. I love that feeling of anticipation that builds with each turned page until there are no more pages and I'm left with a sense of satisfaction—and a sink full of dishes, overflowing laundry hampers, and a family that would appreciate it if I found my way to the kitchen.

Fortunately for my always hungry children, this is not one of those books.

And for once, that's a good thing.

Writers on Writing is a compilation of brief articles from some of the heaviest of the heavy hitters in the Christian writing world. (Can you say Cecil Murphey? Jerry B. Jenkins?)  And they are written specifically with the Christian writer in mind.

The articles are divided into three categories. We start with The Writer and cover what it means to be a Christian writer and how to survive in the Christian publishing world. Then we transition to The Craft and cover everything from basic grammar to writing screenplays, from ghostwriting to editing fiction and non-fiction. Then we wrap up with articles on The Business and hit professionalism, talking to editors and building platforms.

Writers on Writing would make a great addition to any writer's bookshelf. Feeling discouraged? Check out Chapter 2. Worried about running out of ideas? See Chapter 5. Trying to edit that devotion down to 250 words? You'll find Chapter 19 useful.

You could sit down and read it all the way through, but I think it's best enjoyed slowly.

Pick it up. Read a chapter.

Put it down. Process what you've read—maybe while dusting or picking up toys.

Repeat.

Your writing—and your family—will thank you.

Don’t forget to join the conversation!

Blessings,

Lynn

Lynn Huggins Blackburn has been telling herself stories since she was five and finally started writing them down. On her blog Out of the Boat she writes about faith and family while her blog Perpetual Motion documents the joys and challenges of loving and rearing a child with special needs. A graduate of Clemson University, Lynn lives in South Carolina where she writes, reads, knits, takes care of three amazing children, one fabulous man and one spoiled rotten Boston Terrier.

Follow Lynn on Twitter @lynnhblackburn

Thursday Reviews

Welcome to Thursday Reviews on The Write Conversation

Every Thursday I'll be posting a review pertaining to writers. It may be a review of a book, software, online class or conference relevent to the writing industry. Sometimes we'll talk about fiction, other times we'll discuss non-fiction. Our goal - to help each other become better writers. I'm inviting you to join the conversation as well. Let me know what you've discovered to help you. Ask for the help you haven't been able to find. None of us has all the answers alone, but when we band together we're unstoppable!

The Art of War for Writers
James Scott Bell

Writing publishable fiction takes the planning and preparation of an invasion campaign. From fighting self doubt to navigating the mine fields of the industry itself, victory can seem unattainable. As a successful novelists himself, Jim Bell knows that battle first hand. His newest book on writing is a work packed full of practical strategies and focused exercises, guaranteed to equip any writer for the conflict ahead. This small book, written in digestible bites, translates Sun Tzu's "The Art of War" into an indispensible handbook for novelists.

Personally, I keep James Scott Bell’s other books on writing within easy reach in my office, where they show signs of being well used. I know this latest release will join them. I recommend it wholeheartedly to aspiring and veteran novelists alike.


Don't forget to keep the conversation going -
Blessings,
Edie