Blog

Instrumental Writing Helps – Aaron Gansky
Friday, July 4, 2014 by Cindy Sproles

At the beginning of each semester of my Creative Fiction Writing class, I provide a list of books on craft that were instrumental in my writing journey. Here, Heather Luby and Steve McLain add some spectacular books to the list. Now, I make the list available for our listeners. Doubtless, you have your own favorites, and we’d love to hear what they are. Be sure to leave us a comment or shoot us an e-mail.

Making Shapely Fiction, Jerome Stern: This is perhaps the most practical book for beginning writers. Not only does it feature a handy-dandy glossary-style definition of common craft and literary terms (with examples!), it also focuses on the most common “shapes” stories take. These are essentially archetypal tropes, set-ups for narratives. It’s easy to read, and can immediately stimulate ideas when you’re stuck on how to start (or even how to proceed to your next plot point). Great reference book to have on the shelf. Have your bookmarks and Post-it notes ready.

The Forest for the Trees: An Editor’s Advice to Writers, Betsy Lerner: (Note to reader–couldn’t find this on BetterWorldBooks.com, sadly, hence the Amazon link) This fine book is broken into two sections. The first is almost a therapist’s guide to writer. It breaks down the ambivalent writer, the neurotic writer, the natural writer, the self-promoting writer; any of which can apply to us. In the second section, Lerner tackles the process of publication, the steps involved, and important things to remember.

Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life, Anne Lamott: I love this book because, while it’s filled with practical advice, it’s perhaps the most encouraging book about writing I’ve read. It keeps you firmly grounded in reality. While it handles topics like how to create a vivid setting, it also talks about how to overcome jealousy when your friend gets their book published before you. It’s a great resource to have on your shelf when you’re feeling down about your writing. It will empathize and encourage and get you back to work.

On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft, Stephen King: While this isn’t the traditional craft book, it’s still filled with some of the most practical advice a writer can get from a master of the craft. The first half details his journey in writing, while the second half looks at the tips and tricks he’s learned about the craft along the way. For me, it was validating, as I found myself thinking many of the same things he said, of course, he said them much better than I thought them. It’s also incredibly quotable. You’ll want to have a few highlighters ready on your first read through (I’m assuming you’ll go back to it often).

The Fiction Writer’s Handbook, Hallie Burnett and Whit Burnett: This book features an opening by Norman Maeler and an epilogue by J. D. Salinger. Though it’s an older book (1975), the advice is still relevant. One unique aspect of this book is that, while it covers the basic foundations of fiction, it also has a section specific to short stories and another specific to novels. It’s a great resource to read before a book, during the crafting of first drafts, second drafts, and even final edits. Burnett brings in several popular quotes from very famous writers.

Naming the World: And Other Exercises for the Creative Writer, Bret Anthony Johnston: Very similar to the Fiction Writer’s Handbook, this collection of writing prompts by popular authors has been called an MFA in a box. Johnston tackles each foundational element of fiction in a few pages, then provides several unique prompts by popular authors designed to hone your skill in that particular element. It’s one of the most quotable books I’ve read, and it’s a resource I use often when teaching my students. I’ve pulled several prompts from this that end up turning into longer stories for my students.
Firsts in Fiction: First Lines, Aaron Gansky: It’s always strange to pitch my books. Pardon the self-sell here, but I do truly believe in this book (as does Heather Luby, who uses it in her fiction classes, and several other writer/teachers). In this short book, I take a look at the top 100 first lines of novels (as compiled by the American Book Review). I find the commonalities and deduce several techniques to crafting a memorable first line. It won’t teach you everything you need to know about crafting a novel, but it will help you find the right first line for your novel.

Write to Be Heard, Aaron Gansky and Diane Sherlock: Geared toward a more YA audience of writers, Diane Sherlock and I tackled the different elements of fiction and put together some of our favorite prompts to get the creative mind working and to hone the skill of young writers. A quick read, this is perfect to get your mind working in ways you didn’t think it could work. It works just as well for adult beginning writers.

Revision and Self-Editing and Plot and Structure, James Scott Bell: I had the privilege of meeting James Scott Bell on a few occasions. He’s a very gracious, humble, unassuming man who just happens to know a lot about writing. His Plot and Structure book is highly regarded as one of the best on the subject. While so many craft books end up being a series of bullet-list recommendations with little foundational information, these books have useful check-lists and directed prompts. The material is substantial and useful. Rather than easy, gimmicky advice, he provides a systematic approach to revising your manuscript. He lists common problems and fixes for these. Especially useful for helping revise dialog.

Mystery and Manners, Flannery O’Connor: This books is a bit more academic than some of the others on our list. It’s a collection of several of her speeches and essays on craft. They give valuable insight into her creative process (guess what, Steve–she’s a discovery writer, too!). While you’ll get tons of great practical tips, she also talks about some of the philosophies of writing and reading, of creating themes and symbols, of finding the unexpected but inevitable ending. It changed the way I approach writing, changed how I think about the forming of fiction. Most of the pages are now yellowed with highlighter.
Bonus! The Field Guide to Writing Flash Fiction, Rose Metal Press: While geared more toward those writing flash fiction (and even short stories), this is one of the best books there is on the subject. It’s won several awards and it’s filled with practical advice and theoretical ideas on how short fiction works. It pulls no punches, and suggests things like taking risks, establishing imagery, thinking of prose in poetic ways, etc.

Bonus #2! Burning Down the House, Charles Baxter: Very much like Mystery and Manners, this is a collection of academic essays on the craft and theory of writing. While many of them boarder on the political, most of them are very practical and useful. It contains one of my favorite essays on writing called “Stillness,” a work that echoes in my fiction to this day.

Bonus #3! Wonderbook: The Illustrated Guide to Creating Imaginative Fiction, Jeff VanderMeer: Not your typical stuffy book on craft, this fancy-shmancy illustrated craft book is filled with tons of whimsical charts and maps etc. It’s visual nature makes the normal nuts-and-bolts type approach a little more inspiring. For sure, this is one you want on your shelf.

 

Aaron D. Gansky is the author of The Hand of Adonai Series, Write to Be Heard, Firsts in Fiction: First Lines, and The Bargain. Visit Aaron at www.aarongansky.com

 

Share This Blog:


Mountain Breeze Writer


Previous Posts

Deep and Wide or Sick and Tired?
Cindy Sproles
12/18/2023

What Would Jesus Do?
Cindy Sproles
11/10/2023

Chick, Chick, Chick
Cindy K. Sproles
9/30/2023

In My Inperfections
Cindy K. Sproles
8/27/2023

By the Hair of my Chinny, Chin, Chin
Cindy Sproles
7/21/2023

What Dumb Cluck!
Cindy K. Sproles
6/29/2023

Where to Draw the Line?
Cindy Sproles
4/27/2023

Submit! ME?
Cindy Sproles
4/14/2023

Why Are People So Mean?
Cindy Sproles
3/30/2023

I'm Getting Old
Cindy K. Sproles
3/3/2023

To Hear or Not to Hear
Cindy Sproles
1/28/2023

Happy New Year, Happy New Year News
Cindy Sproles
1/9/2023

Happy Neuter Year
Cindy Sproles
12/31/2022

Facing Reality - Aging Parents, Aging Children
Cindy Sproles
12/30/2022

Word of the Year for 2023
Cindy Sproles
12/24/2022

My Grown Up Christmas List - Three Things to Adulting the Right Way
Cindy Sproles
12/13/2022

Weebles Wobble but They Don't Fall Down
Cindy Sproles
12/6/2022

The Man In the Middle
Cindy Sproles
11/24/2022

Diversity is More Than Color
Cindy K. Sproles
11/14/2022

Love in Motion
Cindy Sproles
11/7/2022

Deadbeat or Deadline
Cindy Sproles
10/31/2022

Backstory - The Reader Doesn't Care!
Cindy Sproles
10/18/2022

The Color of Scared - The Final in Seeking Spiritual Renewal
Cindy Sproles
10/14/2022

The Color of Scared - Second of Three in Seeking Spiritual Freedom from Fear
Cindy Sproles
10/9/2022

The Color of Scared - First of Three in Seeking Spiritual Freedom from Fear
Cindy Sproles
10/3/2022

Fog, Mist, Morning
Cindy Sproles
9/29/2022

From a Rooster to a Hen
Cindy Sproles
9/24/2022

Writing from the Hip
Cindy Sproles
9/19/2022

Soggy Scrubby and the Long Goodbye
Cindy Sproles
9/13/2022

Wramping Up for ACWC
Cindy Sproles
9/10/2022

Rest Not, Want MORE!
Cindy Sproles
9/3/2022

Reality for Me
Cindy Sproles
8/17/2022

The Truth in Publishing
Cindy Sproles
8/11/2022

Beyond
Cindy Sproles
8/4/2022

Working with an Editor
Cindy Sproles
7/7/2022

Two on the Way
Cindy Sproles
2/26/2022

The Party's Overrrrr!
Cindy Sproles
2/22/2022

2022 Encouragement for the Writer
Cindy Sproles
1/4/2022

Every Day is New
Cindy Sproles
1/1/2022

Beginning Anew (An Eldercare Note)
Cindy Sproles
12/31/2021

Five Ways to Kill Your Publishing Opportunity
Cindy Sproles
12/30/2021

A Dollar Wisely Spent
Cindy Sproles
12/28/2021

Silent Night
Cindy Sproles
12/25/2021

Back Pocket Projects
Cindy Sproles
12/21/2021

Things are Back on Track - I think!
Cindy Sproles
12/18/2021

Wonky is Hard
Cindy Sproles
4/25/2021

Present Yourself Approved and Professional
Cindy Sproles
1/28/2021

Integrity - An Authors Valued Trait
Cindy Sproles
1/8/2021

Homonyms – Did You Sea/See Them Their/There?
Cindy Sproles
1/8/2021

Writer Self-Care - Welcome 2021
Cindy Sproles
1/4/2021

Hope in a New Year
Cindy Sproles
1/1/2021

One More Christmas Thought - Taken from ChristianDevotions.US blog
Cindy Sproles
12/25/2020

A Christmas Saga - Joy in the Season
Cindy Sproles
12/24/2020

When Writing Grows Hard
Cindy Sproles
12/22/2020

Permission to Quit - No Way
Cindy Sproles
12/18/2020

The Power of the Pen
Cindy Sproles
12/15/2020

The Good, The Bad, and the Memoir
Cindy Sproles
12/11/2020

The Immeasurable Power in You
Cindy Sproles
12/8/2020

Scratch It Till It Bleeds
Cindy Sproles
12/5/2020

Closing Up Shop - Renting or Selling Our Parent's Home
Cindy Sproles
9/5/2020

Humility in Writing
Cindy Sproles
7/7/2020

Let it Percolate
Cindy Sproles
7/3/2020

Mentoring - A Wise Choice
Cindy Sproles
6/29/2020

Divorce My Words?
Cindy Sproles
6/23/2020

Icy Self-Talk Will Freeze Your Writing
Cindy Sproles
6/19/2020

The Power in You
Cindy Sproles
6/16/2020

Waiting
Cindy Sproles
6/12/2020

Who Really Sells Your Books
Cindy Sproles
6/9/2020

Social Media When You Aren't Social Media Minded
Cindy Sproles
4/20/2020

What Really Is Important
Cindy Sproles
4/12/2020

In the Midst of Chaos
Cindy Sproles
3/17/2020

The Heart of God
Cindy Sproles
2/14/2020

Writing in a Pickle
Cindy Sproles
1/30/2020

The Adult Day Care Alternative
Cindy Sproles
1/23/2020

Social Media Blitz
Cindy Sproles
1/19/2020

The Joys of Aging
Cindy Sproles
12/30/2019

The Reality of Who We Are?
Cindy Sproles
12/22/2019

Publishing Trends
Cindy Sproles
11/30/2019

Be Thankful ANYWAY
Cindy Sproles
11/28/2019

Writing Your Mission Statement
Cindy Sproles
11/19/2019

Perseverance to Write
Cindy
11/16/2019

Common Sense Tips for When You Write
Cindy Sproles
11/9/2019

The Battle is Fought
Cindy
10/15/2019

Twelve Tidbits of Wisdom from Top Christian Writers
Cindy Sproles
10/5/2019

Pray with Fire
Cindy Sproles
10/3/2019

The Easy In
Cindy Sproles
9/24/2019

The Art of Self-Editing
Cindy Sproles
9/10/2019

Questions, Questions
Cindy Sproles
9/6/2019

15-Minute Appointments - Important Networking
Cindy Sproles
9/3/2019

Don't Close Your Eyes - Bob Hostetler
Cindy Sproles
2/5/2019

Love Your Faculty
Cindy Sproles
10/17/2018

Forging Ahead after Rejection
Cindy Sproles
7/17/2018

cindysproles.com Privacy Policy
Cindy Sproles
6/4/2018

Closing Up Shop - Guiding Seniors to Letting Go
Cindy Sproles
4/9/2018

Publishing Naysayers
Cindy Sproles
3/16/2018

In Prayer - I Write
Cindy Sproles
3/3/2018

Keep Them Reading
Cindy Sproles
1/12/2018

Encouraged - Even When . . .
Cindy Sproles
1/2/2018

Christmas Tears
Cindy Sproles
12/18/2017

Holiday Elder Care - Be an Elder Elf
Cindy Sproles
11/12/2017

Grateful for a Dream I Didn't Know I Had
Cindy Sproles
11/9/2017

Keep Them Reading
Cindy Sproles
11/1/2017

Chicken Soup for the Soul - Writer Call Out
Cindy Sproles
10/27/2017

Five Ways to Assure Your Work will Find the Slush Pile
Cindy Sproles
10/24/2017

23rd Psalm Revisited
Cindy Sproles
10/21/2017

Contentment in Writing
Cindy Sproles
10/19/2017

5 Common Sense Tips to Better Writing
Cindy Sproles
10/10/2017

Overshadowed
Cindy Sproles
8/21/2017

Chicken Soup for the Soul Callout - Stories about Love
Cindy Sproles
8/21/2017

Five Keys to Overcoming Rejection
Cindy Sproles
8/12/2017

Writing Call Out - Chicken Soup for the Soul
Cindy Sproles
8/10/2017

When Words of Encouragement Wane
Cindy Sproles
6/28/2017

Writing Truth with Love
Cindy Sproles
1/13/2017

Oh To Be A Writer
Cindy Sproles
1/4/2017

Why Write?
Cindy Sproles
1/1/2017

Scammed
Cindy Sproles
6/21/2016

The Pain of Unsolicited
Cindy Sproles
3/9/2016

Not Alone: A Literary and Spiritual Companion for Those Confronted with Infertility and Miscarriage
Cindy Sproles
11/21/2015

Thankful Despite . . .
Cindy Sproles
11/20/2015

Stepping Up to Na-No-Wri-Mo
Cindy Sproles
11/16/2015

The Gift of No Gifts
Cindy Sproles
11/2/2015

Writers Be Encouraged
Cindy Sproles
10/15/2015

Keep ‘Em Reading – It’s the Writer’s Responsibility
Cindy Sproles
8/13/2015

Saying Goodbye
Cindy Sproles
7/17/2015

Overcoming the Fear of Writing Failure
Cindy Sproles
7/8/2015

Making the Move – Home to Assisted Living
Cindy Sproles
6/17/2015

I Kid You Not
Cindy Sproles
6/6/2015

Hearing the Call to Foster – Renee McCausey
Cindy Sproles
1/13/2015

Throw Out the Crutches
Cindy Sproles
1/10/2015

So You Were Asked to Be A Beta Reader?
Cindy Sproles
1/10/2015

REJECTIONS – Aaughhh!
Cindy Sproles
1/5/2015

The Bachelor – Stephanie Reed
Cindy Sproles
12/14/2014

The Making of a Servant
Cindy Sproles
11/30/2014

Miracle in a Dry Season Review – Yvonne Lehman
Cindy Sproles
8/27/2014

Write Anyway
Cindy Sproles
8/26/2014

World Blog Tour – Catching Up with Cindy Sproles
Cindy Sproles
7/22/2014

The Progression of Life
Cindy Sproles
7/17/2014

Instrumental Writing Helps – Aaron Gansky
Cindy Sproles
7/4/2014

The Question Saga
Cindy Sproles
6/29/2014

Defy the Night – REVIEW
Cindy Sproles
4/28/2014

When the Work is Hard to Do
Cindy Sproles
4/1/2014

My Heart Belongs to Him
Cindy Sproles
2/14/2014

Review of The Vicar’s Wife
Cindy Sproles
2/2/2014

The In on Self Publishing – Part 2
Cindy Sproles
12/29/2013

The In on Self Publishing – Part 1
Cindy Sproles
12/26/2013

In a Pickle
Cindy Sproles
10/1/2013

Bigger and Better
Cindy Sproles
9/27/2013

Putting SOCIAL back in Media
Cindy Sproles
8/10/2013

After the Conference Ends…
Cindy Sproles
8/8/2013

Here a Tweak, There a Tweak, Everywhere a Tweak, Tweak
Cindy Sproles
8/2/2013

Can You Hear Me Now?
Cindy Sproles
7/23/2013

Golden Years, Cherished Moments
Cindy Sproles
3/20/2013

Broken Heart Syndrome
Cindy Sproles
9/26/2012

What About Our Elders
Cindy Sproles
8/24/2012

A Minute – A Lifetime
Cindy Sproles
8/10/2012

Water, Water – Who’s Got the Water
Cindy Sproles
7/31/2012