When I’m revising, I usually eschew novels for “how to write” books. For one thing, they are easier to put down. I also find that reading them triggers my brain to plot and scheme. And while most of the information isn’t new for anyone who has been writing for a while, you can usually pick up something new, or even just a good quote to keep you motivated.
So here are two books I have read in the last few days. I picked them up cheap from the Kindle store, just to see what they were like.
Dialogue: More Than Just Talk by Lori Devoti
More than just talk is a very fast overview of some of the problems that lead to bad dialogue. The information is brief but to the point, and if the writer addressed even half of them it would greatly improve their dialogue.
It seems to be aimed more at beginning than experienced writer, but is worth a read just to refresh.
There’s also a bonus article on improving the first few lines of your novel, which is quite good. Overall well worth the price.
The CT Method of Revision and Editing by David B. Schlosser
The CT method outlines a fairly intensive method of revising a manuscript to prepare for publication. Schlosser is an editor with experience and starts off with the reasons why an author should revise their own manuscript first before paying an editor. He also talks about why self-publishers should revise hard.
Schlosser’s method is intense and makes use of a lot of editorial tools and tricks. He does recommend the use of Microsoft Word and the grammar and spelling tools quite extensively. This is not a negative; Schlosser outlines how Word can be a good time-saving tool for the self-editor. The section on tension development and plot is very good. Though none of this is really new, it’s all well-presented in a succinct, matter-of-fact tone.
I would have paid more for this book, knowing the information that it holds. It’s a very structured method, but I have no doubt that it would be very effective. Very well written and worth adding to your library.
Your turn! Tell us about your favourite writing resource book. Either post a review on your blog or link to a review you have written in the comments.
Thanks for the recommendations, Merrilee. I’ve bought the dialogue book (for £0.83 how could I not?) and have downloaded the sample of The CT Method. I haven’t read a lot of how-to books on dialogue so I’m interested to see what I’ll learn.
In the past I have found ‘Self-Editing for Fiction Writers’ Renni Browne and Dave King a useful resource. It covers all the main structural elements of a novel – characterisation, exposition, POV, dialogue, etc and a lot more in an easy to read/understand format. A handy resource for beginners.
I love “The Plot Thickens” by Noah Lukeman. http://www.lukeman.com/theplotthickens/ He also offers a free e-book “How to Write a Great Query Letter” on his website which is one of the most practical, useful booklets I’ve read on the subject.
Similar to Anna – these are not nec. about revising and editing, but valuable resources none the less. :)
I actually really enjoyed “How NOT to Write a Novel: 200 Mistakes to Avoid at All Costs If You Ever Want to Get Published” (I wrote a quick, snappy review on Goodreads – http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/59493844 )
But it’s more to help you avoid stereotypes and common pitfalls, rather than to help you revise and edit.