The Essential Guide for New Writers, From Idea to Finished Manuscript by Valerie Storey.
A complete writer's workshop in just one book! Designed for both beginning and established writers and based on Valerie Storey's popular series of workshops. The book guides writers step-by-step from first draft jitters to submitting a polished piece of writing for publication. The material is presented in a fun and informative progression filled with ideas for brainstorming plus checklists and writing exercises. Chapters include full coverage of characterization, plot, setting, dialogue, and marketing and query letter techniques. Besides end-of-chapter writing assignments, the book concludes with a strong question and answer section.
I have always liked to write creatively and dreamed of writing a novel and getting it published. However, for a long time, I was not dedicating any time to writing or reading anything about the writing craft. Last year I decided that I had put my writing in the back burner long enough. I went to the library and looked for writing books. There were many to choose from and I was a bit confused on which one(s) would be the best for an aspiring writer to read. One of the books that caught my attention was The Essential Guide for New Writers, From Idea to Finished Manuscript by Valerie Storey. The writing world was a mystery to me, but Valerie Storey's book was a great place to start. I was very impressed with "The Essential Guide For New Writers" because it was easy to follow and understand. It gave you the "soup to nuts" of writing. Here are some of the pages of particular interest to me: 9, 11, 15, 17, 23, 27, 34-37, 40, 43, 45, 46, 49-50, 52, 55, 62, 63, 64, 65, 67-68, 75, 77-79, 81-83, 86, 88-89, 90, 95, 98, 105, 107 and in the back of the book: How To Submit A Manuscript.
I recommend this book to any aspiring writer who wants to open up their mind and delve into the writing world.
What was the first writing book you read?
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4 comments:
I'm a true rookie to this whole process. Thank you for giving me a great recommendation for my FIRST writing book:)
Oh, Ana! I feel so honored and humbled by this. Writing the book was such a deep journey for me. It came about as a response to a question one of the participants asked in the first writing workshop I ever taught at West Georgia College. At the end of the five-week session she asked, "Is there a book to go with this class?" and a little voice out of nowhere made me say, "Not yet, but there will be!" Now, many, many classes and workshops later, it still delights me to have my book in the hands of a new writer. And as I always say at the beginning of my workshops: "Every time you start a new project or manuscript you are a new writer." So I am always learning, too. Thanks so much!
You are very welcome, Valerie. Thank you for sharing what inspired you to write the book. It is a great resource.
"Quit YOur Day Job" by Jim Denney. Great book, but I'm glad I didn't!
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