“Way to Aha Moments in Writing” by Joan Y. Edwards
Get out your favorite book on how to write. Which one(s) gave you an “Aha Moment” in writing? Here are four books on the craft of writing that I highly recommend because they gave me several “aha” moments while reading them. I know they will offer wonderful learning opportunities for you, too.
- James N. Frey. How to Write a Damn Good Novel: http://www.amazon.com/Write-Damn-Novel-Step—Step/dp/0312010443
James N. Frey explains in an easy to read and comprehend voice. It’s easy to learn the writing process with his book. He teaches you how to tell a story and how to correct problems. He asks, “What are you trying to prove about human nature?” He explains Egri’s theory that a premise is character, conflict, and conclusion. He explains how to choose the right viewpoint for telling your story. He tells when to use flashbacks and when to leave them out. He gives several ways to gain benefits from a critique group. He shows you with examples of premise and dialogue using popular stories and movies. He also shows you by making up a character or story right before your eyes.
2.Karl Iglesias. Writing for Emotional Impact-Advanced Dramatic Techniques to Attract, Engage, and Fascinate Readers: http://www.amazon.com/Writing-Emotional-Impact-Techniques-Fascinate/dp/1595940286/
Impresses upon writers the importance of presenting the emotions of the characters for readers to relate to on a personal level and shows you how to do it. I think following the reading of this book by the reading of the Emotion Thesaurus, or vice versa is a good plan.
- The Emotion Thesaurus
http://www.amazon.com/The-Emotion-Thesaurus-Character-Expression/dp/1475004958/ref=pd_cp_b_0
This book gives you body language for different emotions. It tells you how to show the emotions in body movements, and how people might be feeling inside, too.
- Noah Lukeman. The First Five Pages-A Writer’s Guide To Staying Out of the Rejection Pile:” http://www.amazon.com/The-First-Five-Pages-Rejection/dp/068485743X
Noah Lukeman explains the importance of getting a firm grip on the attention of readers in the first five pages. If you don’t, editors, agents, and readers may not finish your book. The First Five Pages reveals the necessary elements of good writing, whether it be fiction, nonfiction, journalism, or poetry, and points out the ingredients of great first five pages:
- A good opening with a catchy, hook
- Frugal use of adjectives and adverbs
- New, colorful metaphors and similes
- Clear, crisp dialogue
- Well-developed characterizations and appropriate lively settings
- Good pacing and progression of story
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Joan Y. Edwards, Author
Copyright © 2015 Joan Y. Edwards
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