Writing advice comes a dime a dozen on the internets. I have whined times and times again, against that trend. Most of the time, it seems to be aspiring writers, desperate to have a presence online and unsure what to talk about. So they open the really basic storytelling books they have both and they copy "Show, Don't Tell" into their posts and apply examples from their favorite novels in an attempt to keep things fresh. After a few weeks, there's a good chance that nobody will read you anymore. There are some things you don't need to read over and over again. Once an intelligent person understand a concept, all there is left to do is to figure out a way to make it work in one's fiction. And there are a million ways to do that. The ways proposed to you will not fit you and even be incorrect.
But there are a few people out there who know what they are talking about. They are the substitute teachers as I call them. Their main job is not to talk about writing, but it brought them valuable insight on what they do. So in their generosity, they feel compelled to share their insight with the anonymous masses of wannabees who's only wish is to work with them someday. It might have something to do with money for some of them also. Especially those who write books about it. And I'm one of those anonymous slobs who drink their word like it was from the proverbial fountain of eternal youth. The worthy are not much, but here are the top five people I listen to the most when it's time to write.
1-Donald Maass: Maass is more of a graduate school seminar professor than a basic teacher. What he does is simple, yet very clever and efficient. He provokes depth for your characters. He asks you questions and provokes some situations that create a personal wealth (or burden) but the characters or settings you need to work on. Plus, he's generous on his insight about the business and he's one hell of a motivator.
2-Noah Lukemann: What's awesome about Noah Lukemann is that he's probably a horrible human being. His web site specifically asks not to query him and his book The Five First Pages is a burning missive against stupid, time consuming novels. But it's a great read. It's the collection of what agents and editors find infuriating and how to work your way around that. I'll probably read his two other books A Dash Of Style and The Plot Thickens. He's mean enough to make you better.
3-William Strunk And E.B White: I know, I know, how square of me. Keep in mind that English is my second language though and fiction being an aesthetic art, I am always looking for ways to improve the gracefulness of my prose. I carry this book around, read four-five pages and use them as a reminder. It's not about story as much as it's about communicating clearly. And that is super-important to create lasting images.
4-Chuck Wendig: Most of the time, I don't know what the hell Wendig is talking about. He also looks like a genetic mix in between Chuck Klosterman and a Wendigo.Once in a while, he comes up with a very unique way to look at writing. His post on what novelists can learn from screenwriters was enlightening and Why Writers Drink was hilarious. The man knows how to survive in this tough business.
5-Anne R. Allen: Another hard-nosed veteran looking out for the masses of success hungry scrawlers. Her blog is very popular, but it would deserve even more recognition. She should be paid for that. Basically, what she does it to constantly remind the hopeless what they should focus on and what they should let go. After reading her, I want to go hit Word pretty bad. By a great fortune, she's an occasional reader/commenter on this blog. Keep an eye open for her comments.
But there are a few people out there who know what they are talking about. They are the substitute teachers as I call them. Their main job is not to talk about writing, but it brought them valuable insight on what they do. So in their generosity, they feel compelled to share their insight with the anonymous masses of wannabees who's only wish is to work with them someday. It might have something to do with money for some of them also. Especially those who write books about it. And I'm one of those anonymous slobs who drink their word like it was from the proverbial fountain of eternal youth. The worthy are not much, but here are the top five people I listen to the most when it's time to write.
1-Donald Maass: Maass is more of a graduate school seminar professor than a basic teacher. What he does is simple, yet very clever and efficient. He provokes depth for your characters. He asks you questions and provokes some situations that create a personal wealth (or burden) but the characters or settings you need to work on. Plus, he's generous on his insight about the business and he's one hell of a motivator.
2-Noah Lukemann: What's awesome about Noah Lukemann is that he's probably a horrible human being. His web site specifically asks not to query him and his book The Five First Pages is a burning missive against stupid, time consuming novels. But it's a great read. It's the collection of what agents and editors find infuriating and how to work your way around that. I'll probably read his two other books A Dash Of Style and The Plot Thickens. He's mean enough to make you better.
3-William Strunk And E.B White: I know, I know, how square of me. Keep in mind that English is my second language though and fiction being an aesthetic art, I am always looking for ways to improve the gracefulness of my prose. I carry this book around, read four-five pages and use them as a reminder. It's not about story as much as it's about communicating clearly. And that is super-important to create lasting images.
4-Chuck Wendig: Most of the time, I don't know what the hell Wendig is talking about. He also looks like a genetic mix in between Chuck Klosterman and a Wendigo.Once in a while, he comes up with a very unique way to look at writing. His post on what novelists can learn from screenwriters was enlightening and Why Writers Drink was hilarious. The man knows how to survive in this tough business.
5-Anne R. Allen: Another hard-nosed veteran looking out for the masses of success hungry scrawlers. Her blog is very popular, but it would deserve even more recognition. She should be paid for that. Basically, what she does it to constantly remind the hopeless what they should focus on and what they should let go. After reading her, I want to go hit Word pretty bad. By a great fortune, she's an occasional reader/commenter on this blog. Keep an eye open for her comments.
