GR Magazine discussion

What is your favorite writer's manual or book on writing?

Writing Alone and with Others - Pat Schneider

Haven't read that one.

Michael Moorcock: Death is no Obstacle is hands-down the best book on writing I've read. It's an interview with Michael Moorcock about the evolution of his writing, including great insights into plotting, characterization, and the discipline of writing. I cannot recommend it highly enough. Difficult to find, though, and, as a result, not cheap, but worth it.

The one I got the most out of was The Jewel-Hinged Jaw, by Samuel R. Delany, in it's original form. Most of the content on writing is now in his book, About Writing. The rest of the content is in the new version of The Jewel-Hinged Jaw.

David wrote: "The one I got the most out of was The Jewel-Hinged Jaw, by Samuel R. Delany, in it's original form. Most of the content on writing is now in his book, About Writing. The rest of the content is in t..."
I read an interview of Junot Diaz in yesterday's Times which called Delany's "About Writing" his favorite.

Forrest wrote: "Michael Moorcock: Death is no Obstacle is hands-down the best book on writing I've read. It's an interview with Michael Moorcock about the evolution of his writing, including great insights into pl..."
A book worth checking out.

I think Junot and I are not alone. I tend to get compliments on the detail in my writing. That came initially from an exercise in the Jewel-Hinged Jaw.

One of my favorites is 45 Master Characters by Victoria Lynn Schmidt. Whenever I'm starting new fiction, I refer to it to help me determine my characters motivation, something I used to struggle with. My copy is very well used.

The Jewel-Hinged Jaw sounds great! One of my weaknesses is getting down to the gritty details so I will add that to my list. Thank you for the recommend!

The Elements of Style and On Writing were the most helpful to me.

"on writing" was surprising.
though i am not an avid fan of stephen king's novels, admittedly i've only read his earlier work, "on writing" is one of my favorite books.
it's inspiring, especially for someone like me, who just wants to make a living doing this.
king doesn't make himself out to be some great writer, he just loves the nuts and bolts of it and passes on a lot of useful information and perspective.
it's also entertaining.

William wrote: "The Elements of Style and On Writing were the most helpful to me.

"on writing" was surprising.
though i am not an avid fan of stephen king's novels, admittedly i've only read his earlier work, "on..."
The Elements of Style is the best!