Date: Wed, 20 Aug 1997 16:55:14 -0500 From: raistlin@ipa.net To: mbarker@MIT.EDU Subject: books Thanks for posting this address. Now that I've found a few new books to pick up, guess I'll throw in a few more that I've enjoyed. Honk if You're a Writer by Arthur Plotnik This isn't a book on the techniques of writing, so much as a humorous and realistic view of one writer's life. The book grabbed my attention from the opening line: "THE TRUTH IS: Writing is a bumper-to-bumper crawl through hell with an occasional jolt to the next level of anguish." From there Plotnik offers a witty, no-holds-barred view of his life as a writer. He offers some good, practical advice about the everyday affairs of a writer, and I found a good bit of inspiration in this book. The Courage to Write by Ralph Keyes Again, this is an inspirational book, not one that covers specific techniques. Keyes deals with the fears that often keep writers from finishing a manuscript, or after it's finished, keep them from dropping it in the mailbox. He offers suggestions on how to transcend that fear. I didn't find this book as inspiring as I thought I would, but there's still a lot of good advice. How to Write a Damn Good Novel, Vols. I & II, by James N. Frey Probably two of the most useful books on writing I've read. The books cover the elements of a good, dramatic novel. He offers suggestions on building characters, suspense and finding a premise for your work. The first book deals with basic skills, while the second book is a bit more advanced. There's a lot of good advice. Some that will give you insight, some you already knew, and some those of us with bills to pay simply can't take, but it's all in there. A couple of good reads for novel writers. ******************************************************** Fred Phillips raistlin@ipa.net The Hall of the Mountain King http://members.aol.com/spychocyco Literature, rock/metal album reviews, dragons, etc. *********************************************************