Writing Resources 101

Ever start writing a story, get stuck, and say, “I must be missing something. If only I knew what the next step was, I’d be flying and this would be a masterpiece!”? Then that ineffable high of creation dissolves into the interminable low of frustration and ineffectiveness, the disintegration of “the dream.”

Everyone can be inspired, but at some point inspiration wanes and craft must kick in. “Craft” means filling in the details, moving from Point B to Point C with genuine conflict between realistic characters speaking pointed dialogue in a fascinating setting. Yeah, it’s work.

If you haven’t made it through an MFA (Master’s of Fine Arts) program or aren’t a 100% natural-born storyteller, then instruction (and endless practice) is needed, but it takes even more commitment than that. Since most of us don’t have a Writing Jedi Master (WJM) waiting to be found in that cave deep in Tuskan Raider territory, books and magazines written by a WJM will have to do.

While I touched on Christian writing resources once before, I’ve since absorbed some others that I thought worth sharing. (They might make excellent Christmas presents.)

Before writing books about writing became the current hot genre, there was John Gardner, Gardner penned The Art of Fiction: Notes on Craft for Young Writers (among others), a manual that still sets the standard for the teaching of writing. Straightforward and accessible while still challenging (there are some vexing exercises included), Gardner encourages even as he chides and reveals (“Some bad men write good books, admittedly, but the reason is that then they’re writing they’re better men than when they beat their wives and children.” p. 79). He’s the one who compared writing fiction to creating a dream readers want to remain within. And if that perfect comparison doesn’t grab you, then it’s time for you to find another blog to read.

This is the book every English Comp instructor recommends, so why did id take my entire life to finally read it? Tight and tidy, The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White of Charlotte’s Web fame not only covers basic English, but offers great insight into the process (“The beginner should approach style warily, realizing that it is an expression of self, and should turn resolutely away from all devices that are popularly believed to indicate style—all mannerisms, tricks, adornments. The approach to style is by way of plainness, simplicity, orderliness, sincerity.” p. 69) The bedrock for many writers, I’m keeping it in my regular rotation for the fundamentals.

I’m not called to screenwriting but Robert McKee’s Story is a masterpiece at breaking down the basics in every great story. While the instruction stresses mastering the structure of a three act story, he also attacks clichés, delineates the best protagonists, and inspires the writer (“For an artist must have not only ideas to express but ideas to prove. Expressing an idea, in the sense of exposing it, is never enough. The audience must not just understand; it must believe.” p.113, emphasis his.) Highly recommended to cover all those little nit-picky aspects you don’t always think through.

Sometimes the best way to learn is to listen to two people discuss their passion. The Believer Book of Writers Talking to Writers edited by Vendela Vida creates a great eavesdropping experience. Most are focused tighter than the Paris Review’s acclaimed series, with masters like Marilynne Robinson, Haruki Murakami, and Ian McEwan (“There’s something very entwined about imagination and morals. That one of the great values of fiction was exactly this process of being able to enter other people’s minds. Which is why I think cinema is a very inferior, unsophisticated medium.” p.212) exposing their thoughts on their past works, pet passions, and the daily challenges of writing. It’s encouraging when the inner struggles you face are exactly described by accomplished authors. Of course, not every interview will resonate with you, but there are 23 to enjoy.

Plus, I indulge in AWP’s Writer’s Chronicle (long form interviews and essays), as well as Glimmer Trains’ Writer’s Ask (multiple author interviews sliced and diced by topic), and the more varied Poet and Writer’s Magazine (with features on authors and the publishing industry, practical tips, and ways to read well-known authors).

So what WJMs do you enjoy/consult to better your writing?

Appendix A - kdc

Currently Reading: Two Gentlemen of Verona by William Shakespeare. It’s that time of year where I read one of Bill’s plays, just to revel in the language and absorb more of his oeuvre. This one’s an early play, simply told, but still interesting. (He used the word “sequel” in this one, written in the early 1590s.) Tolstoy’s next!

Just Finished: Believer Book of Writers Talking to Writers edited by Vendela Vida. (See above.)

And I thank you for your kind attention.