Karen Strong asked what books, conferences, etc. have helped in learning craft. There’s nothing earth shattering in this post, just basic things that have helped me improve my writing.
Books
- Betsy Lerner’s The Forest for the Trees (encouraged me to keep writing with small children at home)
- Anne Lamott’s Bird by Bird (her one-inch picture frame has gotten me through many first drafts)
- Christopher Vogler’s The Writer’s Journey (an excellent look at archetypes and story structure)
- Renni Browne and Dave King’s Self-Editing for Fiction Writers (great handbook)
- Darci Pattison’s Novel Metamorphosis (excellent tool for revision)
- Writer’s Digest magazine is a great monthly read
Critique Groups
One of the most helpful groups I’ve ever been a part of ended up being three members strong (including me — hello, Bonnie and Dayle!). Both of my partners wrote for adults. I think this gave me a lot of freedom while writing May B. Neither were familiar with verse novels, and I found myself worried less about structure and focused more on storytelling.
Now I’m working with three critique partners. Two I met online; one I met through my agent. Sitting down with a partner’s complete draft is a great way to learn about structure, pacing, plot, dialogue, everything you need to know, really.
Looking at other’s writing forces you to study your own. Working with others long-term allows you to learn from their strengths and spot their weaknesses (allowing you to apply both to your own writing).
Conferences
If you can afford it and it works with your schedule, I say participate in every conference you can. There are always new things to learn and new people to meet. Even if sessions don’t directly address your genre/interests, you can walk away encouraged and re-charged for those months of writing ahead.
I prefer weekend retreats, as they allow you to dig deeper and work harder.
Be willing to attend conferences that might not address your genre/interests. It was through a local conference I won first place for a novel excerpt. I was the only children’s writer to enter. First prize included a one-on-one with an editor who promptly told me to get serious about looking for an agent.
What things have helped you, readers, to improve your craft?
Thanks for sharing this. I love to hear how writers have developed their craft and what worked for them. Also, I really enjoy hearing what books on writing worked for them too!
I agree with you on all points–books, critique groups, conferences, all of which I’ve been privileged to take part in…
My favorite “small” book is Take Joy, A Writer’s Guide to Loving the Craft, by Jane Yolen. I’m always going back to it 🙂
Great choice of books. I need to read The Writer’s Journey. I’ve heard great things about it.
I love the title and subtitle of your blog! Found it via Steady Mom. Excited to start reading… thanks! And I am going to tell my Mom about this site because she is a published children’s author as well!
Anne Lamott is one of my favorites!
Congrats on your upcoming release. Thanks for stopping by my blog. I left you a note there before dropping by here to visit!
Thanks for answering my question. 🙂
I’ve heard good things about Darcy Pattison’s book. I need to go pick it up.
Karen, if you can arrange it, try and attend a novel revision retreat with Darcy Pattison. the book is one of three required reading books. It’s a wonderful, wonderful way to learn to revise.
Kirby Larson took her HATTIE BIG SKY to Darcy’s conference, revised her work, and sold her book a few weeks later. Really.