Looking for Inspiration
... in all the book places
Over the last few months, I’ve dipped into many of the writing/editing guides on my bookshelves to come up with daily nuggets of inspiration for a writer friend working on a novel revision. The exercise reminded me of how valuable it is to regularly revisit books on the craft of writing, and to be on the lookout for new guides, with different perspectives.
Of course, advice can take you only so far on your writing journey. You still have to do the hard work of writing the thing. And it’s not unusual to become discouraged or feel like you’ve lost your way when you’re deep into your draft. Where do I go from here? What was my point again? Taking a moment to step back and look for encouragement in a writing book or support from another writer can re-energize your efforts.
For instance, here’s one excellent reminder from Donald Maass that deals with the bones of a story:
Having read I don’t know how many manuscripts and novels over the course of my career, I’ve realized two truths of storytelling: 1) Most novels don’t have big enough events; 2) What makes an event big is not its size but the scope of its effect.
In the revision work on my current WIP, I have rewritten scenes that on rereading fell flat because the action did not move the story forward. They were, in my sideline notes, “boring.” They were places where a reader would put down the book, perhaps never to return.
Here’s another piece of advice, one that focuses on your approach to revealing information in your story, from Tim Waggoner, in Writing in the Dark:
If your readers can guess with a fair degree of certainty where your story is going, you’re doing your job wrong. Remember, all fiction is mystery, and people read for the joy of discovery. They like being surprised.
And this tongue-in-cheek reminder zeroes in on a manuscript polish, when you are at the line edit stage. It’s from Rennie Brown/Dave King in Self-Editing for Fiction Writers:
As you read your draft, be on the lookout for places where you are tempted to change the wording. Give into this temptation whenever you can.
One newly released guide to add to my burgeoning collection is Crafting Story Movement by Kathryn Craft.
What are your go-to books for inspiration and reminders?
Haunted pages
This is the prime month for reading spooky stories. Here are several story collections that sent chills down my spine:
The Corn Maiden and Other Nightmares by Joyce Carol Oates
They Hide by Francesca Maria
Burning Girls by Veronica Schanoes
Writing on the go
Last weekend, I participated in a fun local event: Chili Fest in Bethlehem. Thanks to a joint effort by Southside Bethlehem Arts District, Made in the Lehigh Valley, and Angel Ackerman of Parisian Phoenix Publishing, several authors, including myself, were stationed at eateries in the downtown area. I was assigned to F&A Grog House, where co-owners Dana and Jim Flynn welcomed me and set me up at a booth right next to their chili table. I enjoyed the chance to chat with attendees standing in line for their chili sample. Ticket holders to the event, which has been a town staple for going on 30 years, got into the spirit of the day with chili-themed costumes.
Here are my author events over the next few weeks. Stop by and say hi if you are in the area!
Blood in the Stacks, Saturday, Oct. 25, Barnes & Noble Southmont, Easton, 2 to 6 p.m.
Books and Booze fair, Saturday, Nov. 1, Lehighton, PA, 1 to 4 p.m.
Doylestown Author Fair, Saturday, Nov. 8, Doylestown, PA, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Bally Holiday Craft Fair, Saturday, Nov. 22, Barto, PA, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
I’ll leave you with my latest short fiction on the A Slice of Orange. The next post goes live on Oct. 30.
Happy Halloween!
Dianna
Chili fest looked like a blast! And thanks for sharing the quotes - the Maass one was especially resonant this week.
Happy to see your full schedule of author events Dianna. Thanks for mentioning my book!