The Insecure Writer's Support Group is the brainchild of Alex J. Cavanaugh. He, his clones, minions, friends, and fellow authors make it an amazing event every month.
Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
August 4 question - What is your favorite writing craft book? Think of a book that every time you read it you learn something or you are inspired to write or try the new technique. And why?
My favourite craft book is Take Off Your Pants!! by Libbie Hawker (scroll right to the bottom of her page for links).
I'm NOT a natural plotter. I was the kid who had to write the essay first and then make the outline that you had to hand in before you were supposed to start writing the essay.
As a teacher, I've always planned units backwards - start with the assessment piece at the end and work back to figure out how to get everyone there.
Most plotting books hurt my brain and inhibit my process. They also make me feel like a twit because I simply can't do it no matter how hard I try.
Libbie's book talks about starting with the character and his/her personality and flaws. Then you build a path based on that. It's not written for romance authors, but I simply think about two people, two paths, and how they can twine together.
Notice I said think, not write. I do create charts for the steps of the plot points along the path for each character but I haven't completed one of these charts yet. Getting better though!
I don't follow Libbie's entire process but it makes sense to my brain and has helped me organize my stories in my head so that I'm not dealing with a bazillion revision rounds trying to make the plot make sense.
Honorary mention to ALL the Thesauruses (Thesauri??) written by Angela & Becca. They are amazing!
How about you? Are you a backwards planner as well? Plotter or pantser or somewhere in between? Thesauruses or Thesauri?
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In other news, Reaching For Family (Bloo Moose Romance #8) releases on August 10th! That's next Tuesday!
Jenna Wilkes grew up knowing that animals were the only source of unconditional love. As Bloo Moose’s vet, she’s determined to make sure all of her patients find a loving home.
Noah Washington may not have been able to save the farm his adoptive parents owned, but now he’s got it back. Instead of taking out the bad guys as a Ranger, he’s trying not to sever his fingers while shearing his herd.
When the land surrounding her barn is suddenly filled with nosy alpacas and a wary man with shadows in his sexy eyes, Jenna realizes she wants to heal him as well. But when accidents start to happen she wonders if he only wants her gone.
When the threats escalate, they’ll need to rely on each other if they’re ever to learn what family feels like.
When family isn't safe, you need to make your own.
Preorder today to make sure Reaching For Family pops onto your e-reader as soon as it's available!
35 comments:
You just have to do what works for you.
I tend to think of the ending first and work back from that point. Then I do outline the whole thing and add details.
I haven't heard about that one! Thanks for the tip. :) Craft books make me overthink my process too, sometimes.
Congrats on the upcoming release!
I'm seeing different Thesauruses pop up on the blogs for craft reading.
Have a great reading/writing day.
Congratulations Jemi on your new book.
I had never heard of Take off Your Pants by Libbie Hawker. Will get it soon.
Hi,
I have Take Off Your Pants but I haven't read it all. My go-to book is The Writer's Journey by Christopher Vogler.
All the best.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat G @ EverythingMustChange
I'd have to read this book if only because of the title! The writer has to have a great sense of humor. Thanks for telling us about it. Like you, plotting books make my brain hurt.
Take Off Your Pants sounds like a really good writing craft book.
I haven't read Take Off Your Pants, but I love that title. It absolutely makes me want to read that book.
And congrats on your upcoming release! That's so amazing!!
Your new book sounds great. Good luck with the release. And Yay! for you.
Anna from elements of emaginette
I laughed at your first paragraph because that's how I work too. I do the writing and then the outline Mainly to make sure I've covered all the important details, which I seldom know until I write it down, or until the characters share it with me. :)
I owe you another review, and you'll get it. I promise!
I haven't heard of that book, but I love the title. Congrats on your book release. I'm doing my monthly Follower News on 8/16. If you want me to include your new book, email me at natalieiaguirre7@gmail.com
Yay for Bloo Moose!
I used to do the exact same thing as you with school essays. I say I'm a plotser. I know the main characters, the beginning, turning point, and ending. But how the characters get there depends on them, and I learn their stories as I write. Somehow it all comes together.
Congrats on another book.
I'm a plotter from start to finish.
I wish I was better at the outlining thing - just can't get a system that works for me
It really helped me - and made me realize I wasn't completely alone in my lack-of-plotting ability :)
The thesauruses are fabulous!
Thanks, Rachna!
I've found Libbie's book so helpful!
I haven't checked out that one yet. Thanks for the tip!
I agree - and it sounds a lot like my plotting style. The stories walk around in my head for a while before I start writing :)
I love the title!
Plotting is hard!
Congratulations on yet another Bloo Moose book.
On the rare occasions I write I am definitely a pantzer. And usually a back to front pantzer.
It really is - especially for character-based stories!
Thanks, MJ!
I love Libbie's book - and recommend it all the time! Such a great title!
Thanks so much, Anna!
LOL - exactly! How are we supposed to know what happens before we write it??? :)
Thanks!
I love the title too -so fun!
Will do - thanks!
Now it makes sense why we work so well together - that's quite similar to my process!
Thanks, Diane!
I love how we all have our own method!
I think back to front pantzers have the most fun!
I never read the book you mention but I think I should check it out.
The best thesaurus I know is an online one https://www.wordhippo.com/. I love it. Before I discovered it, I used Roget's.
Becca & Angela write thesauri specifically aimed at writers - on emotions and conflict and more. They're terrific!
Awesome Jemi. I think you caught my post and it seems we both suffer with brain snaps from too much crafting. I wish I could follow the 'instructions' but fear that'll never be possible.
You certainly are wide, aren't you? Congratulations!
Great post! I often start with a hot spark of an idea, and write like mad. That lasts for about 8-15 pages, and then I start to wonder where it's going. If I find an idea of where I want it to go, then I like to plot backwards. I'm definitely going to have to find that book. :)
Congratulations on your newest release!
Instructions are not always my best friends either!
I love being wide!
Thanks, Tyrean! With romance, I know I'm after that happy ending and then the title shows me where to end. And then we build!
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