Recently I ordered three books on Amazon. One I didn't like (a book of essays by Barbara Kingsolver. I like her writing, but these were too shove-my-liberal-agenda-down-your-throat-minded) and two I did. They are both on writing, and so if you are not at all interested in writing, then you might not be interested in these. However, both books have a lot to say about other things besides writing and are inspiring, albeit in distinctly different ways.
First:
On Writing, by Stephen King - I have not read any of his books except this one, and yes, there is plenty of profanity to be found. There is also plenty of wit, good advice and a fantastic personal memoir
Second (and my favorite book about writing, ever):
Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life, by Anne Lamott - this book has made me laugh out loud as well as given me serious food for thought. It has great insight into the writing process and it's just a beautiful read. (warning: she also is keen on cussing)
Friday, March 27, 2009
Bird by Bird
Posted by Heather at 4:33 PM
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1 comments:
I think that with books on writing, their authors try to find precepts in threads on good technique after the fact. The creative spark that drives the author doesn't follow instructions from a book. I think that the key to success is a writer first finding his/her voice and then learn to express that voice completely.
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