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Tuesday, August 3, 2021

Insecure Writers Want to Know: What’s your favorite writing craft book? And why?

Writing craft books! I love them. Every time I read them or glance through them; I learn something new. Every time. I highlight. I write notes in the margins. I place colored tabs on pages. I didn’t realize how many different genre, and different technique writing books I had on my shelves until you posed this question.

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The interesting thing about writing books is that the general story telling is the same. For children. For mysteries. For memoir. Story is story, no matter the conventions needed to place it in a genre. There’s a beginning, middle, and end to the story. There’s tension. There are well-rounded characters that readers need to care about. There should be internal and external forces compelling characters to make choices. And there are consequences for the decisions made. 

Yes. There are specific genre conventions. The story needs to do what the genre readers expect of it. But they are still stories. Even memoir is a story. 

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So many writers have tweaked the genre to create something just a bit different, just a bit unique. I remember finding romance stories with vampires or aliens. Mysteries in outer space or with magical creatures.    

I don’t think I have a specific writing book I refer to always. I read them. I continue to learn something new. There are so many resources for writers now. I’ve added blog and newsletter readings and podcasts to my writing/story education.


Do you listen to Joanna Penn

MarkDawson

K.M.Weiland

Or Jennie Nash

These are my weekly listening programs. I learn lots. One thing about writers, we are always learning. But then again, aren’t all humans constantly learning?

Please feel free to offer any insight on this.

It will be interesting to see how you’ve tackled this month’s question. It’s wonderful having a topic to share our thoughts on each month. I am extremely thankful for all of you for being my sounding board and advisors in this writing and publishing journey.

Thanks for visiting! And be sure to stop by Adventures in Writing again.

This post was written for the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. I’d like to thank our co-hosts for August: PK Hrezo, Cathrina Constantine, PJ Colando, Kim Lajevardi, and Sandra Cox! Please visit them if you can.

Our group posts on the first Wednesday of every month. To join us, or learn more about the group, click HERE.  

 

43 comments:

  1. I don't listen to podcasts and probably should since reading time is more limited.

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    1. Reading time is very limited for me, Alex. I need to multitask, so podcasts fit right into my schedule. Now, if I can only get my husband to stop interrupting me...

      It's always a pleasure seeing you here at Adventures in Writing. Thanks so much for your note. Enjoy your weekend!

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  2. I have some of these books and have added a few to my list. I've listened to Jennie Nash and maybe Weiland, but I wrote down your podcast list to remind me to listen more often. Thank you for this post.

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    1. My pleasure, Dawn. Writers helping writers. This is what life's all about.

      It's always a pleasure seeing you here at Adventures in Writing. Thank you for leaving a comment. Enjoy your weekend!

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  3. That's a great point. Story is story and I tend to lean towards story advice more. Genre tropes can be very constrictive.

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    1. I think you're right there, Nick. Tropes can be constrictive. So long as we can live inside the necessary tropes of a genre, we should be able to bend them a little.

      Thank you so much for sharing your insight here at Adventures in Writing. All best to you!

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  4. I listen to several but none on your list. I'll check them out. Thanks, Victoria.

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    1. Joylene, please share the podcasts you listen to with Adventures in Writing followers. I'm always open to listening and following new writers and craft teachers.

      Thanks for visiting Adventures in Writing. Enjoy your day!

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  5. Thanks for co-hosting this month. Thanks for the podcast suggestions. I agree, as writers, we are constantly learning.

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    1. Absolutely constantly learning, Toi. People need to remember that. It's just how we learn that changes through life.

      Thank you so much for your comment here at Adventures in Writing. Enjoy your weekend!

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  6. Gosh, this was such an upbeat, cheerful answer to the question and it made my morning. Thank you for the list of possible sources of information, Victoria.

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    1. Thank you so much for your kind words, Helen. I truly appreciate them. I always try to see the positive in life. Of course, it doesn't always work. But I try!

      And thanks for your note here at Adventures in Writing. Have a beautiful weekend!

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    2. I'm sorry, Helen. I can't find you on the IWSG list and the link for your name doesn't show a blog. Could you please leave your blog link in the comments section of Adventures in Writing so I may visit and read your blog? Thank you!

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  7. There are some really great writing podcasts out there. I love Mur Lafferty's I Should Be Writing. @samanthabwriter from
    Balancing Act

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    1. Thank you so much for sharing Mur Lafferty's podcast title. I'll have to check her out.

      Thank you so much for sharing your insight here at Adventures in Writing, Samantha. All best to you!

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  8. Hi,
    I have Joanna Penn Podcasts and K.M. Weiland. I have even taken classes from K.M. Weiland and have found them all to very helpful in helping me to see beyond. But I don't listen to them often.

    Shalom aleichem,
    Pat G @ EverythingMustChange

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    1. It's all about time, Pat. Time and money. I listen and learn and purchase as much as I can.

      And thanks for your comment here at Adventures in Writing. Have a beautiful day!

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  9. All those podcasts are excellent and are on my regular rounds. There are so many resources out there for writers for sure. We should always be learning, but it surprises me how many people resist it. Whether they're complaining about CEUs- continuing education units, or frustrated by algorithm changes and needing to re-educate for platform promotion. I promote the A.B.L.E. philosophy (Always be learning everything) and once a week I take time out to intentionally learn. Whether it be taking an online course, reading articles, or listening to podcasts. I aim to figure out how to implement that thing I learned that week into my continued growth. Love it.

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    1. Hello and welcome to Adventures in Writing! I'm so glad you stopped by. Absolutely A.B.L.E. Like I said before, it's just how we learn that changes through life.

      Thank you so much for sharing your insight here at Adventures in Writing. All best to you!

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  10. I did not know that Joanna Penn and K.M. Weiland had podcasts. Wow. I'm out of the loop. Thanks for the recs!

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    1. Absolutely, Chrys! I learn so much from these podcasts. It's always a pleasure seeing you here at Adventures in Writing. Thank you for leaving a comment. Enjoy your weekend!

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  11. Podcasts are extraordinary - perfect for commutes via train or car!

    I agree that reading 'how-to' writing books can be addictive. There's always a new take, a new twist, etc. to those dedicated to lifelong learning. Good for you!

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    1. Hello and welcome to Adventures in Writing! I'm so glad you stopped by. My reading time is very limited. I need to multitask, so podcasts fit right into my schedule. I'm always listening to something on my long commutes.

      Thank you so much for sharing your insight here at Adventures in Writing. Have a beautiful day!

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    2. I'm sorry. I can't find you on the IWSG list and the link for your name doesn't show a blog that appears to be from you or with any IWSG post on it. Could you please leave your blog link in the comments section of Adventures in Writing so I may visit and read your blog? Thank you!

      Delete
  12. I've heard there are lots of great writing podcasts out there. Thanks for sharing a few.

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    1. My pleasure, Sherry! There are so many great podcasts out there. Writers sharing their knowledge with other writers. What more could we ask for?

      Thanks so much for visiting Adventures in Writing. Have a beautiful day!

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  13. Hey, VML! Happy IWSG Day. I find it hard to sit and listen to things, but I do enjoy reading craft books. Take care!

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    1. Thank you so much for sharing your insight here at Adventures in Writing. There are many methods to learning. Thanks for sharing yours. All best to you!

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  14. Great point Victoria! Listening does wonders as well. I subscribe to all the ones you've mentioned. Also I highly recommend Brandon Sanderson's You Tube videos if you write any SFF.

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    1. Thank you, PK, for sharing this insight with Adventures in Writing followers. I'll check out Brandon's videos. I'm always eager to learn something new. Thanks for co-hosting IWSG this month. All best to you!

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  15. I do Brandon Sanderson's Youtube series, and Writing Excuses... and sometimes You Killed The Priest? Which is more prompts and games than actual advice.
    Happy IWSG Day!

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  16. Hello and welcome to Adventures in Writing, Karen Lynn! I'm so glad you stopped by. I'll have to check out Writing Excuses and You Killed The Priest?

    Thank you so much for sharing your insight here at Adventures in Writing. Have a beautiful day!

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  17. I wish I'd listen to writing podcasts. They always inspire me when I do. Somehow, time just slips away.

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    1. Time always slips away, doesn't it, Jacqui! That's why I listen to podcasts. I try to listen while I do household tasks. Thank you so much for visiting Adventures in Writing and leaving a note. Have a great week!

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  18. We are always learning, aren't we, Victoria?:)
    Thanks for stopping by the blog.

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    1. Absolutely, Sandra! And thank you for co-hosting this month's question. All best to you and thanks for your note here at Adventures in Writing. Have a beautiful day!

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  19. Now I know where all your wisdom in these blog posts comes from, Victoria! :) How do authors have time to dig into reading about the craft as well as for writing, raising children, working a full-time job, doing chores, and living life! You got me. No craft books for me. I have to draw the line somewhere, haha. Although, there was a time I enjoyed reading a couple and learning lots.

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    1. Your situation would be difficult for sure, Liesbet, to collect physical books on anything. However, podcasts and e-books take up no space at all--except on the computer.

      Thank you so much for your kind words. I truly appreciate them. It's always a pleasure seeing you here at Adventures in Writing. Look for my next post at www.victoriamarielees.com!

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  20. When we quit learning, we stagnate and our writing suffers. Keep on listening and reading.

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  21. Absolutely, Diane! Thank you so much for offering your insight here at Adventures in Writing. Have a wonderful day!

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  22. Hi Victoria - there've been lots of recommendations from many members of IWSG - it's been a good question ... and I'm sure authors will be drooling over the recommendations. I don't listen to podcasts ... but am sure I would if I was still travelling around, or going to work - there seem to be other things to do.

    As Diane says we need to keep learning and appreciating our world and its peoples.

    I've some of the how to books - but never seem to enjoy them! Such is life ... thankfully only the blog to write up. I am now reading more than I used to ... and taking advantage of books being highlighted to read ...

    Stay safe and enjoy the summer with the family - cheers Hilary

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  23. So true, Hilary. We are always learning something. It doesn't matter if it comes from a book or podcast or just research.

    You stay safe as well, my friend, and enjoy your summer. Any new blog posts from this moment on will be located at my NEW website: www.victoriamarielees.com. See you there!

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