Happy Insecure Writer's Support Group Day. IWSG is the brainchild of Ninja Captain Alex J. Cavanaugh.
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! Thanks, Alex, for starting this group and keeping it going. We are rockin' the neurotic writing world!
The awesome co-hosts for the August 4 posting of the IWSG are PK Hrezo, Cathrina Constantine, PJ Colando, Kim Lajevardi, and Sandra Cox!
This month's question: What is your favorite writing craft book?
Kudos to whoever came up with this question. I have many writing craft books. Some have been great, while others were a waste of money. (Not because the book wasn't good, but it didn't help me.) Like much of the advice given to writers, you need to find what works for you. That's true of craft books.
My favorite craft book is Christopher Vogler's The Writer's Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers. For years, Vogler's evaluated scripts for Disney based on Joseph Campbell's The Hero's Journey. Campbell came up with the progression that all heroes went though in ancient myths. Vogler makes understanding that journey easy.
If you've read my blogs, you know I love movies, especially action movies. I fell in love with Star Wars: A New Hope when it came out. No matter how many times I watch that movie (and it's many, many times), I get caught up in the story. Thanks to Vogler, I can see the steps the hero, Luke, goes through. The stories I write appear in my mind as a movie. Even before reading The Writer's Journey, it seemed instinctual to follow that format.
Years ago, I made a "template" of the hero's journey (according to Vogler). With each new story, I fill in the steps my hero makes on her journey. Whenever I get stuck, I go back to the checklist. Inevitably, I find that I've missed a step, causing the problem.
As many of you know, my writing journey pretty much came to a halt over the past year. Your supportive comments (and prayers, healing thoughts) have meant so much to me. That's what this group is all about--support for writers. We're all on the journey together. Sometimes, we're the giver, and other times, the receiver of support. I hope in sharing my favorite craft book that I've given back a little of the support you've given me.
Click here to find others on the Insecure Writers Support Group Blog Hop. Or go to IWSG on Facebook to see who’s blogging today.
That's great that Christopher Volger's book has helped you so much and that you've created a template from what you learn that you fill in to know the steps your hero will take.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Natalie.
DeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteThat's my favorite too. I have that book on my desk. It helped me in so many ways. Of course I have other craft books, but The Writer's Journey is the first on the list.
All the best.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat G @ EverythingMustChange
I hoped that other writers found The Writer's Journey. So glad it helps you, too.
DeleteI remember going to see Star Wars when it came out.
ReplyDeleteMany people have mentioned that book. I need to pick it up.
Aha! Another Star Wars fan. I think you'll get a lot out of that book.
DeleteGood to know.
DeleteThanks for ordering a couple mugs!
We all need help in one form or another. Take Care!
ReplyDeleteSo true, Cathrina. Thanks.
DeleteI like this recommendation! Added it to my TBR :-)
ReplyDeleteRonel visiting for IWSG day Being Busy vs Being Productive
I hope you find it useful, Ronel.
DeleteHi Diane, have heard good things about Christopher Vogler's The Writer's Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers. Must go through it.
ReplyDeleteIt's probably the only craft book I've read all the way through. I hope you find it helpful.
DeleteI've never heard of the book you suggested. Thanks, Diane.
ReplyDeleteInteresting, Lee. I think you unconsciously follow the journey in your books.
DeleteYour checklist is a great idea. Hope you don't mind if I steal it. hehehe
ReplyDeleteAnna from elements of emaginette
Be my guest, Anna. We all learn from each other.
DeleteHave you heard of The Heroine's Journey? We would've been reading that for the book club for Sept/Oct/Nov.
ReplyDeleteThe Writer's Journey is one I also want to read.
Chrys, thanks for your suggestion of The Heroine's Journey. I haven't heard of it before. Thanks for your work with the book club. You did a great job.
DeleteI'm so glad that you're sticking it out through your lean writing periods. Hope you get to the other side, soon.
ReplyDeleteHappy IWSG day!
Thanks, Karen. I think I see the other side--way off in the distance. LOL
DeleteThank you for the book referral. I'm keeping a list. Looking forward to reading some new and helpful works.
ReplyDeleteMe, too, Liza.
DeleteI liked Vogler too. His book was incredibly helpful when I read it years ago, but I'm not tempted to re-read it. I'd rather read good fiction. And learn from it.
ReplyDeleteGood point, Olga.
DeleteHi, Diane! A number of people have mentioned Vogler's book today. I'm going to have to get it. I hope you can return to writing soon. Just know we're here for you. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for hugs, Louise. I need them.
DeleteThis is the second time I've seen this one recommended. And you're right. Even if it's a good book, it might not be a good fit for every writer.
ReplyDeleteI wish someone would come up with a chart of all the good craft books and rate them by topic(s) included, strengths, weaknesses, and their target audience (newbie, middling, or seasoned writer). I also wish someone would come up with a quiz to test an author's strengths and weaknesses, so we could skip the books for skills we've already mastered.
What an interesting idea, Melissa. I'd take that test.
DeleteGood choice, Di!! Glad you're back up and at 'em because I can't wait for that next book from you!!
ReplyDeleteNancy, you are always bring me a ray of sunshine. Things are looking up for Hubs. And that means for me, too.
DeleteI'll have to look into that book. I've heard a few other mention it as well over the years.
ReplyDeleteIt really works for me.
DeleteI must find and read The Writer's Journey.
ReplyDeleteI hope it helps.
DeleteHello Diane. Just read about this book on Pat's site. Sounds great.
ReplyDeleteI hope you get something from it.
DeleteWhen I write, I see the scenes much like watching a movie. This book sounds like something I could use. Thanks for the tip!
ReplyDeleteWe're 2 of a kind. LOL
Deletehope you’re doing better!
ReplyDeleteand i like your craft book rec
my fave is Save the Cat by Blake Snyder - helps me stay organized!
Tara Tyler Talks
Thanks, Tara. I have to get into STC. So many recommendations for it.
DeleteHi Diane. :-) I hadn't heard of that book before reading this post. I'll have to check it out. I hope your healing is coming along. Hugs coming your way. :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Teresa.
DeleteThanks for stopping by the blog and sharing Vogler. There's been other mentions of this craft book.
ReplyDeleteTake special care.
Vogler has helped me. Hope he helps you.
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ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, Diane! My YA adventure stories appear in my mind as a movie, too. Great post! I'll have to check out Vogler's book. All best to you!
ReplyDeleteThanks for recommending Christopher Vogler's The Writer's Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers. I love that this group is so supportive and glad that it's been there for you.
ReplyDeleteThe idea of the hero's journey sounds like a good thing to bear in mind. It's a classic structure because it works. Thanks for the recommendation.
ReplyDelete