It can't really be August already, can it? It is the first Wednesday of the month and that means IWSG time. Thanks to Alex J. Cavanaugh and all the administrators of the IWSG group. This group has grown so far beyond the initial blog hop group. And it's still the best, most supportive, online writing group there is. Find the entire blog list here.
This month's optional 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?
I think this has changed as I've learned and hopefully grown as a writer. I think the first craft book I really loved was The Comic Toolbox by John Vorhaus. Recently, I've kept Romancing the Beat by Gwen Hayes on the shelf I can reach without rolling my desk chair. The next book I have on my to-buy list is
Save the Cat! Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody.
There are so many resources out there for writers. As I type this post, I'm listening to a free two-hour workshop presented by Pennwriters for members on the Pros and Cons of Independent Publishing versus Traditional Publishing. Not all those available are free, but I have fewer physical writing books than I used to when I started.
I'm happy to report that I've moved and settled in my new home. I miss the country setting with deer in the backyard every day, but I don't miss mowing those acres. I enjoy walking where I'm not taking my life in my hands on a narrow country road.
We also cut the cable cord when we moved. It took my husband a while to learn how to navigate through the streaming services we have, but since we still have his favorite sports packages, he's happy. The savings are really great.
Best wishes to all the writers who submitted to the IWSG writing contest. Can't wait to add the next anthology to my keeper shelf.
A few writers groups I know are once again venturing out to meet in person. Please keep your fingers crossed for the mini-con being held in Erie, PA in October that we'll be able to share some in-person time even if we do have to mask. However it turns out, we will figure out a way to be together in the same room be it virtual or face-to-face.
"Do what you can, where you are, with what you have." Theodore Roosevelt
Have you been able to meet with some friends in person recently? Are you going to check out some of the craft books you'll read about today? Have any of you 'cut' the cable and are you happy with your decision?
22 comments:
I'm looking forward to getting all sorts of ideas for books on craft this month. Haven't dared cut the cable cord yet, and give you credit for doing so! I too, live on a busy road. It was more of a "country" road when I moved here almost 30 years ago. Now I drive to other locations to get a safe walk in.
Resources for writers (and everything else) are plentiful, and there are great writing books.
I'm mowing my .75 acre and it's too much. :) Plus, I'm helping my daughter mow her 2.5 acres.
Teresa
We cut the cord a few years back, and we only use a few streaming services. And I still can't keep up with everything!
Congrats on a successful move!
I read the first Save the Cat but not that one yet.
Glad you are settled into your new home.
Hi Susan, thanks for the craft books recommendations.
Hi,
I have Save the Cat and Romancing the Beat. I haven't finished Romancing the Beat but I think it is because it reminds me of The Writer's Journey which I have sitting on my desktop.
All the best.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat G @ EverythingMustChange
Save the Cat - the classic. :) I have read The Comic Toolbox.
I cut the cable cord two years ago because of the insane cost. I'm happier without cable.
I had one writer's meeting in person last month, but since things are getting bad in Florida again, we're going back to virtual to be on the safe side.
Glad you're settled into your new home. I really like Save the Cat Writes a Novel and recommended it today.
I hope you can be face to face this fall. After what I saw this past weekend, people are desperate to get out again.
So I guess that's a version of Save the Cat for novel writing, unless I'm being dumb. That sounds useful.
I hope your con goes ahead in person. There's more and more events going ahead over here.
Such resources can be a life-saver, i'm sure.
We have too much of a good thing going on here, the virus is running rampant and we are back to mask mandates.
Congratulations on your move, Susan. I live in a townhome, and the groundskeepers are moving my grass right now! Acres are lovely, but I'm happy not to take care of any. Yes, I've met a few friends recently, and my husband and I are going to chance a trip shortly. Thanks for the craft writing book recommendations. Have a good one!
Congratulations on your move, Susan. I live in a townhome, and the groundskeepers are moving my grass right now! Acres are lovely, but I'm happy not to take care of any. Yes, I've met a few friends recently, and my husband and I are going to chance a trip shortly. Thanks for the craft writing book recommendations. Have a good one!
Save the Cat is one amazing book on the writing craft. So glad you mentioned it today.
Hi Susan - 'Save the Cat' seems a popular choice. I found this book recently - which I haven't read, but looked interesting: 'Writing Talk - Conversations with top writers of the last fifty years' by Alex Hamilton.
We're getting out and about a bit more ... but still being sensible - cheers Hilary
Hi Susan -- I'm keeping my writers group on Zoom for now, and I'm not signing up for any conventions/conferences. At my age, and even though vaccinated, I choose not to take any unnecessary chances. These are challenging times.
I've gone out more, wearing a mask. Our RWA chapter is moving back to in-person meetings plus keeping Zoom for those of us who can't make it to meetings. Good to have options.
Hi, Susan! I thought I commented yesterday, but I've been having trouble with comments. Regardless ~ Good luck in your new home. I hope you have a new and satisfying spot to write. Happy August!
After so many people praised Jessica Brody's book in their answers to this month's question, I ordered it from my library. If I like it, I might buy it.
I enjoyed Save the Cat.
I wish our state would hit the herd immunity numbers. 😕
Did anyone from your area win at the Olympics this year?
Joe Kovacs, my from neck of the woods (Bethlehem-- east side of the state), won silver for Shot Put Throw.
I didn't see this post last month. Save the Cat! Writes a Novel is my go-to book.
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