Friday, August 6, 2010

Three books every writer should own: Book 1

As I think about my author’s journey there are many books that I have read about the craft of writing. But there are three that stand out.

The Writer’s Journey, 2nd Edition by Christopher Vogler.

I believe this book to be essential regardless of the type of writing that you do because it explains the process so well. Vogler uses movies that most of us have seen as examples, an immediate visual reference. (Star Wars, Titanic, The Lion King, Pulp Fiction and more.) Within its pages you will discover how to map the journey, utilizing myth, story and psychology. You will learn how to diagnose the story to solve problems and how to proceed in your developing story idea.

In the next chapter you will read about archetypes, from the Hero and Villain to the Mentor and Trickster and more and their roles in the journey of your story. Specifically, seven character types.

Next, Vogler details the stages of the journey, a more detailed explanation and finally looking back on the journey. He gives examples of models that you can use to craft the story, delayed crisis is one and character arch is included plus more. In addition, he will give you specific exercises that you can do to really learn how these techniques work to analyze books and movies and to apply to your writing. All in all a book you will refer to time and again as you write.

The 3rd edition, The Writers Journey, Mythic Structure is now available at amazon.com

14 comments:

Peggy Frezon said...

My favorite writer's book is Stein on Writing by Sol Stein. Also On Writing Well by William Zinsser.

Notes Along the Way with Mary Montague Sikes said...

Nancy,

Can you believe I have this book on my shelf but have never read it? Disgraceful. I often buy books and feel comfort in merely having them. Maybe I believe I'll learn by osmosis!

Thanks for sharing,
Monti
MaryMontagueSikes

N. R. Williams said...

Your welcome Monti and thanks for sharing that Peggy.
Nancy

Anonymous said...

I'll see if this is at our library. I like You Can Write a Great Mystery by Gillian Roberts. Found it very helpful.

Stephen Tremp

N. R. Williams said...

Check into it Stephen, you will end up buying it.
Nancy

Mayra Calvani said...

Thanks for the recommendation. My favorite writing book ever is The Right to Write, by Julia Cameron.

N. R. Williams said...

Thank you Mayra for stopping in and becoming a comment. I'll have to check out that book.
Nancy

Anonymous said...

Nancy,
You are so right! Vogler's book is essential reading for any fiction writer.

Helen Ginger said...

I have The Writers Journey and it's great. I have to now go into my son's room to find it though because he "borrowed" it for one of his game design classes.

Helen

N. R. Williams said...

A good testimony is always appreciated. Thank you mtlogan and Helen for sharing.
Nancy

Patricia Stoltey said...

This is one I haven't read, so thanks for the recommendation.

Patricia

N. R. Williams said...

Your welcome Patricia, thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment.
Nancy

Jules said...

Like Roland, I will see if I can find a copy @ the library. I was returning the favor and checking you out and I've had a good time. :D

Thank you for stopping by and commenting on my blog.
Trying To Get Over The Rainbow

N. R. Williams said...

You're welcome Jules and thank you as well.
Nancy