If you want to be a writer, then you need to read "Becoming a Writer"
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This book will not tell you how to write a great novel. Nor the secrets to plot and character development. What this book will do is help you make the most of those tendencies that impel you to want to write. Written in the 1920's and still popular now, this is a vital tool for those wanting to enhance whatever compulsion to write that they already possess. Buy this book and begin to write. You never know where it will get you. And never, ever, let technical quandries mire your creative spirit.
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The classic first book for wannabe writers
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There are so many how-to books for aspiring writers, but this is far and away the best for the beginner at the outset of the writing journey.
Her written style is excellent, worth studying for itself. It puts the pedestrian style of many other how-to-write writers to shame.
Ms Brande also strikes a refreshingly honest balance between encouragement (anyone can become a writer, with persistence and application) and realism (but it may not be the path for you).
It's very much a book of it's period: writing about the different weights of paper to use in your typewriter; and clearly influenced by the trendy new studies in psychology at that time.
I'm adding my review, because I'm very surprised it's not garnered more votes.
It's an inspiring book, an encouraging guide, a wise teacher, and an enjoyable read. An essential buy, in my view!
F31
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The One, The Only Writer's Guide
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There is only one guide on how to become a fully fledged writer of fiction and this is it. The rest are footnotes. First published in 1934, it is still published because it works. Many have used it, some have plagiarised it (the Artist's Way being chief among suspects) none have bettered it. There's only one book that can help the budding author as much and that is McKee's "Story".
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A must for your bookshelf
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First published in 1934 this wonderful book on becoming a writer is brilliant for writers at any stage in their career. Morning pages, often associated with The Artists Way, are one of the practices discussed between the covers. Although, the synopsis written here is accurate it lacks the passion that infuses the words of Dorethea Brande. Brande's honest and straightforward writing is worthy of your attention and I recommend it as one of the best books on living the writer's life.
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Don't think about it - buy it.
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I can't believe I'm the first person to reivew this book which has to be one of the best known and best loved of all 'how to' books ever written. It does not tell you how to write - it tells you how to become a writer and it's probably best to read it before you start writing. It tells you how to balance your writing life with the rest of your life, and how to keep your editorial self and your creative self working in harmony. It gives you exercises to develop the writing habit and, quite early on, it does something so brave, I've not seen it repeated in any other guide. It tells you, if you can't manage the exercises, to stop.
"If you fail repeatedly at this exercise, give up writing. Your resistance is actually greater than your desire to write, and you may as well find some other outlet for your energy early as late."
Right, now why was that so refreshing? Becuase she wrote it in 1934 and we're no longer used to such straight talking. Almost makes you feel like a grown up.
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