Are books on writing any good?

[Lufli]

Hello everyone.

I'm considering buying "Steering the Craft" to improve my writing. Would you recommend it, especially for someone who is developing their style? And are there any things I should keep in mind while working through it?

Thanks in advance.

 

[SouthernMaiden]

I've not read that one, two I've read are;
-self editing for fiction writers
-style, towards clarity and grace

Let me know how you get along with yours!

I've not read that one, two I've read are;
-self editing for fiction writers
-style, towards clarity and grace

Let me know how you get along with yours!

If you buy it!

 

[Madkins]

What style are you developing?

 

[Lufli]

I've not read that one, two I've read are;
-self editing for fiction writers
-style, towards clarity and grace

Let me know how you get along with yours!

If you buy it!

How was your experience with those in general?

What style are you developing?

I'm not trying to develop a style forcefully, but when I write comfortably, it's usually on the literary, psychological side. That is, if I write in my native language. When it comes to writing in English, I'm still a baby, which is why I'm hesitant.

 

[ElijahRyne]

Hello everyone.

I'm considering buying "Steering the Craft" to improve my writing. Would you recommend it, especially for someone who is developing their style? And are there any things I should keep in mind while working through it?

Thanks in advance.

It is not likely to hurt your writing, and may improve it. However, if you are looking for advice there are many free resources online, and if you are looking at getting better targeted practice followed by useful feedback/criticism of that practice will always be best. Feel free to experiment, but use that experimentation to hone your storycraft.

 

[YukieSama]

Reddit post with some of the exercises. It's missing examples though which is vital.

 

[ElijahRyne]

How was your experience with those in general?

I'm not trying to develop a style forcefully, but when I write comfortably, it's usually on the literary, psychological side. That is, if I write in my native language. When it comes to writing in English, I'm still a baby, which is why I'm hesitant.

Practice will make perfect, also don’t use AI to rewrite your work even if it looks better. 1 it harms your ability to improve at writing in English, and 2 it harms your credibility with the reader more than any poor grammar could. Practice and feedback will be the best option, and the book may work as a guide or accelerant to that practice. However, if you are not constantly practicing and experimenting you may backslide or stagnate in your craft. At least, imo.

 

[SouthernMaiden]

How was your experience with those in general?

I'm not trying to develop a style forcefully, but when I write comfortably, it's usually on the literary, psychological side. That is, if I write in my native language. When it comes to writing in English, I'm still a baby, which is why I'm hesitant.

For Style, you can find it at the following Link. The versions on amazon are really expensive now for some reason...so dont get the book there

Anyway, its a slim volume. Goes over the essentials on writing clear and effective prose. Its pretty great, no matter your skill level. Ive read it like twice, and reference it a fair amount when writing

The self editing one is also great. Really easy read. I would recommend.

Ive read a couple other books on writing, but they were nor great...and not specific enough in their advice.
Above all. I would recommend critique.

Like, I understand having your story critiqued can suck. So write something that you would feel comfortable if someone says something harsh about it.

But, I've in classes ive had personal essays critiqued and critiqued other peoples essays and its really helpful.

 

[Lufli]

Reddit post with some of the exercises. It's missing examples though which is vital.

Thank you very much. Even without examples, I have an overview of the content.

Practice will make perfect, also don’t use AI to rewrite your work even if it looks better. 1 it harms your ability to improve at writing in English, and 2 it harms your credibility with the reader more than any poor grammar could. Practice and feedback will be the best option, and the book may work as a guide or accelerant to that practice. However, if you are not constantly practicing and experimenting you may backslide or stagnate in your craft. At least, imo.

I'll keep that in mind, going forward. Generally, I don't use AI (anymore) to rewrite my work, as it weakens my voice. In the beginning, I asked the AI to point out weak sentences to have direction while editing and improving. Now, I'm trying to find these sentences on my own, as it's an important skill. I seem to struggle with clarity and 'overloaded' sentences. Still, I think you're right.
If I buy the book, I will give my best to practice deliberately.

For Style, you can find it at the following Link. The versions on amazon are really expensive now for some reason...so dont get the book there

Anyway, its a slim volume. Goes over the essentials on writing clear and effective prose. Its pretty great, no matter your skill level. Ive read it like twice, and reference it a fair amount when writing

The self editing one is also great. Really easy read. I would recommend.

Ive read a couple other books on writing, but they were nor great...and not specific enough in their advice.
Above all. I would recommend critique.

Like, I understand having your story critiqued can suck. So write something that you would feel comfortable if someone says something harsh about it.

But, I've in classes ive had personal essays critiqued and critiqued other peoples essays and its really helpful.

Okay, thank you for sharing. I don't think I got the gambling reference, sorry....