Writers’ Book Club (Sept-Oct)

There are tons of craft books on the market. Some are classics, others have recently been released. As writers, we should always look to expand our base of knowledge and grow in our craft. So let’s read those how-to books.

The Write Now! group’s Writer’s Book Club launched in July. It’s pretty easy. Several titles are offered for each period. Pick the one you’re interested in.

For this swap, 12 different craft books covering a variety of topics will be offered. You’ll have two months to read the single book of your choice and then send to two partners a two-page letter that includes the title/author of your chosen book, why you chose that one, a summary of the book, what you got (or didn’t get) out of the book and whether you’d recommend it to others. All of this should be in no less than 2 pages.

Already read a book on the list? Please choose something that’s new to you. The idea here is to learn and to grow as writers.

If you’d like to read more than one, feel free to do so. One book is the minimum. I’ve included sub-titles where applicable to help as you make your reading selection.

The Writers’ Book Club (Sept-Oct)

• “No Plot? No Problem!” by Chris Baty (NOTE: This book is related to NaNoWriMo.)

• “On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction” by William Zinsser

• “Story” by Robert Mckee

• “The Writing Life” by Annie Dillard

• “The 3 A.M. Epiphany: Uncommon Writing Exercises that Transform Your Fiction” by Brian Kiteley (NOTE: recommended by group member MoonlightSonata)

• “A Writer’s Space: Make Room to Dream, to Work, to Write” by Eric Maisel (NOTE: recommended by group member TheWrite1)

• “Zen in the Art of Writing: Releasing the Creative Genius Within You” by Ray Bradbury

• “GMC: Goal, Motivation and Conflict” by Debra Dixon

• “How to Read a Poem: And Fall in Love with Poetry” by Edward Hirsch

• “The Lonely Voice: A Study of the Short Story” by Frank O'Connor

• “The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master” by Martha Alderson

• “Word Painting” by Rebecca McClanahan

Sneak peek to the November-December club selections: Among the dozen books offered will be titles by Sol Stein, Donald Maass, Luke Reynolds and Ursula K. Le Guin. Have suggestions for books in future Writers’ Book Club swaps? Post below!

Recap:

• Pick a book and read it.

• In a 2-page letter, include the title/author, why you chose it, a summary, what you learned from it and if you’d recommend it.

• Snail mail letter to two partners.

Group membership. Snail mail. International.