Sage Writing Advice

sage “Music is a proud, temperamental mistress. Give her the time and attention she deserves, and she is yours. Slight her and there will come a day when you call and she will not answer. So I began sleeping less to give her the time she needed.” ~ The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss.

I believe the above quote is true of writing too. Over the last few years I’ve learned that to be a writer, and hopefully a good writer, you have to write A LOT. Practice playing with words, sentence structures, and story threads. Study advice from masters of the craft and continually strive for improvement. “Constant vigilance!” As Mad-Eye Moody would say.

Here are some of the writing resources that have inspired me to mature as an author:

On Writing by Stephen King — this book doubles as an engrossing memoir and a great introduction to the writing life. King gives nuts and bolts writing advice along with savvy guidelines such as, “The road to hell is paved with adverbs.”

Writing the Breakout Novel by Donald Maass — this book more than any other elevated the way I approach writing, and reading for that matter. Maass analyzes the components of a breakout novel: premise, plot, characters, etc.. But moreover he encourages authors to inject passion and purpose into our writing.

Plot & Structure by James Scott Bell — This book explores the 3-act plot structure that’s inherent in most stories. I especially loved the logical breakdown and explanation of what needs to happen when in order to create a fast-paced, tension-filled plot that will keep the reader hooked.

Not For Robots by Laini Taylor — There are a ton of fantastic writing-focused blogs out there, but this is my favorite for its organization and straight-forward subject matter. It’s a compilation of essays, each one focused on a different part of the novel-writing process, written by an esteemed author who knows. Whenever I need a writing boost, I reread whichever section pertains to what I’m currently struggling with.

What are your favorite writing resources? What piece of advice has been the most beneficial to you?

What I’m reading: Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo (book club pick!)

What I’m listening to: Of Monsters and Men — Dirty Paws