Inspired by a friend to read this blog post from Donald Miller, I immediately hit up my local university library catalog and requested every one of the 7 books on Donald Miller's list. My appetite for reading about writing has grown to insatiable. I admit that is because I have 7 books to read with looming due dates and some weird aversion to renewals. But mostly because the first 3 books I've read have been SO good.
I had no idea that in real life, Stephen King is just a regular old guy. Not weird, not creepy, just a dude with a wife and family living the dream. His work is writing and he is diligently about that. His thoughts on writing are enlightening for any writer in any genere. Same thing with Anne Lamott, her advice is strongly focused on everything other than a prescription on how to get published which from what I've read so far is the unfortunate end game for many aspiring writers. If you have a story, don't just write it but write it well.
One of the most captivating ideas that both authors have discussed is character development and plot. As a non-writer, I'm bored already just typing the words. Steve (that's what I call him now) suggests that in the writing process, the writer is merely the scribe of the characters. Any development that takes place is designed by those in it. The story is already out there, just waiting to be written. I cannot stop thinking about that idea. So while the writer may have some thoughts, some ideas about the shape of the story, he cannot force it to develop a certain way. For example, what Steve had in mind for the ending of Misery was not in fact what happened. Turns out the main character had more gumption that Steve gave him credit for. I enjoyed being carried away by a good story. Knowing that authors can be carried away in writing in a similar way is absolutely brilliant.
I have no intentions to write more than what my personal journal and this blog can hold but reading about other people writing is definitely a new interest. On to book number three, don't disappoint me Zissner.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I haven't read the first two, but Zissner is really brilliant. Every chapter brought to light a new "Oops. I guess I shouldn't do that any more." Now I can't wait to read the two you mention here!
ReplyDeleteThe idea of story is very compelling to me as well. Every person has one, and I think each one is worth telling. I've never met a boring one yet. (Boring people, yes. Boring stories, no.)