I focused more on backstory (and golf lessons and job hunting) this week than reading. But here goes with what I managed.
Elements of Fiction Writing: Characters and Viewpoint by Orson Scott Card
Location in Barnes & Noble: Reference
Why I read it: This week was my week to tackle charcter bios. It's also a good resource to read for writing. I'm still confused on some aspects of the whole viewpoint thing, but I think what I've written so far of my book is 3rd omniscient, with some moments of either 1st or 3rd limited. (I know I tend to mix them all together. Which is reason enough for you all to just start launching those rotten veggies you've been holding onto since my goals update yesterday.)
Mini-review: A very good source of information on character, though the first 2 chapters of Noah Lukeman's book The Plot Thickens do better for me at helping me "interrogate my characters." I do love the book for the reason that Card continually uses Indy, Han, and LOTR as his reference examples. Can't beat that combination, eh? *dreamy sigh, far-off look* Back to reality... I thought this was a very handy book to have. (And I finally read it after years of it just sitting on my shelf. This is what happens when you work at Barnes & Noble and get a 30% employee discount. Must stay away from the devil store.)
Final review: Thumbs up. Read it if you want a good solid refresher (or lesson) on viewpoint and characterization. But just be aware that you may have some questions that aren't answered in this book when you're done.
Love a good review, thanks. I didn't do a full character flushing out on my WIP and got stuck at about 25k words. I had to go back, write the bios, figure them out and then I could press ahead. It really is helpful stuff :D
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review. I do like the Plot thickens though and of course that's because I have a literary crush on Noah Lukeman! I'll check out the book.
ReplyDeleteThanks fro the review. I might just have to add another book to my shelf.
ReplyDeleteGlad you guys liked this week's Bookshelf!
ReplyDeleteTess, I'm in the same boat. I need to know my characters better than I currently do. (Especially my MC and her group of friends which I have yet to write anything about.)
My goal today is to finish up The Plot Thickens and then get going on my outlines.
Thanks for the review..another book to look for! I've got Noah Lukeman's 'The First Five Pages' on the go. I think it's really going to come in handy at the revision stage.
ReplyDeleteaingshr! :)
I've got that book, too, and it's sat on my shelf just about as long as The Plot Thickens.
ReplyDeleteThis is what happens when you work at a bookstore.
There are certain books that I don't think it's helpful to read until you're past the first draft stage though. Then others are useful before the draft, while others remain invaluable throughout everything.
Interesting development--I wrote down the 'word' aingshr today and left it by the computer.
ReplyDeleteMy hubby called out to me tonight--I solved your word scramble.
What?
On the piece of paper on my desk under aingshr is the word--sharing.
Thought I'd share! Mysterious ways...
Ha! That's hilarious! Sometimes the most random things can leave a smile on your face! Thanks for aingshr! ;)
ReplyDelete