by Jason Joyner | Mar 26, 2007 | Blog, fiction, resources, writing craft
There are a few authors who always seem to be at the top of lists for books related to the “how-to” of fiction. One of those is usually James N. Frey. If nothing else, he has a catchy name for his series of books!
First came “How to Write a Damn Good Novel“. Of course it was followed by “How to Write a Damn Good Novel II: Advanced Techniques for Dramatic Storytelling“. Somewhere in there he wrote about how to write a damn good mystery (seeing any pattern yet?).
I read the first two listed, but the best Frey book in my opinion is “The Key: How to Write Damn Good Fiction Using the Power of Myth.” This book is basically a discussion of the concept of the “hero’s journey,” popularized by Joseph Cambell. My friend Athena referred me to Frey’s take on it as she felt it was more accessible as a book.
The idea of the hero’s journey suggests that there are archtypes that we are almost hard-wired to enjoy, and by consciously weaving these elements into our fiction, we can tie into something that gives our works a resonance or power that enhances everything we’ve done. Frey gives plenty of examples from literature and movies (as the Star Wars saga is famously based off the hero’s journey). It exists in Homer, classic novels, and numerous modern examples.
Frey goes on to discuss the various aspects of the mythic novel: the hero that is powerful yet has a flaw or need to grow, a powerful evil one to oppose the hero, a journey of transformation, sidekicks, femme fatales, threshold guardians. Even better, he begins to craft a novel within this book that follows all the guidelines he is discussing. This is one of the best practical examples of writing that I have seen in a “how-to” book.
This is one book that I have read again to glean more from it. One of the draws was the fact that my work in process matched so much of what Frey was teaching – unintentionally! Unknowingly, I had used many of these elements in my very basic attempt at putting together a compelling story. Wow.
This is one book I would highly recommend. The ideas do seem to be timeless. Obviously one would not want to be transparent in using this method as a framework for a novel, but the principles work well as a foundation when used skillfully.
I have a little more to share on writing resources still. Stay tuned.
by Jason Joyner | Mar 26, 2007 | Blog, fiction, resources, writing craft
There are a few authors who always seem to be at the top of lists for books related to the “how-to” of fiction. One of those is usually James N. Frey. If nothing else, he has a catchy name for his series of books!
First came “How to Write a Damn Good Novel“. Of course it was followed by “How to Write a Damn Good Novel II: Advanced Techniques for Dramatic Storytelling“. Somewhere in there he wrote about how to write a damn good mystery (seeing any pattern yet?).
I read the first two listed, but the best Frey book in my opinion is “The Key: How to Write Damn Good Fiction Using the Power of Myth.” This book is basically a discussion of the concept of the “hero’s journey,” popularized by Joseph Cambell. My friend Athena referred me to Frey’s take on it as she felt it was more accessible as a book.
The idea of the hero’s journey suggests that there are archtypes that we are almost hard-wired to enjoy, and by consciously weaving these elements into our fiction, we can tie into something that gives our works a resonance or power that enhances everything we’ve done. Frey gives plenty of examples from literature and movies (as the Star Wars saga is famously based off the hero’s journey). It exists in Homer, classic novels, and numerous modern examples.
Frey goes on to discuss the various aspects of the mythic novel: the hero that is powerful yet has a flaw or need to grow, a powerful evil one to oppose the hero, a journey of transformation, sidekicks, femme fatales, threshold guardians. Even better, he begins to craft a novel within this book that follows all the guidelines he is discussing. This is one of the best practical examples of writing that I have seen in a “how-to” book.
This is one book that I have read again to glean more from it. One of the draws was the fact that my work in process matched so much of what Frey was teaching – unintentionally! Unknowingly, I had used many of these elements in my very basic attempt at putting together a compelling story. Wow.
This is one book I would highly recommend. The ideas do seem to be timeless. Obviously one would not want to be transparent in using this method as a framework for a novel, but the principles work well as a foundation when used skillfully.
I have a little more to share on writing resources still. Stay tuned.
by Jason Joyner | Mar 26, 2007 | Blog, miscellaneous
Monday morning. Post number 200. Wow.
I wasn’t sure what I was getting into when I started this here widget. Now I’ve done 200 posts with this widget.
Unfortunately, it is Monday morning, so I have no idea how to celebrate…
Suggestions?
Oh, and thanks for checking this particular widget out! More actually revelant content coming soon.
by Jason Joyner | Mar 26, 2007 | Blog, miscellaneous
Monday morning. Post number 200. Wow.
I wasn’t sure what I was getting into when I started this here widget. Now I’ve done 200 posts with this widget.
Unfortunately, it is Monday morning, so I have no idea how to celebrate…
Suggestions?
Oh, and thanks for checking this particular widget out! More actually revelant content coming soon.
by Jason Joyner | Mar 21, 2007 | Blog, books, CSFF, fiction, writing craft
It’s always nice when you can kill two birds with one stone. Or two topics with one blog post. So today I give you the Christian Sci-Fi and Fantasy blog tour/Books on Writing smash up post!
The CSFF is featuring writer Randy Ingermanson and his book Double Vision. Randy is a Christy award winning novelist who can provide you with many fulfilling experiences. Like stories on time travel? Ingermanson. Outer space/trips to Mars? He’s your man. Romance suspense with a scientific twist? RAN-DY!
How about a plethora of writing advice, for FREE?
Look no further than Randall Ingermanson.
Now I was a little deficient for this tour. I had books swirling around my desk, mocking me that I had not made time for them. With all the distraction, I did not get an oppportunity to read Double Vision. For reviews of this book, see fellow tour participants Janey DeMeo, John W. Otte, and Karri Compton for starters. April Erwin is having a contest to win a free copy of the book!
My main experience, like many others, is through Randy’s teachings on fiction writing. This is why today’s post does double duty, cover both the CSFF tour and writing resources. He doesn’t have a book per se. However, he has a lot of free resources on his site Advanced Fiction Writing. He is famous for his Snowflake Method, an excellent way of organizing your work to bring it to manageable levels. On the top of that link he has numerous other links that discuss helpful aspects of fiction craft. I heartily encourage you to take advantage of these resources. He also has a free e-zine on writing and marketing that continues to give helpful examples and teaching. You can’t go wrong by taking advantage of the free stuff!
For more on Randy Ingersmanson, see my tourmates below.
Nissa Annakindt
Jim Black
Grace Bridges
Jackie Castle
Valerie Comer
Karri Compton
Frank Creed
CSFF Blog Tour
D. G. D. Davidson
Janey DeMeo
Tessa Edwards
April Erwin
Linda Gilmore
Beth Goddard
Marcus Goodyear
Andrea Graham
Leathel Grody
Katie Hart
Sherrie Hibbs
Sharon Hinck
Christopher Hopper
Karen
Tina Kulesa
Lost Genre Guild
Kevin Lucia and The Bookshelf Reviews 2.0 – The Compendium
Rachel Marks
Shannon McNear
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Caleb Newell
Nicole
Eve Nielsen
John W. Otte
Robin Parrish
Rachelle
Cheryl Russel
Hanna Sandvig
Mirtika Schultz
James Somers
Tsaba House Authors
Steve Trower
Speculative Faith
Daniel I. Weaver
by Jason Joyner | Mar 21, 2007 | Blog, books, CSFF, fiction, writing craft
It’s always nice when you can kill two birds with one stone. Or two topics with one blog post. So today I give you the Christian Sci-Fi and Fantasy blog tour/Books on Writing smash up post!
The CSFF is featuring writer Randy Ingermanson and his book Double Vision. Randy is a Christy award winning novelist who can provide you with many fulfilling experiences. Like stories on time travel? Ingermanson. Outer space/trips to Mars? He’s your man. Romance suspense with a scientific twist? RAN-DY!
How about a plethora of writing advice, for FREE?
Look no further than Randall Ingermanson.
Now I was a little deficient for this tour. I had books swirling around my desk, mocking me that I had not made time for them. With all the distraction, I did not get an oppportunity to read Double Vision. For reviews of this book, see fellow tour participants Janey DeMeo, John W. Otte, and Karri Compton for starters. April Erwin is having a contest to win a free copy of the book!
My main experience, like many others, is through Randy’s teachings on fiction writing. This is why today’s post does double duty, cover both the CSFF tour and writing resources. He doesn’t have a book per se. However, he has a lot of free resources on his site Advanced Fiction Writing. He is famous for his Snowflake Method, an excellent way of organizing your work to bring it to manageable levels. On the top of that link he has numerous other links that discuss helpful aspects of fiction craft. I heartily encourage you to take advantage of these resources. He also has a free e-zine on writing and marketing that continues to give helpful examples and teaching. You can’t go wrong by taking advantage of the free stuff!
For more on Randy Ingersmanson, see my tourmates below.
Nissa Annakindt
Jim Black
Grace Bridges
Jackie Castle
Valerie Comer
Karri Compton
Frank Creed
CSFF Blog Tour
D. G. D. Davidson
Janey DeMeo
Tessa Edwards
April Erwin
Linda Gilmore
Beth Goddard
Marcus Goodyear
Andrea Graham
Leathel Grody
Katie Hart
Sherrie Hibbs
Sharon Hinck
Christopher Hopper
Karen
Tina Kulesa
Lost Genre Guild
Kevin Lucia and The Bookshelf Reviews 2.0 – The Compendium
Rachel Marks
Shannon McNear
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Caleb Newell
Nicole
Eve Nielsen
John W. Otte
Robin Parrish
Rachelle
Cheryl Russel
Hanna Sandvig
Mirtika Schultz
James Somers
Tsaba House Authors
Steve Trower
Speculative Faith
Daniel I. Weaver
