We’ve had a lot of discussions about craft this year and last. Tons of writing books were mentioned on Jo’s Uberchallenge. I own most of them, but I haven’t managed to read a fraction of the titles. Which is why I’ve decided to explore alternatives. I believe it was Alison who mentioned purchasing a DVD from the Writer’s Store on Joss Whedon. I went to the site to check out what else they had and came away with a treasure trove.
I have a lot of writing books that are in various staging of being read. It bothers me that I can’t get through them faster because I read slow, so I decided to see what the store had available on DVD. (It’s more likely that I’ll finish those.) Most of the stuff at the store is geared toward screenwriters. The cool thing is the material can easily apply to novelists too. In fact, I thought switching my approach might actually improve my writing.
So with that in mind, I made a list of the DVD’s I plan to purchase. (Not all at one time.) Here it is: Crafting Complex Characters for Emotional Impact, Brainstorming with 36 Dramatic Situations, Crafting Fresh Dialogue for Emotional Impact, Hero’s Journey 2, Syd Field’s Screenwriting Workshop (it talks about writing in the three-act structure), Plot Planner workshop, Mastering the 2 min. Pitch, Genre works: The Horror Genre, The Art of Writing Romantic Comedy, and So, Is it Done? (a dvd on revising). I figure that should keep me busy for a while. 
I’m also considering a few software items (Character Pro, Word Menu, Fiction Master, and WritePro), but I need to check them out further to see if they’ll actually be helpful…or just more items to clutter my desktop.
February 1st, 2006
Check out Power Structure, too. It’s the one software thingee I’ve bought in years, and I use it extensively with every book. It’s basically all the stuff I used to do on notes all over the place, but in one convinient place.
Now, of course, I want all those DVDs. Damn it.
by Jo Leigh February 1st, 2006 at 12:00 pmJo, I’ll definitely check out Power Structure. Visiting that site is dangerous. *ggg* I do think there are several DVD’s that would be incredibly helpful. I’m going to start with one (haven’t decided which yet) and then gradually acquire.
by Jordan February 1st, 2006 at 1:01 pmWow! You sure went all the way in that shopping spree, Jordan. *g* I’m not good at reading books on writing. I’ve got two, but I’ve not been able to finish reading either one. As for writing programs, check out yWriter. They also have a cool program, Sonar, to keep track of your submissions.
by Silma February 1st, 2006 at 1:58 pmI LOVE buying research and craft books. Every year I take about $300 and buy a bunch…I don’t usually read them, but damn it it’s cool to purchase them, and know that I have them if I EVER need them. LOL I also bought a program to help me organize my ideas, and it does this split screen thing, adn all this cool stuff, called Write Way, but I’m just way too disorganized to use it. I started using it once, and I got confused adn frustrated, so I started writing notes on my sticky notes about how much I didn’t want to use it again…and well I never did. I do have the coolest screenwriting software though that I DO USE. It has a read aloud system, where you can assign voices to your different characters adn they read out the dialogue for you, so can hear if it sounds right or not. You can use the software for novels too, but once again, I’m much too lazy to read the instructions on how to use it. I’ll stick to my microsoft word, my sticky notes, and a loose pad of paper and pen!!!
by Vivi Anna February 1st, 2006 at 2:25 pmSilma, Thanks for the heads up. I’ll definitely check that software out. I give the guy kudos for coming up with a creative way to shop his books. *g*
by Jordan February 1st, 2006 at 2:57 pmVivi Anna, I almost bought Write Way, but the only section I seemed to use with any consistency was the character chart. (Because you can upload pictures.) What is the name of the other software you’re talking about? It sounds VERY cool.
by Jordan February 1st, 2006 at 2:58 pmI’m just waiting for them to come out with a DVD titled How to Be Working Professional Grad Student, Fashion Goddess and Woman of the Year in 10 Easy Steps.
by Shannon February 1st, 2006 at 3:08 pmShannon, LOL! Let me know when that one hits the stores. *ggg*
by Jordan February 1st, 2006 at 3:26 pmTina, With those two expenses, I’m surprised they aren’t screaming. LOL!
by Jordan February 1st, 2006 at 4:32 pmI like having all of those “writing” books on my shelf - it makes me look like I might know what I’m doing. *g*
by Eve February 1st, 2006 at 7:34 pmEve, LOL! I know for a fact that I have NO idea what I’m doing. *ggg*
by Jordan February 1st, 2006 at 8:47 pmYeah, but with all those books on the shelf - only you and your word program needs to know.
by Eve February 1st, 2006 at 9:30 pmAlthough I’m a little partial to the “for dummies” or “idiot’s guide” myself.
I have a love/hate relationship with craft books. Some are great, others just plain suck. I find the shorter the lesson, the more I retain it. If I get too techy a program or process, I tend to play with it instead of putting AITC and write the damned story, lol. I copied Stephen J. Cannell’s three act structure off the net and it’s an eye-opener. But so far it’s working for me.
by Jan February 2nd, 2006 at 9:13 amLOL. I’ve been reading writing books in a bid to SOUND like I know what I’m doing. I got them from Jo Leigh’s Uber-Challenge too.
by May February 2nd, 2006 at 9:25 amEve, This is true. *ggg* I have a few of the guides you mentioned. They’re apt in my case. LMAO!
by Jordan February 2nd, 2006 at 10:39 amJan, You’re right, some are good and others are well…useless. Where did you find Stephen J. Cannell’s three act structure guide? Do share. *g*
by Jordan February 2nd, 2006 at 10:40 amMay, LOL! Well at least you might get something out of them. (wg)
by Jordan February 2nd, 2006 at 10:41 am