Now that I have a rough draft done of my urban fantasy, I’ve decided I need a little extra help with my writing. With that in mind, I went to Amazon and ran a couple of searches for ‘Speculative Fiction’ writing books, ‘Fantasy’ writing books, and ‘Horror’ writing books. I’d forgotten that I already owned ‘How to Write Science Fiction and Fantasy’ by Orson Scott Card. (Found it last night, Charli.) I plan to read through it this evening.
Some of you are probably wondering why I want those types of tutorial books. Here’s the thing I realized as I neared the end of my first draft. Not only is my book speculative fiction, but some sections are skirting horror. This is funny, considering I read my first horror book about a year ago. I swear. I truly believe I am incapable of sticking with one genre at a time.
With that in mind, I thought it prudent to educate myself. I’ve been reading as many urban fantasies as I can get my hands on. That’s how I initially learned how to write romance. I’m sure right about now that Harlequin thinks I should brush up on that lesson. *g* And I cannot blame them. It’s difficult to go from straight romance to erotic romance and back again. It’s a different format. And it’s made even harder, when you didn’t quite learn the ‘rules’ of one before switching to the other. But I digress.
Over the years I’ve bought a lot of writing books. Many of them have proven extremely helpful. A few not so much. I really want to write urban fantasy, along with my darker romances, but I need help. The attitude for urban fantasy comes natural to me (wg), but not the world-building. It is a challenge. Hence the need for writing books.
I’ve found two books that might be helpful: On Writing Horror: A Handbook by the Horror Writer’s Association and The Fantasy Writer’s Companion: The Complete Guide to Writing Fantasy. Does anyone have any other suggestions?
February 2nd, 2007
I have a copy of the Fantasy Writer’s Companion, and it’s been a big help to me. I also have the first volume The Complete Guide to Writing Fantasy, and both of my copies are starting to get dog eared and post-it laden with use. B&N has the first one on their webpage. (I must admit, I know a couple of the authors and they’re really great guys, always willing to cheer on, and give practical advice to a fellow author).
by Ann February 2nd, 2007 at 8:22 pmAnn
Glad you found Orson Scott Card’s book! It’s useful. I can’t remember where but I read something by Clive Barker about worldbuilding. How he takes reality and changes one thing. Will try to remember where that came from.
by Charli February 2nd, 2007 at 8:55 pmAnn, I saw that first volume, but wasn’t sure if I should get it after reading what was in the second volume. Thanks for the heads up.
by Jordan February 2nd, 2007 at 8:59 pmThanks Charli!
by Jordan February 2nd, 2007 at 9:00 pmI read Worlds of Wonder by David Gerrold. Some of it won’t apply to you, since you already know how to write dialogue, characters, structured scenes, etc., but it did have some good fantasy world-building info too. I’ve also heard Stephen King’s On Writing is very good, but I haven’t read it myself and that might be too ‘beginner’ for what you’re looking for.
by Jeaniene Frost February 2nd, 2007 at 11:12 pmJeaniene, Thanks, I’ll check it out. Stephen King’s book On Writing is fantastic. Best book on writing I’ve ever read IMO. But it’s a general book on writing and doesn’t really target a specific genre. I need something that talks about urban fantasy. There is stuff I’m picking up in my writing and there is stuff that I’m definitely missing. It’s frustrating.
by Jordan February 3rd, 2007 at 2:07 amHave you always followed a formula, or an outline from a handbook? This is not meant in disrespect. The only thing I’ve ever published were two columns in an auto repair mag, and I didn’t get paid for them.
by BernardL February 3rd, 2007 at 8:00 amBernard, To answer your question, yes and no. I’m actually learning the formulas (even though I don’t think ‘formula’ is the right word for it, since the books all differ greatly), then discarding them. I’d say it’s probably more accurate to say that I’d like to know the ‘rules’ of the genre…before I start breaking them.
I did the same thing with romance. If you want to write romance, nothing is as effective as reading a ton of them. That’s why I’m reading so many urban fantasies (and horror novels). (Well that and because I enjoy them.;) There is a ‘feel’ to urban fantasies that is very distinctive. That’s really what I’m trying to get more than anything. I’m not looking for a formula per se as much as an idea of how to capture that feel.
Sometimes the advice in a writing book clicks and makes you understand how to fix that missing piece in your WIP. That’s what I’m after. My book is done. I’m not changing the plot or much about the characters. What I need help with is making it pretty.
by Jordan February 3rd, 2007 at 11:55 amcan’t think of any but if you need anybody to read your book.
;o)
Hey, I gotta stockpile!
by Shiloh February 3rd, 2007 at 1:11 pmLOL@shiloh!
Ok going to look those up–I have no suggestions but do have a few wips this might come in handy for
by amie February 3rd, 2007 at 1:45 pmIf you want to write romance, nothing is as effective as reading a ton of them
by Bailey Stewart February 3rd, 2007 at 1:57 pmThat’s all? Do you think over 30 years of reading them is enough then? Should I read some more? LOL
Sorry, romance is all I know. Well, it’s not all I know, but writing-wise … *gg*
I’m trying some new html, so if anything strange (other than my comment) should show up - just ignore it.
Shoot! Didn’t work.
by Bailey Stewart February 3rd, 2007 at 1:57 pmSorry, no ideas here. I’m the one who learns languages without grammar books and writing without How To books.
My mind just isn’t wired that way.
Good luck with you Dark Side. Btw, I got a paranormal plotbunny that won’t go away. Evil bugger. What the heck shall I do with a selkie in the Roman army?
by Gabriele February 3rd, 2007 at 2:25 pmShiloh, *ggg*
by Jordan February 3rd, 2007 at 3:14 pmAmie, I’m going to grab those books the second I get back from Japan.
by Jordan February 3rd, 2007 at 3:14 pmBailey, I think it’s ‘how’ you read them that counts. *ggg* I don’t have thirty years of reading them, but I’m not too far behind you.
by Jordan February 3rd, 2007 at 3:16 pmGabriele, You’re funny. I’m sure if anyone could get that combo to work that you can.
by Jordan February 3rd, 2007 at 3:17 pmYour books sounds awesome, Jordan. I love books that flirt with several different genres. And I think how-to books are good to give us a kind of blue-print for when we get lost.
It’s when we think we know everything that we have to worry, right?
by Tracy February 4th, 2007 at 8:34 amTracy, Thanks!
That’s a good explanation on why how-to books help. I think I’ll never have to worry about knowing everything. *ggg*
by Jordan February 4th, 2007 at 12:42 pm