Buzz - Book Reviews
by John Wolf

In my continuing quest for self assurance that my writing skills are based on actual techniques used by "real" authors, I read these guides published by folks like Writers Digest. Here are a couple from this publisher:

1. "Plot & Structure" by James Scott Bell

2. "How to Write &Sell Your First Novel" by Oscar Collier

"Plot & Structure" is like an old metal tool box with not many tools in it. It's noisy and rattles every time you pick it up. It reads like a freshman textbook and equally as bland.

The basic premise is "beginning, middle, end" whoopee. I know someone has to tell you this sometime, but I think most writers have this approach engrained in their souls. It's like Windex, the Greeks think it's the best thing ever devised, so everyone has to use it to be successful. I agree, but its like saying every house needs a foundation, walls, and a roof. Okay, I get it, but I don't need to spend $15 for a book whose advice is limited to this premise. Give me tangible examples of inspired writing and clever assessments.

Then the advice gets deep with, "Have a strong beginning." Once again with the duh, I know that. As you slug through this diatribe of what doesn't work, like bad dialogue, you realize what the author is alluding to is formula styled writing that "works every time, because you're following the best practices." Bull feathers. I went through many a business management course that used the same philosophy—if you just follow the rules, your business will build itself into a multimillion dollar wonder. More feathers.

I must give the author credit. He did mention the important areas of good writing, such as creating conflict for the protagonist, keep the plot moving, make the stakes high for the reader to continue to see if it comes out alright, but I wasn't inspired by the way the advice was presented.

The best thing to do is check the book out of the library and copy the index titles for useful topics, but don't buy the book. Formulized writing is like paint by the numbers—no way to become a Rembrandt.

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"How to Write & Sell Your First Novel" is full of examples of successes and failures. There is page after page of letters to agents and editors. All of this is good to read through once. The book is not a reference you will read more that once, so save our money and check it out of the library.

To me the book reads like a collection of magazine articles and motherly advice. All good stuff, but it isn't focused on improving your writing skills. The book is more directed at negociating a big advance for your first book. Of course, it also tells you that's a one in million shot, but babbles on, giving examples of authors that became famous—eventually.

After reading several of these writing guides, I have come to the conclusion the better ones talk about writing as an emotional skill. The better books discuss conflict in a character by describing the feelings expressed in the words of tried-and-true story lines by showing an example of what the author wants you to notice. I think concentrating on the art of writing verses concentrating on how big an advance you're going to get for you breakthough novel is time better spent.

I can't really recommend either of these books as one that could become a reference you would reach for in the future, so why buy it. There are many other books that really help get your head around ideas that make storytelling more alive, meaningful, and connected to readers.

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