When we returned from our trip I received an Amazon package with three new research and writing books. Hurrah! I finally caved and bought Stephen King's On Writing because it's supposed to be a classic for writers. Interestingly, it's the first King book I've ever bought (and the first I'll read). I'm not a fan of horror, though I probably would like The Shawshank Redemption and The Green Mile. I also bought another classic for writers, The Elements of Style. The third book, The Diary of Petr Ginz, is directly related to the research for my novel. I checked it out from the library weeks ago, but after taking pages and pages of notes and fighting off the urge to highlight large sections of the book, I decided to add it to my personal library. Some of the research books for my topic are too expensive to buy (scholarly tomes clocking in at $100/each), so I have to get them from the library, but this one just made sense to purchase.
It's silly how much I love books.
Words written today: 1579 (yay, that makes up for Friday's short count!)
Monday, November 12, 2007
Lovely Packages
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5 comments:
No no not silly at all Angie. Books are wonderful. That's why we're all putting ourselves through this.
I loved On Writing. I read The Shawshank Redemption because it's my second favourite film ever, but it's like you've got Morgan Freeman in your head reading it to you because the script and the book seemed to be word for word the same.
Anyway enjoy,
JJx
I've never read a Mr King book but I loved On Writing.
Oh you've reminded me about The Diary of Petr Ginz. Another tbr:-)
Happy reading:-)
I found On Writing the best book that I read about writing - he really cuts through all the excuses and gets right to the basics. His attitude is so inspiring! I haven't read Elements of Style nor The Diary of Petr Ginz, let me know what you think of them!
I think the King book is a terrific insight into him and his writing - it's full of genuine nuts 'n' bolts tips (such as his dislike of adverbs), and the section of autobiography is illuminating too; it's very clear from his recent work that the accident he writes about has had quite an effect on him, showing up in various barely-veiled versions in his work since.
If you decide to read any of his books, it sounds like Different Seasons might be the one for you - if memory serves, it contains the novellas that became the films Stand By Me and The Shawshank redemption (as well as a couple of more creepy ones, but you can skip them if they're not your thing).
J
JJ, they are wonderful, and good point! I just get so excited. :)
I'm excited to read On Writing, but I need to sort out some of the research first. I really should read Shawshank.
Lane, it seems a lot of people who aren't King fans like On Writing. The Diary of Petr Ginz is an interesting read. There are some dry parts ('cold today', etc.), but a lot of insight and even humor. I definitely recommend it.
Hellojed, that's what I heard about it, so I finally caved and bought it. The Elements of Style has useful language tips and is very short. Petr Ginz is a new addition to Holocaust literature and it's a worthwhile read (see above :).
John, thanks for the tip on Different Seasons. I didn't realize Stand by Me was based on his novella, and I even read the film script in college!
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