Writing Books

[Antfarmer77]

Do many of you read the 'How To' writing books? If so, what are your favorites? I'm just curious having never read one, are they a big help?

 

[AchtungNight]

Some are, some aren't. It depends on what you're looking for.

 

[neonlyte]

Do many of you read the 'How To' writing books? If so, what are your favorites? I'm just curious having never read one, are they a big help?

Yes and No.
The basics are easily learnt. Producing a story longer than 30k words requires a mental shift, no 'How To' will help you with that.

Doesn't matter how good the story, you have to jump the hurdle of having an Agent or Publisher take you seriously, no 'How To' will help you with that. Check out Evil Editor, if your still not disuaded, write a book.

 

[Rumple Foreskin]

There are a couple I usually recommend. Stephen King's On Writing is an entertaining look into the writer's past and has a lot of writing hints. A good read even for non-writers and those who aren't fans of King.

Sol Stein has produced several books on writing. They tend to be more thorough presentations of writing issues than is King's book, so they make a good combination.

Rumple Foreskin

 

[Aurora Black]

I've been reading Donald Maass's Writing the Breakout Novel off and on, and it has helped me a lot concerning character and plot development for my novel.

 

[Aurora Black]

There are a couple I usually recommend. Stephen King's On Writing is an entertaining look into the writer's past and has a lot of writing hints. A good read even for non-writers and those who aren't fans of King.

Ditto for that.

 

[AchtungNight]

Ditto for that.

I second that Ditto.