Writers’ Book Club (Nov-Dec)

There are tons of craft books on the market. Some are classics, others have recently been released. As writers, we should always look to expand our base of knowledge and grow in our craft. So let’s read those how-to books.

The Write Now! group’s Writer’s Book Club launched in July 2012. It’s pretty easy. Several titles are offered for each period. Pick the one you’re interested in.

For this swap, 12 different craft books covering a variety of topics will be offered. You’ll have two months to read the single book of your choice and then send to two partners a two-page letter that includes the title/author of your chosen book, why you chose that one, a summary of the book, what you got (or didn’t get) out of the book and whether you’d recommend it to others. All of this should be in no less than 2 pages.

Already read a book on the list? Please choose something that’s new to you or something that has been a long while since you read. The idea here is to learn and to grow as writers.

If you’d like to read more than one, feel free to do so. One book is the minimum. I’ve included sub-titles where applicable to help as you make your reading selection.

The Writers’ Book Club (Nov-Dec. 2012)

• “Sol Stein's A-Z Guide to Writing Success and Publishing Know-How” by Sol Stein

• “Writing the Breakout Novel” by Donald Maass

• “Keep Calm and Query On: Notes on Writing (and Living) With Hope” by Luke Reynolds

• “Steering the Craft: Exercises and Discussions on Story Writing for the Lone Navigator or the Mutinous Crew” by Ursula K. Le Guin

• “Walking on Alligators: A Book of Meditations for Writers” by Susan Shaughnessy

• “A Writer's Book of Days: A Spirited Companion and Lively Muse for the Writing Life” by Judy Reeves

• “On Becoming a Novelist” by John Gardner

• “Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life” by Anne Lamott

• “Reading Like a Writer: A Guide for People Who Love Books and for Those Who Want to Write Them” by Francine Prose

• “A Writer's Workbook: Daily Exercises for the Writing Life” by Caroline Sharp

• “Burning Down the House: Essays on Fiction” by Charles Baxter

• “Fearless Creating” by Eric Maisel

Sneak peek to the Jan-Feb. 2013 Book Club: Among the dozen books offered will be titles by Barbara DeMarco-Barrett, Lawrence Block, Walter Mosley and Patricia T. O’Conner. Have suggestions for books in future Writers’ Book Club swaps? Post below!

Recap:

• Pick a book and read it.

• In a 2-page letter, include the title/author, why you chose it, a summary, what you learned from it and if you’d recommend it.

• Snail mail letter to two partners.

Group membership. Snail mail. International.