Reading books, studying how too books, visiting websites, paying for feedback, studying, just plain hard slog writing and rewriting? What's the best way to be a better writer in your opinion?
I keep wondering if I should go on a course, can anyone recommend something suitable for a person who works full time?
Please don't say Arvon...I tried that and it wasn't for me, plus its soo expensive.
I was already in the process of writing my book when I decided to take up an evening part time writing course. I found it really helpful and it was good to be with people in the same boat as me, novice writers. It was just one evening a week so did not impact on my job. Some of the exercises were challenging but made think. I have written three short stories on the back of that course and have two plots written out for two more novels. As for expense the course cost me £78 for ten weeks which was definitely money well spent.
I'd say it is a combination of the two, it's good to have the theory but most people learn better by doing, once they understand what they are supposed to do!
Read, read, read.
The best way to learn is to read the best traditional and contemporary
literature by award winning authors. 'Learn from the best' is my motto.
The cheapest way to learn is to read books by acclaimed academics and authors of creative writing. I have read many books on creative writing, but those listed below are the best there are. I have yet to discover another book that can compare.
'Aspects of The Novel' by E. M. Forster
'The Elements of Style' (Fourth Edition) by William Strunk jr. and E. B. White (Charlotte's Web)
'Learning to Write Fiction from the Masters' by Barnaby Conrad (In my opinion the best creative writing guide on the planet)
'Solutions for Novelists - The Secrets of a Master Editor' by Sol Stein. (Sol was a friend of Barnaby Conrad)
'Sol Stein on Writing' by Sol Stein.
'The Art and Craft of Novel Writing' by Oakley Hall.
Check the reviews on Amazon. You can get cheap second hand copies.