Writer Craft Book

writer craft book
Repeated Questions in Books and Authors Section?

Why do people post questions about the as-of-yet-unreleased Harry Potter book? There are literally HUNDREDS of the same questions with the same speculative answers. Please quit clogging the board with asininity.

Why do people who ask questions about publication always seem more interested in money than in art? J.K. Rowling has ruined what it means to be a writer. 99.9% of writers are poor or middle class. Only ONE of us is a billionaire. Focus on your craft, take lots of English classes, take criticism honestly (recognize where you are wrong as well as where others are wrong) and write, write, write -- EVERY DAY. You'll get to where you want to go.

Thank you for posting this question! Your comments are so on the mark. I've been avoiding that category because of this very reason. Some people seem to think that just because they can string two or three words together that they are writers. They ask stupid questions like "How do I write a book?" or "How do I get published?" Don't they realize that writing is a craft? It's the same thing as learning to be a nurse or a computer tech. If they can't take classes, the least they can do is read some good books on plot, characters, style, grammar, everything that goes into making a book readable. Weren't they paying attention in English class when they had to write a short story or has our educational system become so geared to standardized tests that anything creative goes by the wayside? Maybe if they spent less time online and went to a real bookstore and browsed through the writing section they'd see there are books on everything from the basics of writing to getting an agent to finding a market.

You are so right about writing every day. Just because you write the final sentence doesn't mean the story or novel is complete. It takes editing and rewriting and polishing--and then starting all over again. They don't know about joining a writer's group of real-live people who will listen to their story and offer constructive criticism. Of course, that would necessitate putting their egos on hold long enough to listen to someone else's writing.

I could go on forever. Obviously this is a pet peeve of mine. Thank you for having the courage to bring out the obvious. You'll probably risk the wrath of many wannabees, but I say kudos.

Write a Book - Throw it Away! - John Nichols - A Writer's Life 1