Good books on writing fiction, particularly writing mysteries and science fiction, but good ones on fiction writing, too?

Good books on writing fiction, particularly writing mysteries and science fiction, but good ones on fiction writing, too I feel I am stuck in my writing development. I am beyond a beginner (or would like to think I am), and I hope beyond the intermediate, but can't seem to reach the level of published writer. Looking to get beyond whatever stumbling blocks that I am either missing or placing in my own way.

Asked by talltalestogo. Net 60 months ago Similar questions: books writing fiction mysteries science Arts > Books > Books - Science Fiction.

Similar questions: books writing fiction mysteries science.

A few books I have read and found useful I have read many book on writing, some great, some very lame. Here are some writing books I have read and found very useful. Keys to Great Writing This is the best general writing, fiction and non-fiction, book I have read.It deals a lot with style.

I learned a lot about constructing sentences and paragraphs from this book. Until I read it I had no idea that moving around and changing a few words could make such a difference. I think the concepts taught in this book are one of the things that separate writers from great writers.

Writing Short Fiction This is the best book I have read on writing fiction. This is written by a sci-fi writer, but applies to all fiction.In spite of the title, I found it applies to long fiction just as much. This book touches briefly on all the aspects of writing fiction.

I learned a lot from this one. Character and Viewpoint This is by Card, a sci-fi writer, but applies to all fiction. This covers character and viewpoint, a topic I discovered in How to Write Science Fiction and needed to learn more about.

I had never really consider ’viewpoint’ before reading these two books. How to Write Science Fiction This is also by Card. It is not as good as the first two books, but is the best I’ve read specifically about writing Science Fiction.

BTW, I got several of these books through the Writers Digest Book Club. I would suggest joining it if they still have some of these books. Wayne's Recommendations Keys to Great Writing Amazon List Price: $19.99 Used from: $9.39 Average Customer Rating: 5.0 out of 5 (based on 12 reviews) Creating Short Fiction: The Classic Guide to Writing Short Fiction Amazon List Price: $14.95 Used from: $5.94 Average Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5 (based on 11 reviews) Characters and Viewpoint (Elements of Fiction Writing) Amazon List Price: $14.99 Used from: $4.37 Average Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5 (based on 60 reviews) How to Write Science Fiction & Fantasy Amazon List Price: $14.99 Used from: $9.990 Average Customer Rating: 4.0 out of 5 (based on 46 reviews) .

The best book I've read on the subject is by Ben Bova It's called:The Craft of Writing Science Fiction That SellsI read it many years ago when I was still an aspiring writer and I found it to be very straightforward with good, practical advice. Though it is primarily geared towards science fictioin, much of the advice is helpful for fiction writing in general. And as the title implies, it's not just about writing, it's about getting your work sold.

The book may be tough to find, but you can always pick it up at your library if you can't find a used copy. I hope this helps! Sources: amazon.com/Craft-Writing-Science-Fiction... .

One of the best around is "The Weekend Novelist" by Robert J. Ray. The original edition of Robert J.

Ray’s The Weekend Novelist takes a writer from the idea stage to the submission stage exercise by exercise. Unlike many books that offer made-up exercises, he uses the novel you are working on, and he covers indepth ground where other books only scratch the surface. These include: how to create character, how to write a scene, how to plot out your novel using a three-act scenario.

Ray has recently published a revised edition of his classic work. It isn’t as good as the original. If you can find a good used copy of the original, you will have a gem..

Here is a blueprint from one of the masters. KingofRandomCrap's Recommendations On Writing Amazon List Price: $7.99 Used from: $3.24 Average Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5 (based on 674 reviews) .

Wayne, regarding your answer "A few books I have read and found useful": Thank you for the list of books. I own and have read most of the ones you mentioned. Those are good books.

Any new cool science fiction (not fantasy! ) books that you recommend? " "I am looking for a 1950's science fiction novel?" "This is not Science Fiction!

Just Fiction" "Science Fiction readers: Your top five..." "What are the best science fiction websites? " "Who is the best science fiction author and what are his/her best books?" "I am looking for the author of science fiction books featuring the character "Cormac", a secret agent in the future..." "What are some recommended non fiction books? " "Best science fiction movie(s) of all time?

" "Does anyone enjoy science fiction?

Any new cool science fiction (not fantasy! ) books that you recommend?

I am looking for the author of science fiction books featuring the character "Cormac", a secret agent in the future...

I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.