Write That Novel! 5 Pieces of Wise Advice to #Makeithappen
We’re reaching the end of NaNoWriMo—National Novel Writing Month. Whether you’ve taken on the challenge of writing a novel in a mere 30 days, have been working on your story for a while, or are dreaming of one day accomplishing this feat, we’ve collected a handful of quotes from books that will inspire, motivate, and help you create your own masterpiece.
Reading Like a Writer
- 13 min reading time
- audio version available
On Preparation: Reading Like a Writer by Francine Prose
A common tip for anyone wanting to write is to read, read, read, and then read some more. But for reading to help you improve your own writing, you need to learn how to slow down so you can notice the patterns and use of language which makes truly great writing.
Bird by Bird
- 19 min reading time
- audio version available
On Getting Started: Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott
Anne Lamott’s classic is a guide to becoming a better writer, told with honesty through personal anecdotes. It’s a reassuring friend when writing is at its most frustrating and a pep talk for writers everywhere.
The Sense of Style
- 15 min reading time
- audio version available
On Just-Right Words: The Sense of Style by Steven Pinker
Some of the stories we read captivate us more through the style than the plot itself. Steven Pinker’s book will teach you how to hone your writing style by examining writing from a variety of fields.
The Secret Life of Pronouns
- 15 min reading time
- audio version available
On The Little Things: The Secret Life of Pronouns by James W. Pennebacker
The pronouns we use can say a lot about us. This read tells you how background and social status impacts the way we speak. When writing your own novel, thinking about how pronouns are used differently can help you bring life and complexity to your characters.
Wired for Story
- 13 min reading time
- audio version available
On Two Beautiful Words: Wired for Story by Lisa Cron
In Wired for Story, Lisa Cron turns to modern neuroscience to understand why some stories captivate us more than others. This read will teach you what makes humans tick and how to use that understanding to make your stories more compelling.
