Three Magic Books
A new year has begun and perhaps some of you are thinking of starting that novel you have been wanting to write (or perhaps you have already started on it but gave up half-way through, and now you want to dust it off and see if you can finish it). I am frequently asked for advice on how to write a novel, or how to get started, and most especially, how to keep it going once you have started. My response is usually in about five thousand sentences filled with tips, tricks, advice, warnings, examples and pep talk. Today, I am going to make it simple and help you to get started by sharing with you the secret of Three Magic Books that will get you on your way to completing a successful novel.
The first Magic Book is The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr. As the first sentence in the Introduction says, "This book aims to give in brief space the principal requirements of plain English style." Many beginning writers are under the impression that being precise and concise in their prose isn't as important as the story they are telling, and that any errors will be corrected by the publishing house's editors. Wrong! Editors reject manuscripts that are filled with mistakes. Using proper English is the job of the writer. (Let me assure you that editors do NOT want to see: "I could of done it." "There" for "Their." And "Definately." Any slips like this and the manuscript goes back). I'll say it again: it doesn't matter how great your story is, there is no bigger turn-off for a reader than bad spelling and incorrect grammar. And the misplacement of a single comma can drastically change the meaning of a sentence. For example: Call me, Ishmael.
"The Elements of Style" should be every beginning writer's bible. A slim volume packed with vital information, writers have been relying on this classic since it was first published in 1957, and it continues to be the most compact and lucid handbook for the basic principles of composition, grammar, word usage and misusage, and writing style. I guarantee the faithful use of this book will spruce up your flabby prose, give crisper meaning to your words, and open new worlds to whoever reads your novel. Most of all, people will love you for being correct in your grammar, syntax, form and punctuation.
This book was my bible when I wrote my first novel, Hounds and Jackals, and it continues to be an old friend (dog-eared, to be sure) as I currently write The Divining (sequel to Soul Flame). Even seasoned writers of thirty-plus years should not be too proud to open up Elements of Style and double check on the rule of punctuation within parentheses. Take it from me, this first of the Three Magic Books will be a tremendous stepping stone toward being a successful writer.
Next week: The second Magic Book that will get you even farther along the way to writing success.
Image Source:
