My Own Private Writing Workshop cont’d: The Anatomy of Story
July 6th, 2011 § 3 Comments
As the summer madness commences, I’ve been spending my spare minutes continuing my Own Private Writing Workshop by reading The Anatomy of Story by John Truby.
I am getting so much out of this book! I feel like I’ve been taking a summer writing course. This book is packed with tips and techniques for story world, plot and character development. I’ve been reading it in sections, then stopping to apply what I’ve learned to my new (old) front-burner project, a middle grade fantasy that started 4 years ago with two names and three words texted to me by Friend L, with the instructions to write something incorporating all of the words, in 30 minutes. Ever since then the Husband will periodically say (often when we’re discussing other writing projects) “Yes, but what about that one from years ago? I really want to know what happens in that one. When are you going to finish it?” So now, with the help of my personal writing workshop, I am.
How about you? Does your non-writing life get more or less demanding in summer? and how do you capitalize on (or cope with!) that? Let me know in the comments.
Somehow it’s worked out the past two years that I’ve spent the summers revising a manuscript on a tight deadline. It’s a bit of a bummer–the least perfect time to be stuck indoors! But thankfully I have had the time without classes and work to throw myself into writing whole-heartedly.
I’ve heard good things about The Anatomy of Story, so I’ll definitely have to check it out. I have an older project I’ve been trying to revive, so maybe this will help. Good luck with yours!
I can’t stop singing the praises of this book! I firmly believe it’s helping me strengthen my premise and its development more than any other book I’ve read so far!
Good luck with your revival Anna – I’ve found that a few years has made all the difference for me – I can really see how I’ve grown as a writer since I first got this idea and I’m really excited about the direction I’m taking this project now.
Anne – I like to combine the writing and the gorgeous summer weather. Last week I was out on the balcony in my new deck chair – the perfect place to be productive!