Sunday, March 7, 2010

Book Review: The Writer's Little Helper by James V. Smith, Jr.


Just bought this book yesterday written by James V. Smith, Jr. and it is awesome. Are you a writer who thrives on organization but can't seem to pull it all together? I have bits and pieces of my work scattered all over the house. I have learned from writing buddies; Jana and Irene, to get a notebook and dividers for my current work in progress. Still I am lost. I was in the bookstore looking for another book when I ran across this jewel.
Character cards for quick references. Scene cards. When editing, what is your goal? to write the tightest possible and have the words flow effortlessly, but how? It's in this book!
Pacing: are you having trouble pacing your manuscript? I was. I wrote everything in the first chapter and there was nothing left for the rest of book except the end.
This is not a book that you need to read from cover to cover but rather a reference book to help you focus on the area you need help with.
Plotting, dialogue, characters, scenes, passive verbs, POV, I could go on and on but you just need to pick up the book for yourself. It even has writing exercises for you.

1 comment:

Patricia J. Weaver said...

Now get to writing and submit.

  It has been five years since I last posted. We have moved once again, hopefully for the last time. When we were moving in, we were welcome...