For the next several weeks, I will be posting about the craft of writing based on Dwight Swain’s, Techniques of the Selling Writer. Every Monday and Wednesday, I will share a bit of what I’ve learned from Swain’s book, which, to be quite honest, is a goldmine of information. Yes, it’s couched in a lot of fancy rhetoric and wording, but the gold nuggets are there. And they are beautiful. Armed with my trusty highlighter, I always resurface from this book feeling as if somebody just handed me a new and important key to writing fiction.
So come join me on Mondays and Wednesdays so I can share my keys with you.
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In the meantime, Dwight says only four things are needed to write a solid story:
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1. How to group words into motivation-reaction units (MRUs)
2. How to group MRUs into scenes and sequels
3. How to group scenes and sequels into story patterns
4. How to create characters that give a story life
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Sound simple enough? Of course not. But we’ll learn how to do it together!
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Question to Ponder: What helpful keys have you uncovered recently, and what doors did they open?
Dwight Swain is wonderful. Hope you don’t mind, have linked to this page from my writing blog.
I am a huge fan of Dwight Swain’s book. In fact I was just writing a blog for Savvy Authors and talking about this book. Its a must for every writer!
Hey Christa! Thanks for visiting my blog! Yes, it is QUITE dense. But I find if I read it slow and have my trusty highlighter out, it's filled with great tips. I hope you come back to check out what I've learned.
Funny about the dense comment. 🙂
I started reading this book…it's quite dense. Unfortunately, for entirely different reasons, so I am.
Glad you're going to break it down. I probably should have just spend a month on every chapter!
Jeannette – yes, BOC is invaluable! And could you please teach me a lesson in not wigging out, because I tend to do that more than I'd like. 🙂
Hope my posts will be helpful to you Jill!!
Marybeth – Such a good nugget! Reading is the BEST way to improve your craft. at least that's my opinion.
I've uncovered the key to reading. I never realized how important reading was to being a writer. I always feared reading too much would interfere with my writing, I never realized that this is a GOOD thing 🙂
I've read it and now I want to read it again! Since I studied several books over the year, I find some of the lessons sank right in, while others haven't. I'm looking forward to reading your condensed version!
Oooh, sounds great!
What have I learned lately?
BOC = results. But that's not from a book. I have also learned that wigging out doesn't help. I tend to forget that about once a week.
Blessings,
Jen
Audience of ONE
Oooo! I hope I do a good job explaining it then, Bonnie! My post on MRUs isn't coming until next week. I already wrote it though. 🙂
I've heard of Dwight Swain but have never read his book. The MRU concept, which I first heard about from Randy Ingermanson, is one I've never understood, so I look forward to learning how Swain explains it.
Looking forward to this series. Thanks.
Lynnette Labelle
http://lynnettelabelle.blogspot.com
Jody – hubby was a gem! I got SO much done! I hope you're having a good summer too!
YAY Krista – I'm excited that you're excited. 🙂
Elizabeth – Dwight Swains has some very good stuff to say. Very good.
Eileen – that's a GREAT nugget. I'm looking forward to doing some of that today.
Oooo! Wendy – I'm eager to get over to your blog to check it out!! And great tip! Thanks for sharing.
Hey Tara – thanks for the sound advice!
Jeannie – when do you hear back??????? You better either call me or text me or email me as soon as you do! If that sounded like a threat, it was. 🙂
hey…if you posts are detailed enough…i might not have to buy this craft book, which would be good, considering i still don't have a job yet! 🙂
I'm looking forward to these posts.
Nuggets: Treat writing like a business and you'll be more productive and prolific.
I was recently reminded not to forget about how important secondary characters are.
Hey, come collect your award at my blog and read about yourself as a child. 😀
~ Wendy
Looking forward to this series. MRU's sounds familiar. I think I've read this one or another of his. I'll have to check my shelves.
Nuggets: "No excuses, just write, write, write!"
Sounds interesting! I'm curious to see what his tips are.
Elizabeth
Mystery Writing is Murder
I haven't read this one yet, so am VERY excited to read your posts!!!
Oooh, sounds good!! I'll look forward to hearing all about this book. I can't remember if I read this one or not. I think I may have checked it out from the library at some point, but I'll definitely be interested in getting your insights from it!
Hope you're enjoying your summer! I saw from Twitter that you got some great writing done on Sat. while your hubby took Brogan out! What a great guy!