We’re well into 2011 by now, but I’d like to belatedly present my “Best of 2010.” This isn’t a list of the writers I consider the best, or even of the books I think rate that honor. Since this blog focuses on helping writers, I’ve decided to list the best sources I found in the sea of advice to writers over the course of the year. Here, then, is my list of the Best Sources of Writing Guidance for 2010, in no particular order.
1. Creative Writing DeMYSTiFied by Sheila Bender. 2010 was a surprisingly quiet year in the world of books on the writing process. Still, a couple ranked as great sources. Bender’s book, part of the DeMYSTiFied series (“Hard Stuff Made Easy”), is a great resource for beginners or for advanced writers who want to beef-up their skills. Bender is an accomplished author—her titles include A Year in the Life and the very popular Writing in a Convertible with the Top Down —and she presents the basics of creative writing in a clear, accessible, and straightforward format.
2. To Make a Mocking Word Sing and Get Published by Margaret Kollmer. This book has a lot to do with how to win literary contests—something Kollmer has done regularly in a variety of genres. What I like about the book is its focus on language. Through word-play, light verse, and other playful exercises, this book offers some sound advice on how to use words and craft sentences with clarity and precision.
3. “Book Writing Myths that Block You from Completing Fast,” posted on Bookcatcher.com. Okay, I admit it: I might be especially attracted to this entry because I’m laboring over a novel that is moving with the speed of a three-toed sloth. Still, for any writer, this post by Earma Brown has some useful, no-nonsense tips. Nothing remarkable here, just some good, basic advice. Click here to read the post.
4. “Recovering from Changes,” by James Moore. This post is not so much advice to writers as it is a touching, powerful comment on the challenges of writing in the face of personal tragedy. But its basic message is one all writers should take to heart. I’m not going to try and paraphrase it. Moore has said it better than I ever could. You can find the post on storytellersunplugged.com.
5. “Five Marketing Do’s and Don’ts” by Brian Scott. Utterly useful advice on a topic many of us writers choose to ignore (thereby throwing very large monkey wrenches into our careers). Go to the Book Publishing News blog.
6. “Evil Editor.” The prize for top overall source of advice for writers goes to this snappy insightful blog. Evil Editor is not one to beat around the bush. The blog is sharp and funny and utterly frank. Its subtitle: Why you don’t get published. This great blog is at evileditor.blogspot.com.
7. “Advice to Writers” by Billy Collins. This list wouldn’t be complete without this wonderful poem by a former poet laureate of the U. S. It didn’t first appear in 2010, but it’s too delicious to omit. “Even if it keeps you up all night,/wash down the walls and scrub the floor,” it begins. Find the rest here.