Books Like...
'Six Walks in the Fictional Woods' by Umberto Eco is a collection of six lectures that delve deep into the world of fiction, exploring the intricate relationship between writers and readers. Eco discusses how fiction manipulates us, the way we use fiction, and how we expect our world to conform to narrative. He uses literary examples from a wide range of authors, from Dumas to Fleming to Shakespeare, to illustrate his points. The book is described as philosophical, thought-provoking, and often funny, offering insights into both reading and writing.
Eco's writing style is praised for being clear, simple, and intellectually stimulating. He covers topics such as the importance of accuracy in writing fiction, the role time plays in fiction, and the need for readers to have rational mental points of reference to follow the details of a writer's fiction. Eco also explores the concept of the ideal reader, different types of readers and writers, and the emotional attachment people have to the truth of fiction.
If you liked Six Walks in the Fictional Woods, here are the top 12 books to read next:
- #1
Save:Mary Karr's 'The Art of Memoir' is a masterclass in writing memoir, providing guidance on nailing voice, dissecting techniques of famous authors like Nabokov and Michael Kerr, and discussing the importance of mining for truth and avoiding bringing readers down. Karr emphasizes the significance of authenticity in memoir writing, pointing out that each great memoir thrives on voice and subjective truth, rather than absolute reality. She delves into the motivations behind writing memoirs, inviting readers into the private lives of authors through a verbal strip tease aimed at catharsis or therapy.
This preface is a squeaky rubber chew toy I have pawed and gnawed at for years. Problem being, memoir as a genre has entered its heyday, with a massive surge in readership the past twenty years or so.... - #2
Save:In the book 'Six Memos For The Next Millennium', Italo Calvino explores various aspects of artistic value through a series of essays. The author delves into the qualities of Lightness, Quickness, Exactitude, Visibility, and Multiplicity in literature and art, drawing inspiration from a wide range of ancient and modern authors. Despite the sixth essay remaining unwritten due to Calvino's untimely death, the book provides a thought-provoking insight into his views on the future of literature in the XXI Century. Through his engaging writing style and meticulous analysis, Calvino presents a brilliant set of reflections on literature, art, and the development of ideas, offering readers a deep understanding of the key elements that contribute to artistic achievements.
I will devote my first lecture to the opposition between lightness and weight, and will uphold the values of lightness. This does not mean that I consider the virtues of weight any less compelling, bu... - #3
Save:Wonderbook: The Illustrated Guide to Creating Imaginative Fiction by Jeff VanderMeer, John Coulthart, and Jeremy Zerfoss is a beautifully designed writing manual geared towards fantasy and science fiction writers. The book features stunning illustrations, insightful interviews with famous authors, and a variety of writing exercises. It covers topics such as imagination, beginnings and endings, characterization, scene composition, and world-building, providing a comprehensive guide to the creative process of writing speculative fiction. The book's unique approach, blending visual elements with writing advice, offers inspiration and practical tips for writers at all levels.
'Writing Fiction: A Guide to Narrative Craft' by Janet Burroway is a comprehensive guide for aspiring writers, filled with insightful advice, examples, and exercises to help hone their craft. The book covers various aspects of fiction writing, from the writing process to structure, characterization, point of view, theme, and revision. Burroway's writing style is dense yet practical, providing a wealth of wisdom and astute observations on the art of storytelling. The book also includes excerpts from acclaimed novels and short stories to illustrate key principles, making it a valuable resource for both novice and experienced writers.
Readers find 'The Writer's Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers' by Christopher Vogler to be an insightful guide that explores how Joseph Campbell's Hero's Journey mythology can be applied to strengthen individual writer's stories. Vogler discusses the archetypes of hero, mentor, threshold guardian, herald, shape shifter, shadow, and trickster, as well as explains each stage of the hero's journey. The book uses over 100 films as examples to illustrate the power of writing fiction and provides a framework for writers to create compelling narratives.
The waves are still rolling in from the pebbles in the pond that were the original Writer's Journey and its second edition. Since almost a decade has gone by since the second edition was launched, the...- #6
Save:'Steering the Craft: Exercises and Discussions on Story Writing for the Lone Navigator or the Mutinous Crew' by Ursula K. Le Guin is a comprehensive guide to writing fiction, focusing on craft and technique. The author provides valuable advice, thought-provoking exercises, and examples drawn from classic literature to help writers hone their skills. Le Guin's writing style is engaging, insightful, and humorous, making it an enjoyable read for both beginners and experienced writers. covers various aspects of writing, such as sentence structure, rhythm, voice, and storytelling, offering practical guidance on how to improve one's writing abilities.
THE SOUND OF THE LANGUAGE IS WHERE it all begins. The test of a sentence is, Does it sound right? The basic elements of language are physical: the noise words make, the sounds and silences that make t... 'On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction' by William Zinsser is a comprehensive and practical guide to writing nonfiction, covering a wide range of topics from memoirs to travel writing to sports journalism. Zinsser's writing style is clear, direct, and engaging, offering simple and useful advice to help writers improve their communication skills. The book is not just about writing well, but also about encouraging writers to enjoy the writing process and produce meaningful and effective written work.
A school in Connecticut once held “a day devoted to the arts,” and I was asked if I would come and talk about writing as a vocation. When I arrived I found that a second speaker had been invited—Dr. B...- #8
Save:'Reading Like a Writer' by Francine Prose is a guide that emphasizes the importance of reading literature as a means to improve one's writing skills. Prose focuses on dissecting the elements of fiction such as sentences, paragraphs, characters, and dialogue by providing examples from well-known novels and stories. Through her analysis and guidance, she encourages readers to engage in close reading and appreciate the nuances of good writing.
It’s a reasonable question, but no matter how often I’ve been asked, I never know quite what to say. Because if what people mean is: Can the love of language be taught? Can a gift for storytelling be ... - #9Save the Cat!: The Last Book on Screenwriting You'll Ever Needby:Book 1 in the series:Save the Cat!
Save:'Save the Cat!: The Last Book on Screenwriting You'll Ever Need' by Blake Snyder is a comprehensive guide on screenwriting and story structure. The book provides valuable insights into plot structure conventions, storytelling techniques, and tips for creating engaging and marketable scripts. The author's writing style is described as conversational, casual, and humorous, making the book accessible and engaging for readers. Snyder's emphasis on the importance of plot structure, character development, and creating meaningful story beats is highlighted throughout the book, along with practical advice on writing screenplays.
Each of these specialty presentations resulted in a million-dollar sale. And headlines in Variety the next day noted the marketing innovations and the bidding war both inspired. For our part, we alway... 'Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life' by Anne Lamott is a humorous and candid guide to the writing process, intertwined with insightful anecdotes and practical advice for aspiring writers. Lamott's writing style is described as witty, tender, funny, and forthright, making the book an enjoyable and engaging read. Through personal stories and reflections on life, Lamott offers a unique perspective on the challenges and joys of being a writer, blending writing advice with life lessons in a relatable and honest manner.
The book delves into the nuances of the writing life, exploring topics such as the creative process, self-doubt, and the importance of perseverance. Lamott's narrative style is described as enchanting, blackly funny, and like a conversation with a close friend, creating a sense of intimacy and connection with readers. By sharing her own experiences and insights, Lamott encourages readers to embrace the messy and imperfect nature of writing, inspiring them to find their voice and navigate the complexities of both writing and living.
The very first thing I tell my new students on the first day of a workshop is that good writing is about telling the truth. We are a species that needs and wants to understand who we are. Sheep lice d...
