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"Daemon Voices" by Philip Pullman is a collection of essays that delve into erudite discussions on writing, literature, and their influence on life. Pullman explores topics such as the difference between the path and the forest for writers, the defense of pictures in books for readers, and how art affects life and gives it meaning. The book covers a wide range of subjects including children's literature, education, religion, science, folk tales, and Pullman's own works, presented in an informal yet engaging manner. Pullman's writing style is described as intelligent, kind, and thought-provoking, making this book a valuable resource for authors and anyone interested in the writing process.
If you liked Daemon Voices, here are the top 12 books to read next:
'The Storytelling Animal: How Stories Make Us Human' by Jonathan Gottschall explores the importance and role of storytelling in human life. It delves into how stories have evolved over time, from ancient oral traditions to modern forms of storytelling like online role-playing games. Gottschall discusses the innate human need for stories and how storytelling is deeply ingrained in our psychology and biology. presents various theories and research findings from fields such as psychology, biology, and neuroscience to explain why humans are hardwired for storytelling. Through engaging anecdotes and examples, Gottschall argues that stories help us adapt, survive, and make sense of the world around us.
Page one. It is 1821. The whaleship Dauphin is zagging off the South American coast. The Nantucket whalemen are straining their eyes for the steamy plumes that announce their quarry. The Dauphin’s cap...- #2
Save:'Characters & Viewpoint' by Orson Scott Card is a comprehensive guide that delves deeper into writing believable and engaging characters. The book covers various aspects of character development, including creating unique characters, developing their world view, manner of speech, and roles in the story. It also explores the importance of understanding different viewpoints, providing methods and examples to master them effectively. The writing style is clear, engaging, and structured, making it easy for readers to absorb the dense techniques, hints, and tips shared by the author. Overall, the book offers valuable insights on how to develop characters and tell compelling stories about them.
Yes, I know you make them up. But readers want your characters to seem like real people. Whole and alive, believable and worth caring about. Readers want to get to know your characters as well as they... - #3
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... 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...The Anatomy of Story by John Truby is a comprehensive guide to crafting compelling stories, focusing on character development, plot structure, and thematic elements. Truby presents a 22-step framework that delves into the essential components of a successful story, emphasizing the hero's journey, moral arguments, and symbolic elements. Through in-depth analysis of classic Hollywood movies and literature, Truby offers practical advice and writing exercises to help writers build well-crafted and original narratives. The book's writing style is informative, detailed, and insightful, providing readers with a systematic approach to story creation while encouraging creativity and critical thinking.
- #6Save 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...- #8
Save:'The Secret Commonwealth' is the second book in 'The Book of Dust' series by Philip Pullman, set twenty years after the events of the first book. The story follows Lyra, now a young adult studying at Oxford, as she embarks on a journey across Europe after her daemon witnesses a murder. The narrative delves into themes of daemonology, the power of roses, and the struggle between reason and superstition. Pullman's writing style is praised for its world-building, intricate plot, and the exploration of complex characters in a fantastical setting.
Pantalaimon, the dæmon of Lyra Belacqua, now called Lyra Silvertongue, lay along the windowsill of Lyra’s little study-bedroom in St. Sophia’s College in a state as far from thought as he could get. H...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Book of Dust ) - #9
Save:'A Swim in a Pond in the Rain' by George Saunders is a masterclass on writing, reading, and life, based on his experiences teaching Russian short stories at Syracuse University. The book delves into seven iconic short stories by Russian masters like Chekhov, Tolstoy, Turgenev, and Gogol, offering critical analysis and insights on character development, narrative construction, and plot escalation. Saunders encourages readers to find their own writerly voice through revision and close examination of literary works, emphasizing the importance of understanding the subtleties of storytelling.
For the last twenty years, at Syracuse University, I’ve been teaching a class in the nineteenth-century Russian short story in translation. My students are some of the best young writers in America. (... - #10
Save:'On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft' by Stephen King is a unique blend of memoir and writing advice. It delves into King's journey as a writer, offering insights into his life experiences that shaped his craft. The book is written in King's signature readable style, making it an engaging read for both aspiring writers and fans of the author. It covers topics ranging from practical writing strategies to personal anecdotes, creating a rich tapestry of storytelling and guidance.
A year or so later, my mother, my brother, and I were in West De Pere, Wisconsin. I don’t know why. Another of my mother’s sisters, Cal (a WAAC beauty queen during World War II), lived in Wisconsin wi...
