essential reading for aspiring writers from scalzi
John Scalzi has a couple of must-read posts for aspiring writers that I meant to link to over the weekend:
- Writing Tips for Non-Writers Who Don't Want To Work at Writing filters the best of On Writing through Strunk & White, and delivers outstanding advice for anyone who writes, whether it's for fun, for profit, or
fotfor both.
- The John Scalzi Agent FAQ is exactly what it sounds like.
John takes what could be boring and dry HOWTOs, and makes them interesting and informative. Even if you're not an aspiring writer it's still a fascinating behind-the-binding look at two essential parts of the publishing process.
Comments
Wil, you've linked to Scalzi's "Whatever" site before and I've wanted to thank you. I've truly enjoyed his blog and I've bought a couple of his books, too (only after buying yours, of course!). He's entertaining...scifi buffs should definately read his book "Agent to the Stars" which is available in its entirety from his website.
Posted by: WaywardSailorGirl | February 13, 2006 11:53 AM
I'm not an ass, but if I were I'd refer you to the bitter irony of not following tip #3 in link #1.
Posted by: Good_43 | February 13, 2006 12:32 PM
Good_43: Would you believe that I cut m y fingernail too short on my left index finger, and I've been typing "fot" all day as a result?
Edited. Thank you for not being an ass.
Posted by: Wil | February 13, 2006 12:43 PM
Wow, Wil are you picking up some vibe from me? I have an essay for an English course due in less than 2 weeks. This is my first essay course in many years. Ok, well over a decade. Lots of great tips in there, thanks!
Posted by: SilverJets | February 13, 2006 02:36 PM
Wil, thank you so very much for the links. I'm sure it has nothing to do with the email that I sent you, but I feel like this blog was meant just for me. Thank you again!
Posted by: LadyBug | February 13, 2006 05:57 PM
Wow, if only any of those tips could help me sit down and pound out the history paper I've been putting off for a month that is due tomorrow, that'd be a big help. Alas. Thanks for the link, anyway--it was interesting enough, and it kind of made me sad to think that some of this isn't necessarily common sense for some people. Woohoo, grammar Nazi. Kind of.
Posted by: caitlinalicia | February 13, 2006 09:01 PM
Hey, Wil:
you should have a look at www.somethingawful.com ... interesting mention of Wesley Crusher (and a few other entertaining things)
Posted by: Laura Johnston | February 13, 2006 09:19 PM
Wil, you rock. Even though I suck at writing, I do it anyway as an outlet, mostly.
Thanks for posting that link, I thinks me gots some learnin' ta do...
Posted by: Danyiel | February 13, 2006 10:50 PM
Great links, Wil. Rule 0 (and 10) is really what it's all about. I'm amazed at how many people/bloggers/writers don't know that not only is it "okay" to write like you'd speak, but that it's pretty much essential in keeping your readers interested. And, might I add, you do a more than mighty fine job of it.
Cheers,
EmRB
Posted by: Emily RugBurn | February 14, 2006 09:15 AM