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Better Dig 2In my short history of self-publishing Science Fiction eBooks, there are several profound things I have learned—profound mistakes to be more exact. Over the next several blogs, I will share these things I wished I had known before I ever started writing, and definitely before my first self-published eBook. Due to everyone’s busy schedule and wishes to be informed not burdened, I will focus on one aspect of self-publishing per blog.
#1 To Do:
Create Your Own Reference Library
Sure I took creative writing in college, and a multitude of journalism courses, but no one ever told me to start by obtaining a library of books pertaining to writing, and most positively pertaining to self-editing.
So my number one suggestion before you ever save that first word in Microsoft Word, whether you are going to self-publish or go traditional, build a reference library.
No matter how much or how little you want to invest in your reference library, the following, in my opinion, are must-haves. I will start with first on the list by emphasizing if you don’t have this one, GET IT NOW!
1. Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Browne and David King
2. On Writing by Stephen King. (He gave me the courage to put that first word down.)
3. The Chicago Manual of Style or Idiots Guide to Grammar or Essentials of English or if you can get your hands on a good old grammar book. But invest in some reference book you trust to resort to when you have a question about grammar. And as good as you think you are at grammar, you will still have many questions. Like: Is this right? It doesn’t look right. Is it lie or lay? Passed or past?
These first three are must-haves in the order they appear. The following three add in any order you desire, but Lawrence Block will answer so many of your questions—even ones about procrastination and whether or not to do an outline, or whether or not to write a novel or a short story—you will be glad you read him first.
1. Telling Lies For Fun & Profit: A Manual For Fiction Writers by Lawrence Block
2. How To Write A Damn Good Novel by James N. Frey
3. On Becoming a Novelist by John Gardner
Most of these I bought as used books on Amazon to curve expenses. I wanted to be able to scribble notes in the margins and hi-lite favorite statements. All are enjoyable reads, except the grammar books.
Good Luck. Post me if you have a question or know of more references that need to be added.
Next blog: To Do # 2 is a Don’t: Don’t Ask Family, Friends, Neighbors, Spouses, Lovers, Or Pets To Read Your Manuscript.
New blog posted every week on The Probe, usually on Mondays.
The Probe—probing the unknown in science fiction, science, paranormal, fiction, ghosts, monsters, aliens, space, UFOs, the strange, and the weird.
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Clara Bush
Clara is creator of the popular Science Fiction novellas, "The Creep Mesquite Anthology." It's SyFy with monsters and a little romance, available on Amazon Kindle.
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