Description
Book SynopsisIn the words of novelist Harlan Ellison, “The trick is not becoming a writer. The trick is staying a writer. New York Times bestselling author and British Academy Award nominee J. Michael Straczynski knew he wanted to be a writer ever since he was a child. What he didn't know was how to actually become, or stay, a writer. Now, he's giving fellow writers the comprehensive guide he wishes he had all along, personalized tips and techniques that can't be found in any other book on writing. Becoming a Writer, Staying a Writer culls from Straczynski's more than thirty years of experience writing for film, television, books, and comics. Designed for writers in any stage of their career, this quirky, insightful and often humorous book provides an inside look at these industries with advice and wisdom covering such topics such as: What fledgling writers need to know to improve and sell their work—and avoid wasting valuable time Tips for experienced writers who want to get to the next level Staying disciplined when writing is your day job Why writers should never wait for inspiration Story-planning strategies that don’t kill your spontaneity Expert techniques for effective, memorable world-building How to get an agent and survive the writer’s journey in more personal relationships Revising and editing with precision When and how to reinvent yourself as an artist
Table of ContentsCONTENTS
Introduction: Why This Book? 1
BECOMING A WRITER
In Which We Discuss Murdered Typewriters,
Lost Loves, and the Writing Impulse 7
Who Are You? Version 1.0 21
Writing for the Workshop 27
Sanding It Down 35
Building Characters and Worlds 43
Muse-Ings 55
You Can’t Sell an Idea 63
Shark Alert! 71
Hearing Voices 81
Finish the Damned Thing 87
Hills, Valleys, and the Refractory Period 93
Questions of Intent 99
How to Build a Monster in Three Easy Lessons 105
To the University or College Student 113
Systems of Creation 121
Making Time 131
Value Added 135
STAYING A WRITER
Who Are You? Version 2.0 141
Nota Bene 143
Agents of Darkness 151
Imposter Syndrome 161
Annnnd Here’s the Pitch 167
Several Hundred Words About Writer’s Block 177
Turning It Upside Down 183
Two for the Price of Fun 189
What’s in the Box? 195
The Thick Plotens 199
Living (or at Least Surviving) the Writing Life 205
Concluding Thoughts: Touching the World 215
Acknowledgments 221
Index 223
About the Author 229
