Zen In The Art of Writing: Releasing the Creative Genius Within You by Ray Bradbury

Today I finished reading Zen In The Art of Writing: Releasing the Creative Genius Within You (1990) by Ray Bradbury

"In a series of essays, Bradbury discusses his career and his compulsion to write. Nine essays discuss the joy of writing, the writing process, inspiration, creativity, and the circumstances surrounding the writing of several of his works" - Google Books

I liked the Twilight Zone.  I like Bradbury's stories.  I didn't get very much from this book.  I give it 2 stars.

The Firm by John Grisham

Today I finished re-reading The Firm by John Grisham.

Learn to Write by Reading Project.
I've always loved this book.  Partly because, living in the South, I've been to alot of the locations he's writing about.  And, because it is a great story. 

This time I am copying pages of the book.  Trying to learn more about the details of Grisham's style of writing.

Telling Lies For Fun and Profit by Lawrence Block

Today I finished reading Telling Lies For Fun and Profit by Lawrence Block.

A collection of articles from his Writer's Digest column. I found them interesting but when I look back at the book there are very few highlighted or underlined passages. Not much in it that I thought needed to be treasured and remembered.

I rated this book 2 stars.

Writing the Thriller by T. Macdonald Skillman

Today I finished Writing the Thriller (2000) by T. Macdonald Skillman. 

I had a hard time with this book.  I did not like the writer's style.  The content is not bad.  But, I found myself skimming just to get to the end of the chapter.

The subject matter is spot on the type of novel I am writing.  I will come back to re-read this book.  But for now I rate it as 2 stars.

Screenplay: The Foundations of Screenwriting by Syd Field

Today I finished reading Screenplay: The Foundations of Screenwriting (1979) by Syd Field.

Larry Brooks writes a blog, StoryFix.  Somehow I found his blog and started reading it.  In it he talked about story structure for novels.  He gave credit to Syd Field as the screenwriter who formalized screenplay structure in this book, Screenplay: The Foundations of Screenwriting.  I was so interested in this idea of structure that I decided to read the book.

Writing The Novel: From Plot to Print by Lawrence Block

Today I finished Writing The Novel: From Plot to Print by Lawrence Block.

I don't know what's wrong with me.  Lawrence Block is a author who has sold a lot of books.  He knows what he's talking about I'm sure.  Why can't I hear him?

I rated the book 2 stars.

Rain Gods by James Lee Burke

Today I finished reading Rain Gods by James Lee Burke.

Learn to Write by Reading Project.    
Oh, joy!  James Lee Burke is my favorite author.  "James Lee Burke has once again proven himself a master storyteller and a perceptive chronicler of the darkest corners of the human heart."- book jacket.

Writing and Selling Your Mystery Novel: How to Knock Them Dead With Style by Hallie Ephron

Today I finished reading Writing and Selling Your Mystery Novel: How to Knock Them Dead With Style ( 2005) by Hallie Ephron.

"How to write a page-turner is no mystery with this thorough and authoritative guide. Successful mystery writer Hallie Ephron's Writing and Selling Your Mystery Novel:


-Features comprehensive instruction, exercises, and worksheets for mystery writers of all levels
-Addresses all subgenres of mystery from hardboiled crimes and cozies to romantic thrillers and medical mysteries
-Covers how to grab readers from the first chapter, how to construct effective plots, and how to revise and submit mysteries to publishers
     Ephron takes the mystery out of the writing process, making it less daunting for beginners and more efficient for experienced writers." - Amazon

I rated this book 4 stars!