Friday 26 August 2011

Sparkfest Blogfest





As previously posted, I am taking part in Christine Tylers, Sparkfest Blogfest.


The reason and rules of the blogfest are these: 



What book made you realize you were doomed to be a writer? 
What author set off that spark of inspiration for your current Work in Progress?
Or, Is there a book or author that changed your world view?

As writers, we're always striving to get out a message of inspiration to others. This blogfest is a celebration for those who have done this for us. Join the Spark Blogfest, aka Sparkfest, by posting your answer to any of the three prompts above (or make one up as long as it fits the theme).

I'll make it worth your while!
  • There will be three Amazon Gift Cards ($15, $10, $5) awarded to random participants!
  • The blogger who writes my favorite entry will get an interview on my blog so they can tell us more about their awesome source of writerly inspiration!
  • By networking with other writers, you gain followers and comments for your own blog.

Only one Sparkfest post August 22-26 is required to participate.



My response to What author set off that spark of inspiration for your current Work in Progress?






I can't quite remember the timeline of how this happened, but it was around the same time. I started my current (and first) WIP (Work in Progress) and read Stephen Kings, On Writing within a matter of weeks of each other. 


I read On Writing without having read any of Stephen Kings novels. It was recommended to me by a friend and I'm so glad I read it. It is part biographical on how it came to be that King started writing and his early life, and part writing advice. 


The book is practical and not preachy. He advocates writing what you want to write and how you want to write it and it gave me so much enthusiasm for following my dream and making sure I wrote the book I wanted to write.


This current book is about sitting down and writing it in the style I want to write it. It's not about writing what I think the book market wants, it's about putting my passion into my work and enjoying doing it. Why write if you don't enjoy it? 


If any writers out there haven't read this book, I'd recommend it and if any writers out there haven't read this book and are stuck in a rut or not quite feeling it at the minute, I'd highly recommend this motivation piece of writing. King writes with honesty and a great understanding of what he writes and who he writes for. Go on. Take a peek.  

12 comments:

  1. One of these days I'll get around to reading that book. I've only heard good things about it.

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  2. Great spark! It's on my Kindle. I now just need a few hours to sit down and read it.

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  3. I totally agree with how inspiring On Writing is. I especially liked that it is "practical, not preachy," as you pointed out. Great Spark choice! :)

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  4. Funnily enough, I was only thinking of this book earlier, when writing a blog post about creative writing tutors.

    What can I say? Fabulous book. It's definitely the best one I've read on writing - he explains everything in a very straight-forward and accessible way. Completely understand why you found it such an inspiration.

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  5. great recommendation! i really need to pick this up. i've heard so much about it and he is awesome!

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  6. I've been meaning to read this one too. But at the moment I've got far too much on to need anymore inspiration - maybe it'll go on my Christmas list...

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  7. I'll add my praise for this book. If you only get one writing craft book, make it this one :-)

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  8. Great recommendation! I've had On Writing on my shelves for years, and I'm always dipping into it for inspiration. My favourite book about writing ever!

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  9. Oh my gosh! I read this book last year, and yes, it was SO motivating! This is one of the first things that got me writing every day, which has made all the difference in the world.

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  10. I've owned a copy of King's book for several years but have yet to read it. I really must read this along with so many other books on my shelves.

    Lee
    Tossing It Out

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  11. Hi Rebecca, I haven't read this one but I do think Stephen King is an absolute master of his craft. I wouldn't have thought he was 'my thing' and then I read The Green Mile and was blown away. I'm tempted to read this one, thanks for the tip!

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  12. Patricia - If you ever get the chance to read it, I would. It really it quite a motivational book, even though I don't think that's what he set out to do, but his enthusiasm for his craft just leaps out and kicks you in the teeth. :)

    Cherie - Oh, I know that feeling. I have so many books downloaded and waiting to be read. I also have this book sat on my writing desk, with the spine facing me, just for that push if there are days I need it.

    Julie - It is isn't it? His enthusiasm just leaps off the page in a very easy going way. He knows what he does and how he does it and you feel it from him.

    Helen - It was the first writing book I had read and it's really stuck with me. I completely intend to read it again when I get the chance. Probably after I send this book I'm working on, out on query, I have a feeling I will need it's wise words then!

    Tara - If you get the chance, then definitely pick it up. It's a great read.

    Annalisa - It's definitely worth being on the Christmas wish list. It's also quite a quick read because of how easily he writes. I've never actually read any of his work, but it's something I hope to try and do after reading this because I like his style.

    Sarah - Absolutely!

    Shirley - It's definitely one of those books you can go back to time and again. I fully intend to read it from cover to cover again and then probably dip in to it as and when, like you do.

    Christine - It just seems to be the book to read doesn't it. It sits on my writing desk like a motivational lucky charm and I'm keeping my fingers crossed it works!

    Lee - That's the problem. There are so many great books out there, it's difficult to find the time to read them. It's about prioritising or reading what you need at that time. On Writing will be opened again when I send my work out into the big wide world. I have a feeling I will need the motivation right about then. :)

    Jackie - You are the opposite to me then. This is the only book of his I have read, but because of the great style and voice of the book, I do intend to look at his fiction works. A great writer I might not have considered had I not read this book first and look what I would have missed!

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