Absolutely nothing is wrong
Oh, hi friends!
It's spring, what could possibly be wrong in the world?
That’s a little excerpt of an email from my friend Caroline Linton, which might just be my favorite thing to land in my inbox this week.
Believe it. Or don’t believe it. But isn’t it nice to say?
It’s spring, what could possibly be wrong in the world?
Find your spring. Find a spring. Find spring. JUST DO IT.
“I think people like you to stay in your lane and it’s easy to take potshots at me for dabbling, I imagine, but that’s O.K.,” he says, adding that he is waiting for the “Not bad for an actor” reviews of his book.
My favorite David Duchovny is such a dabbler. He’s got another book out soon (his third?) and released his second rock album and talked to Maureen Dowd about being a Renaissance Man. (Not his phrase.)
I love people who aren’t afraid to try new things—in front of their friends, themselves, the world. They, too, aren't afraid of the "Not bad for a _____" reviews.
A Few of My Favorite Books on Writing
Huh. So. I looked at my bookshelf and…I guess I like reading about craft and process? WHO KNEW. Here’s a sampling of some of the important books about journalism and screenwriting I’ve collected and returned to over the years. Hope you find some value in them.
Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg
If you’re in a meditative mood. I should probably reread this.
The New New Journalism: Conversations with America’s Best Nonfiction Writers on Their Craft
Orlean, Trillin, Lewis, etc.
Fitzgerald Did It: The Writer's Guide to Mastering the Screenplay by Meg Wolitzer
Very helpful for writers who want to try a new medium.
Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott
I’ve been quoting this book for the past decade.
The Best American Magazine Writing 2007
Reading good work is the quickest way to get better.
TIME 85 Years of Great Writing
Same.
The Elements of Story: Field Notes on Nonfiction Writing by Frances Flaherty
I don’t think I’ve read this one yet but the cover is serious and promising?
The Writer’s Art by James Kilpatrick
I didn’t even know I owned this?
Zen and the Art of Screenwriting
Such a sucker for interviews about process.
Why We Write: 20 Acclaimed Authors on How and Why They Do What They Do
This was very important to me when I transitioned from culture editor to freelance writer.
Aspects of the Novel by E.M. Forster
One of only two books I brought with me when I moved to New York. Apparently I was a very serious 21-year-old.
On Writing Well by William Zinsser
A must. For everyone.
Speaking of Journalism: Twelve Writers and Editors Talk About Their Work by William Zinsser
A must. For journalists.
Reporting Back: Notes on Journalism by Lillian Ross
I am obsessed with Lillian Ross. Her Talk of the Towns are legendary!!!
Story: Substance, Structure, Style and the Principles of Screenwriting by Robert McKee
Full disclosure: Haven't read. Probably should.
Writers and Their Notebooks
For the creepers.
Save the Cat by Blake Snyder
An introduction to screenplay structure—probably the most famous screenwriting book around.
Not pictured but critical: On Writing by Stephen King, Screenplay by Syd Field, Light the Dark: Writers on Creativity, Inspiration, and the Artistic Process, News to Me by Barry Newman, and Do I Make Myself Clear? by Harry Evans. I also just got the new and promising Read This If You Want to Be a Great Writer by Ross Raisin in the mail, so that's next on my list to read.
After I finish my own writing, of course. *wink*
Do you like these daily emails? Please share with a friend!
Thanks, as always, for reading.
Love, Kara