Books I Love
I couldn’t be a writer without having read most of my adult life. Below are some of the books I love the most (list not complete by a longshot):
The Song of Fire and Ice – George R.R. Martin
The Game of Thrones
Storm of Swords
A Clash of Kings
A Feast of Crows
William Gibson
Neuromancer
Virtual Light
Idoru
MonaLisa Overdrive
Ken Kesey
One Flew Over The Cookoo’s Nest
Ursula K. LeGuin
The Left Hand of Darkness
Earthsea Books
Gene Wolfe
The Book of the New Sun
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#1 by Marcel on June 16, 2010 - 11:42 pm
Nice range of books Tom. The Earthsea books in particular had such a strong impact when I read it, that they still immediately bring up very positive memories. I would also strongly recommend Robin Hobb if you haven;t read her books yet.
I am also in the process of writing a novel (fantasy). in my biased opinion it has a ripper of a plot. However the trials and tribulations of writing a novel are major roadblocks.
Any tips, links you would recommend.
#2 by Tom Carpenter on June 17, 2010 - 12:30 pm
I’ve been meaning to add to my list because it encompases only about 10% of my favorites. I think we have bookshelves in every room in the house. I love books.
I’m not sure where you’re at in the writing evolution, but I would recommend Heinlein’s rules (write, write alot, ship what you write and don’t get bogged down in non-editor opinions.) If you’re currently unpublished, you might try submitting short stories to the Writer’s of the Future contest, or any pro magazine (F&SF, Analog, Asimov’s, Clarkesworld, etc.)
I would also recommend Dean Wesley Smith’s and JA Konrath’s blogs. They both give a good overview of the publishing industry as it currently exists (due to change yearly for quite some time.) I’m taking my fourth novel (the first was crap, the second and third are at publishers being considered) to Dean’s workshop in October to polish my submittal proposal.
Like anything in this world, the key is practice, practice, practice.
And I’ll have to try reading Robin Hobb. The name is familiar. So many books, so little time.
Thanks for stopping by!