5 Books for Writers Worth Reading (Book Notes)

Inside Story: The Power of the Transformational Arc

Inside Story: The Power of the Transformational Arc by Dara Marks is a book about the craft of screenwriting, specifically about the structure of a screenplay and the importance of a character's transformational arc. The book argues that a story's emotional resonance comes from a character's journey of transformation, which is achieved through a series of tests and trials that challenge the character's beliefs and values.

The book is divided into two sections. The first part covers the basic principles of storytelling, plot, character development, the hero's journey, including the use of archetypes, backstory, and character flaws.

The second part focuses on the three-act structure, crafting your screenplay and the transformational arc. Marks provides numerous examples from popular films to illustrate her points, including Star Wars, The Godfather, and Casablanca. She also includes exercises and prompts throughout the book to help readers apply the concepts to their own writing.

SUMMARY: Inside Story is a comprehensive guide to the craft of screenwriting, particularly for those interested in creating stories with strong emotional resonance and transformational arcs. It is a recommended read for both novice and experienced screenwriters.

Save the Cat! Writes a Novel: The Last Book on Novel Writing You'll Ever Need 

Save the Cat! Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody is an insightful and practical guide that offers aspiring writers a comprehensive roadmap for crafting compelling and engaging novels. Drawing inspiration from the renowned screenwriting methodology introduced in Blake Snyder's Save the Cat! series, Brody adapts these principles for the world of novel writing. With a focus on structure, character development, and storytelling techniques, this book provides valuable tools for writers seeking to refine their craft and create stories that captivate readers.

Brody introduces the concept of the "Save the Cat! Beat Sheet" (a blueprint that breaks down a story into key structural beats) and elaborates on the 15 beats that make up the Save the Cat! methodology, including the Opening Image, Catalyst, Midpoint, and All Is Lost moments, and guides writers to begin their own story beat sheets to ensure a strong foundation for the narrative.

The author provides an overview of the 10 genres that "fit any story". She then delves deeper into each genre (with a chapter dedicated to each one) with clear explanations and illustrative examples. By breaking down these beats for each genre, and explaining their significance, she empowers writers to navigate the intricacies of plot progression and character arcs, ensuring a cohesive and engaging story.

Brody also demonstrates how to develop loglines, concepts, and themes that resonate with readers. She emphasizes the importance of analyzing the beats in relation to the overall story, enabling writers to identify areas that require improvement and refinement, and offers guidance on addressing common pitfalls and challenges writers may encounter during the revision phase.

What sets Save the Cat! Writes a Novel apart is its accessibility and applicability to writers of all levels. Brody's friendly and conversational tone makes the book an enjoyable read, while her relatable anecdotes and relatable examples ensure that the concepts presented are easily grasped. Writers can readily implement the Save the Cat! methodology as they plan, write, and revise their novels, making the book an invaluable companion throughout their creative journey.

SUMMARY: Save the Cat! Writes a Novel is an indispensable resource for writers who seek to refine their storytelling skills and create novels that resonate with readers. Jessica Brody's adaptation of the Save the Cat! methodology to the realm of novel writing offers a structured approach that balances creativity with technique. With its practical guidance, illustrative examples, and actionable insights, this book equips writers with the tools they need to craft compelling narratives that adhere to the beats of engaging storytelling.

The Writer's Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers

The Writer's Journey, written by Christopher Vogler, is an influential and highly regarded guidebook that delves into the application of Joseph Campbell's theory of the Hero's Journey to storytelling and screenwriting. Vogler's book serves as a practical and comprehensive reference for writers across various media, providing a detailed breakdown of the archetypal elements and mythic structure that underpin some of the most timeless and captivating narratives.

At the heart of the book is the concept of the Hero's Journey, which Vogler takes from Campbell's seminal work The Hero with a Thousand Faces. The Hero's Journey is a narrative template that is present in myths, legends, and stories from cultures around the world. Vogler explains how this template can be applied to create compelling and resonant storytelling, no matter the genre or medium.

The book is divided into several sections, each providing a step-by-step examination of the Hero's Journey and its various stages. Vogler explores the Hero's Adventure, the Archetypes, the Stages of the Journey, and the Character Arcs. He demonstrates how these elements can be incorporated into a writer's work, emphasizing that understanding and utilizing these storytelling tools can make a narrative more engaging and emotionally powerful.

Vogler's writing style is clear and accessible, making complex concepts in mythology and storytelling approachable for writers of all levels. He supports his insights with examples from classic and contemporary literature, as well as popular films. Vogler's illustrative use of these examples underscores the universality of the Hero's Journey in storytelling, making it easy for readers to connect the theory to familiar narratives.

One of the key strengths of The Writer's Journey is its adaptability to a wide range of story formats. Whether a writer is working on a novel, a screenplay, or even a video game, Vogler's principles can be applied. The book encourages writers to consider the timeless and cross-cultural elements that make stories enduring and relatable, and to use these elements to enhance the impact of their work.

Throughout the book, Vogler highlights the significance of character development and the emotional journey of the protagonist. He explains the role of archetypal characters, such as the Mentor, the Threshold Guardian, and the Shadow, in shaping a hero's transformation. The book underscores that the Hero's Journey is not just about plot, but also about the inner growth and evolution of the characters, adding depth and complexity to the narrative.

SUMMARY: The Writer's Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers is an invaluable resource for writers seeking to craft compelling and emotionally resonant stories. Christopher Vogler's adept exploration of Joseph Campbell's Hero's Journey theory and his clear, practical guidance make the book an essential tool for any writer's toolbox. By illuminating the mythic structure at the core of great storytelling, Vogler empowers writers to create narratives that connect with audiences on a profound level, transcending the boundaries of culture and time. Whether you are a novice writer or a seasoned professional, this book is an indispensable guide to enhancing your storytelling craft.

Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within

The informative classic Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within remains a transformative and inspirational book that serves as a guide to the art of writing, offering writers of all levels profound insights into the creative process and the craft of writing.

The book is structured as a series of short, reflective essays, or "bones," as author Natalie Goldberg calls them. Each "bone" delves into various aspects of writing, from finding inspiration and developing discipline to conquering writer's block and nurturing one's unique voice. The book advocates for the idea that writing is a practice, much like meditation or yoga, and that consistent, mindful engagement with the written word can be a powerful tool for personal growth and creative expression.

One of the core messages of Writing Down the Bones is the importance of writing without inhibition or self-censorship. Goldberg encourages writers to embrace the concept of "writing practice" as a means of freeing the inner writer and uncovering their genuine voice. By advocating for free writing, she suggests that the act of writing is more important than the final product, and that writers should relinquish self-judgment to fully explore their creativity.

Throughout the book, Goldberg shares personal anecdotes, practical exercises, and writing prompts to help readers tap into their creative potential. She emphasizes the significance of details and sensory experiences, urging writers to observe the world around them and use these observations to infuse their writing with vivid imagery and authenticity. Her writing prompts and exercises serve as tools for self-discovery and self-expression, helping writers break through creative barriers.

Writing Down the Bones also touches on the concept of discipline, reinforcing the idea that writing is a practice that requires commitment and regular effort. Goldberg acknowledges that writing can be a challenging and often solitary endeavor, but she provides techniques to overcome obstacles such as procrastination and self-doubt. By sharing her personal experiences and offering practical strategies, she empowers writers to develop a writing routine and stay committed to their craft.

The book is infused with a sense of mindfulness, as Goldberg emphasizes the importance of being present in the act of writing. She encourages writers to explore their thoughts and emotions through the act of writing, inviting them to examine their inner landscapes and connect with their own humanity. This reflective aspect of the book adds a layer of depth to the writing process, making it a means of self-discovery and self-expression.

SUMMARY: Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within is a cherished classic that has inspired countless writers to embrace their creativity, break through self-imposed barriers, and embark on the journey of self-expression through writing. Natalie Goldberg's passionate and insightful guidance offers writers a path to uncover their unique voices and cultivate their writing practice. Whether you are a seasoned writer or a beginner, this book is a valuable resource that will empower you to tap into your creative potential and set your writer within free.

How to Write a Successful Series: Writing Strategies for Authors

How to Write a Successful Series: Writing Strategies for Authors is a guidebook written by Helen B. Scheuerer that provides valuable insights into writing and publishing a successful book series. Scheuerer is a well-known author and founder of Writer's Edit, an online platform for writers. The book covers a range of topics, from planning and structuring a series to crafting engaging characters and world-building.

The book is divided into six parts, starting with an overview of the benefits and challenges of writing a series. In the second section, Scheuerer goes on to explain the importance of planning and developing a strong structure for a series, including outling. The third part of the book focuses on writing techniques and elements, such as character development (with tips on creating complex and relatable characters), using foreshadowing and crafting cliffhangers, as well as offering insights on creating immersive and believable settings for a series.

The fourth section of the book covers writing longer material and crafting your second series, while part five focuses on the business side of writing a series, including marketing strategies and tips on working with publishers and agents. The final section answers commonly asked questions, learning from mistakes, and staying energized while managing multiple books and series.

The book also includes case studies from successful series authors and a variety of writing exercises to help writers apply the concepts covered in the book to their own writing.

SUMMARY: How to Write a Successful Series is a comprehensive and practical guide for authors looking to write and publish a successful book series. It offers valuable insights and actionable advice on everything from planning and structuring a series to marketing and promotion, making it a valuable resource for both aspiring and established authors.