michaelS0620
March 8th, 2005, 08:00 PM
On the other boards we talk about what science fiction and fantasy books we like, and what our influences are. I wanted to start a discussion on what books can we as writers learn from. Other books can teach us what to do, and what not to do.
So list the fiction books that you think would be good to read as a writer. And bonus points for non-sci fi/non fantasy! My list is below.
Art and Lies by Jeanette Winterson
Lots of great wordplay and imagery, and some flat out amazing writing. But it also shows that flash is not enough.
Time’s Arrow by Martin Amis
The story of a man’s life told backwards from his death to shortly before his birth. The writing is good too. Two things this book taught me. One, if you are going to use a gimmick, keep the book short; this one does. Two, the gimmick has to be integral to the story. This one definitely is.
The Dead Father by Donald Barthelme
Hard book to find, but worth it. Its short, with interesting points of view, some good word play, and some genuinely funny parts.
Einstein’s Dreams by Alan Lightman
Lots of short, short stories revolving around the central theme of time and the different ways it can flow. Time standing still, or jumping disconnectedly, or eddying like a river. My only regret with this book is that most of the stories revolve around different characters. I think it would have been a great book had it taken one story and examined all the different ways time could run.
A Storm of Swords, by George R R Martin
Shows how to keep lots of balls up in the air as well as pacing and suspense. Martin always ends his chapters with at least a mini cliff hanger, and he does a good job of having some plot lines climaxing while others are only building which keeps the pace going without wearing you out.
The Things They Carried, by Tim O’Brien
One of the few works deserving the term “Masterpiece”. A set of interconnected short stories about Vietnam. Incredible writing. Poignant and evocative without ever being melodramatic or obvious. Great characters and some really good and subtle writing.
Michael
So list the fiction books that you think would be good to read as a writer. And bonus points for non-sci fi/non fantasy! My list is below.
Art and Lies by Jeanette Winterson
Lots of great wordplay and imagery, and some flat out amazing writing. But it also shows that flash is not enough.
Time’s Arrow by Martin Amis
The story of a man’s life told backwards from his death to shortly before his birth. The writing is good too. Two things this book taught me. One, if you are going to use a gimmick, keep the book short; this one does. Two, the gimmick has to be integral to the story. This one definitely is.
The Dead Father by Donald Barthelme
Hard book to find, but worth it. Its short, with interesting points of view, some good word play, and some genuinely funny parts.
Einstein’s Dreams by Alan Lightman
Lots of short, short stories revolving around the central theme of time and the different ways it can flow. Time standing still, or jumping disconnectedly, or eddying like a river. My only regret with this book is that most of the stories revolve around different characters. I think it would have been a great book had it taken one story and examined all the different ways time could run.
A Storm of Swords, by George R R Martin
Shows how to keep lots of balls up in the air as well as pacing and suspense. Martin always ends his chapters with at least a mini cliff hanger, and he does a good job of having some plot lines climaxing while others are only building which keeps the pace going without wearing you out.
The Things They Carried, by Tim O’Brien
One of the few works deserving the term “Masterpiece”. A set of interconnected short stories about Vietnam. Incredible writing. Poignant and evocative without ever being melodramatic or obvious. Great characters and some really good and subtle writing.
Michael