As part of my blogging experience, I would like to select some books that have made an impact on my writing life in one way or another. One such book is Susan Sipal’s A Writer’s Guide to Harry Potter.
A few months ago, I was looking for books to read up on the craft of writing, when I came across the wonderful blog of Susan Sipal. Now Susan writes exclusively about the craft and techniques used by JK Rowling – and love or loathe the author or her work, you have to admire the phenomenal success of the Harry Potter series.
As soon as I began reading, I realised this is no ordinary book on craft, nor is the author telling me how to write. Rather, it’s an instruction manual, detailing how to weave the same type of magic into my own writing. Using examples from the books, Susan covers some important topics such as characters and how to embed them in your story, building believable worlds – whatever genre you write – and how to incorporate mystery in your writing, which in turn, creates suspense.
This isn’t just another ‘how-to’ craft book. As Susan herself states in her foreword: ‘This is an artistic study to learn and develop specific craft techniques.’ And I couldn’t agree more. It’s the single most valuable book in terms of what I’ve learnt about the writing craft.
Susan majored in Religious Studies in College, and has since focused on Egyptian mythology. She frequently holds workshops based around the content of this book. She has been an industry professional for over ten years, as a writer, editor, and marketing consultant. Her expertise on writing is evident on every page and I highly recommend it. Buy A Writer's Guide to Harry Potter on Amazon. I also recommend a trip to Susan’s blog: Harry Potter for Writers
Just one last thing. Have a great weekend everyone!
22 comments:
Hi Allie ~
I have a novel in the wings that will require me to build a world. This is something totally new for me, as I've never written anything fantasy/sci-fi before. The story itself isn't really in that genre, but crafting a world is. I think this book may be extremely helpful. Glad you brought it to my attention.
Thanks for the tweet! I appreciate the help in getting my novel out there!
Have a great weekend! ~ Nadja
I follow the blog that goes with this book, even though I haven't read it yet. The blog is brilliant though, and it's definitely on my to-read list!
@Nadja. The book isn't just for sci-fi writers or world building. I'm writing an historical novel at the moment and the finding the book invaluable. No matter what we're writing, we still have to create a world with believable characters. Best of luck with your book.
@Jenna. I love the blog too, it's why I bought the book. It's great. Thanks for commenting. :)
Allie, thank you so much for the awesome review of my book and blog! You have definitely brightened my whole week.
And thanks, too, to Jenna. So glad you like the blog.
Thinking I should send my teen kids (who don't believe Mom knows anything) here to read this post. :-)
I've never heard of this book... thanks for sharing, Allie!
I'm always looking for new books about writing! thanks!
@Susan. I learned a lot from reading/studying. Thanks for having it available in book format, and I hope others can share in that too. Thank you, x
@Talli Thank you for stopping by my blog. It really is appreciated. :)
@Holly I can't recommend it enough. It opened my eyes to the writing process.
I'd heard of the book but hadn't really explored it. Thanks for the info and the blog link, I'll definitely be checking it out.
Allie ~
Oh! I thought it was specifically for creating 'other-worlds'. Now I understand. Well, I'm going to get it on my Kindle tonight. Picking up new/bettering existing skills is always what I hope to be doing. Thanks again for the recommend. ~ Nadja
@realyn I'm sure you'll enjoy Susan's blog too.
@Nadja I hope you find the techniques that Susan explores as useful as I have. It's well worth having for reference. Talking of electronic reading devices, I also adore my Kindle! :)
Allie,
Sounds like a great book for writer's who've been at it for a while, taking our skills to new levels. I'll definitely check it out.
Hi Sherry. I had a look at the front page of your website, it's absolutely gorgeous.
You're right about the book, a completely different angle on the writing process. Hope you like it as much as I do. :)
@Allie,
You're so right about the fact that we have to build a world no matter what kind of genre we're writing in. The world on the page needs to be just as believable as the world we wake up in every day, whether it's bastioned by the fantastic or grounded in the mundane! I'm looking forawrd to checking out Susan's book and blog. As a self-professed lover of Harry Potter, I'm always interested to find another reason or two to stay in that world! :)
Great post!
- Rance
Hey Allie ~ There's a link on my blog page's side-bar for my book on Amazon! So you'll be able to get it directly to your kindle. ~ Nadja
Oh - and I downloaded the book you recommended - 'A Writer's Guide To Harry Potter'. Thanks again! ~ Nadja
@Nelson. Thanks for stopping by. Feel free to join my merry band of followers by clicking on the list in the side bar.
@Rance. I do like the Harry Potter books as well, and I'm sure you'll love Susan's blog. Thank you.
@ Nadja. Thank you. I'll have another look on your blog. :)
This sounds like a great book, especially since it sounds like you can use it for any kind of "world-building." And, really, isn't that what all fiction is? :)
On my list it goes...
@ Madeline. Yes, all fiction is about building believable worlds at the end of the day.
Lol, my list never ends either! :)
Sounds great! I don't read a ton of craft books...but there's always room for one or two each year. This one sounds perfecto. Thanks! Sarah xx
@Sarah. Definitely one to keep in mind, if you only read one or two. Nothing too heavy, just insightful!
Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
Allie,
I've heard of Susan's blog but haven't visited yet -- I think it's time to do so :-) I would like to read this book as well. Thank you for sharing your thought on it.
Angela. Susan's blog is extremely informative. The book is definitely worth buying too. I learned an awful lot from reading it, I hope you get as much from it as I have.
Allie
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