Yesterday I read a prologue (teaser release) of a book called, "The Dream Thieves." It's the sequel to The Raven Boys, written by Maggie Stiefvater. And it's perfect. Personally, I thought it was some of the best writing I've read in a long time. Obviously, it's a subjective thing. I mean, I LOVE Maggie's writing style, but I'm sure it's not for everyone. That's not really the point though. The point is, the prologue to Maggie's newest book sounds (to me) like her best writing to date.
Mind you, I've always enjoyed her writing. But from Maggie's first series, The Book of Faerie, up until now, she's grown immensely. In fact, it would be impossible to read her first book and her most recent back to back and not see the growth. Some writers don't seem to change much. While one book may do better than another, their style stays the same throughout their career. Maggie's writing, however, just keeps getting better. And, what I want to know is HOW? Someone answer that for me! Because I want to keep getting better, but I don't feel like I am. I'm working on my fourth book and I don't think my talent level is vastly different from the book I wrote last year, or even the year before. I kind of feel like I've plateaued and I'm definitely not ready to.
I tried to get some books on writing, but all of them seem to cover pretty much the same sorts of things. How to write a book. What not to do. How to plot a story. Stuff I feel like I already know.
So now what? Do I take a class? Does anyone know of any writing books that aren't for beginners? How do you guys improve?
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Just keep writing, you never know one day you might see a dramatic change. Glad you enjoyed Maggie's new book. She is a real talent.
ReplyDeleteIf you find the answers you should share them because I've wondered the same thing myself. I can see some change in my writing, but it is from stuff I wrote years ago and now. Over the last few years I haven't noticed as much of a chance.
ReplyDeleteAnd, as you said about writing books, those all seem to have the same advice.
I've heard some writing classes help, at least those who have done them. I've considered taking some myself.