Comments on: Reading as a Writer -- Is It Different?

By: Linda Pendleton

Linda Pendleton — Fri, 17 Apr 2015 23:53:55 +0000

Thanks, James, for the mention of the exclusive Richard S. Prather interview I did with him. As it turned out, it was his last interview. And yes, it could be considered a writing course as he went into a lot of detail, not only about his long career, but about writing. He was a very detailed writer and plot was always his focus. I was delighted when he insisted on reading my first Catherine Winter Private Investigator novel, "Shattered Lens," and gave me a very nice cover quote. He encouraged me to continue the series. He also asked me to publish his last Shell Scott novel, "The Death Gods."

By: James R. Preston

James R. Preston — Tue, 14 Apr 2015 16:26:01 +0000

In reply to saraletourneau. Hi, Sara -- Thanks for the comment! Yeah, me, too. On the flip side, some books I love from early reading I find are flawed, but I love 'em anyway. I wonder if you notice that? One writer I can think of spins a great tale, is a master of pacing (express train with just the right amount of relax time) BUT -- the dialog is um, shall we say, weak? I read him anyway. Thanks again!

By: saraletourneau

saraletourneau — Mon, 13 Apr 2015 13:22:12 +0000

I'm finding that I read novels with a writer's eye now. I'm paying more attention to dialogue, voice / POV, pacing, writing style, etc. than I used to in the past. It's really neat; I feel like I'm learning more about the craft of writing because of it. It's also making me a more critical reader, too. Two books I recently read were poorly written, and I wonder if I would have noticed the same weaknesses two years ago - or even one year ago - that I noticed now. Great, thought-provoking article, James. Thanks for sharing. :)

By: James R. Preston

James R. Preston — Fri, 10 Apr 2015 19:36:40 +0000

A final note: I got an email from Linda Pendleton (her husband, Don created the multi-million-selling Executioner series). I found a lengthy,detailed interview she conducted with Richard S. Prather that is a real course in how to write. Look for it on the Don Pendleton website or on Amazon. It is worth your time!

By: James R. Preston

James R. Preston — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 16:53:50 +0000

In reply to Fae Rowen. Thanks you, Fae. The early Odd John books are worth a look. I have not finished the series, guess I just burned out.

By: James R. Preston

James R. Preston — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 16:50:26 +0000

In reply to Fae Rowen. That would be an interesting poll for WITS readers -- name a movie that is better than the book it is based on. I can't think of one offhand.

By: James R. Preston

James R. Preston — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 16:49:16 +0000

In reply to Barbara Gunter Payton. Thanks, Barbara! It was fun to write, because I got to look back at some favorite books. Yesterday I went back & reread the opening to King's Rose Madder to see if the villain was as bad as I remembered. Yow! He is so much worse, Really really creepy.

By: shawn

shawn — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 12:10:46 +0000

In reply to Fae Rowen. :-)

By: Fae Rowen

Fae Rowen — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 05:19:49 +0000

I'm particularly guilty of comparing the book to the movie. Not fair, but I do it anyway.

By: Fae Rowen

Fae Rowen — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 05:18:46 +0000

In reply to Bette A. Stevens. Thanks for the tweet, Bette!