Ciao, amici! It’s almost the 31st. When I think Halloween, I think horror. And when I think horror, I think of the master—Stephen King.
It’s not like he doesn’t have a ton of awesome book quotes to choose from—some frightening, some funny, some profound. I thought this one was appropriate for us:
Reading a good long novel is in many ways
like having a long and satisfying affair.
King is also famous for saying you can’t be a good writer if you aren’t a voracious reader (paraphrased). So, with NaNo approaching, why not consider reading to prepare for your writing, then writing a long novel that your readers will hate to walk away from? I’ve been writing like crazy this week, and I know I’m hoping readers will love and cherish my work.
And now, last week’s writing links:
Posts by me, about my work, or at sites I contribute to:
Me
Story Empire
- NaNoWriMo with Scrivener | P. H. Solomon
- Mystery/Horror/Suspense | C. S. Boyack
- Book Cover Friday: Ian Hamilton Mysteries | Me
Romance University
- Change is in the Wind | Becke (Martin) Davis
- Writing Epic Whodunits | Peggy Webb
- Writer’s Best Assistant/Critic/Inspiration | Joan Kayse
Posts by others in the industry:
- Eyewitness Testimony in Thrillers | The Kill Zone
- KDP Print Issues | Nicholas C. Rossis
- Rooms with Unexpected Views | Fiction University.
- 7 Tips for Standout Blog Posts | Hugh’s Views and News
- Emotional Clarity in Fiction | Fiction University
- Pen Names | Kindlepreneur
- Three Keys to Scary Stories | The Write Practice
- Show, Don’t Tell | Well-Storied
- Goodbye, Google+ | Nicholas C. Rossis
- 7 Tips Before You Start Writing | Morgan Hazelwood
- Building Your Street Team | Kobo Writing Life
- 6 Tips for Adding Tension | K.M. Allan
- Making Middles Better | Standout Books
- Overplotting | Fiction University
And when you’re done with these links, don’t forget to check out the sidebar, where you’ll find more links to some of my favorite sites.
Have a great week! Arrivederci!
When a writer says she’s (or he’s) writing like crazy, I want to jump up and cheer. The joy of that is so contagious, Staci. I wish you the best on your project. And thanks so much for the follow. It’s about time we connected directly. Have a great week!
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Aw, thanks. I find good news joyfully contagious, too. And I, too, am so glad we finally connected. I can’t imagine what took so long! 🙂
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I love that quote — and I always loved a good long book. Happy weekend hugs!
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Thanks, Teagan!
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A brilliant long book doesn’t feel like one … these are the books that fly by, where you’re fully immersed in the world that towards the end you read slower and never want to say goodbye to your new friends!
Great thoughts and links, Staci … I can never get enough of reading and always open a new book with a sense of adventure! 😀
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That’s a great point, Annika. If it’s written well, you don’t notice the length. It flies by.
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Reblogged this on Nicholas C. Rossis and commented:
Staci’s writing links of the week
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Thanks for sharing!
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Happy Halloween! Long books? Depends on the book. If it intrigues me enough, I’ll read through it. If it’s something droning, like Moby Dick, forget it. These days, as I try to spend time creating, I still read, but my time seems far more limited than it used to be. Or did someone shorten the days when I wasn’t looking??
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Oh, my gosh! Moby Dick is impossible to read. It puts me to sleep. I think it was the one book I was required to read in high school that I never quite finished. How on earth is it a classic?
And I’m with you… someone is messing with time.
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Reblogged this on Where Genres Collide.
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Thanks for sharing, Traci!
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Reblogged this on DSM Publications and commented:
Check out this great post from Staci Troilo’s blog with some author inspiration and valuable writing links.
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Thanks, Don.
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You’re welcome.
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I have to admit that’s something that’s tough to accomplish, both from a reader’s standpoint and a writer’s. I find most long books (not all) to be repetitious. It’s hard to keep up my interest when the writer keeps rehashing the same events in their mind.
And for my books, I tend to write lean. I haven’t discovered a happy medium, yet 🙂
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I’m the opposite, Jacquie. The longer, the better. I feel like I’m getting a better deal for my money when I read a long book. And I usually have no trouble writing a long novel, either. I usually look for things that are safe to cut!
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A great quote, and I positively love the graphic image you created. I also happen to agree with Mr. King about reading. One can never devour enough books!
Happy almost Halloween!
P.S. love the new side bar look. Very clean. One of these days I must update the look of my site.
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Thanks, Mae. I’ve been doing my graphics in Stencil, and the process is so quick and easy.
I redesigned the site a while ago. I’m both concerned that it wasn’t noticeable sooner and glad you like the look!
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Beautiful look. And I’m going to have to her out Stencil!
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Besides loving his books, I also love King’s quotes – there are some good ones. Have a great week, Staci!
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I’ve had “On Writing” on my bookshelf for years. The guy knows how to write!
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Yes, Stephen King! He has so many inspiring and witty quotes about writing and life. He is absolutely one of my favorite authors.
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Mine, too. I’ve never read a book of his I didn’t like. 🙂
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Right?! I just started reading him in the last year…should have started way earlier but I’m glad I picked him up eventually!
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The good news is, you won’t run out of material for a LONG while!
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I love the quote, Staci. Thanks for the links. Have a great week 🙂
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Thanks, Harmony. Same to you.
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Thank you so much for including a link to my recent blogging tips post, Staci.
Happy Halloween, and have a great week.
Best wishes,
Hugh
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It was absolutely my pleasure. I love to share great content.
Wishing you a wonderful week and a happy Halloween, too. 🎃
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Thanks, as always, for including my blog in your links, Staci. Agree with you that you can’t think of Halloween without scary stories from King!
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Always happy to share great content!
King seems to have been a good selection for the week. I’m glad I chose him; his words seem to speak to a lot of us.
Wishing you a good week and Halloween!
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Happy Halloween to you too 🎃.
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Great King quote! Happy Halloween Staci:)
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Thanks, Denise!
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