Formulaic Writing: When Craft Books Hinder

A few summers ago, I spent three months devouring every craft book known to man. You name it, I read it. I gobbled up the words of Donald Maass, James Scott Bell, and Dwight Swain like a malnourished turkey.

I have no doubt it made me a better writer.

I have no doubt that without those books and the ginormous learning curve that came with them, I wouldn't be where I am today. 

I highly recommend craft books to writers. In fact, I recommend several on my writing page.

With that said, can there be ...