Books for Writers
About:
These particular books are ones that I have bought and used. Some have been more helpful than others. If you want any of these books, I have added links to Amazon.com (or you can check out Barnes & Noble or Powell's Books) for your convenience. Just click on the cover or the title of the book.
Clicking on the "more info" link will get you more info on the book--at Amazon.com! :)
Don't forget, authors (you, maybe?) don't get royalties for sales of used books. Buy new whenever you can. Thanks.
The Craft of Writing
- Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott -- Some Instructions on Writing and Life -- "Shitty first drafts," the best piece of advice you'll ever get from a book.
» more info - The Complete Writer's Guide to Heroes & Heroines by Tami D. Cowden, Caro LaFever, Sue Viders -- Sixteen Master Archetypes -- To help you create memorable, fresh, lively characters.
» read my review » more info - Scene and Structure (Elements of Fiction Writing) by Jack M. Bickham -- Structure for your story, with comprehensive discussions of cause and effect, stimulus and response, scene and sequel, an essential book for every writer.
» read my review » more info - Conflict, Action and Suspense (Elements of Fiction Writing) by William Noble -- Heighten conflict, speed the pace, up the action, and create nail-biting suspense with your writing.
» more info - On Writing by Stephen King -- Reminds you of the "toolbox" you have available to use in your writing. How competent writers can become good writers.
» more info - Beginnings, Middles & Ends by Nancy Kress -- For help when you're stuck in the middle, can't get to the end, or don't know where to start.
» more info - Creating Character Emotions by Ann Hood -- Writing compelling, fresh approaches that express your characters' true feelings -- For vivid, creative, and original ways to show what your characters feel.
» more info - Writing Dialogue by Tom Chiarella
» more info - Words Fail Me by Patricia T. O'Conner -- What Everyone Who Writes Should Know About Writing -- Focuses on the mechanics of writing.
» more info - Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Browne and Dave King -- How To Edit Yourself Into Print -- Go step by step through the editing process. Shows detailed examples of what's wrong with writing samples and how to fix the problems. A book absolutely worth its price. Highly recommended.
» more info - Characters & Viewpoint by Orson Scott Card
» more info - Description by Monica Wood
» more info - Dialogue by Lewis Turco
» more info - Manuscript Submission by Scott Edelstein
» more info - Plot by Ansen Dibell
» more info - Setting by Jack M. Bickham
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Reference Books for Writers
- The Writer's Complete Crime Reference Book by Martin Roth -- Excellent brainstorming starter. With fairly comprehensive listings of types of crimes, why crimes are committed, cops, investigations, courts, prisons, and other useful and interesting crime related facts. Mix and match until you've discovered the perfect crime for your story. The book includes many resources at the end if you need more information.
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The Business of Writing
- 2006 Writers Market Deluxe Edition -- What writer hasn't heard of this book? If you haven't, then you'd better check your hearing, because just about everyone interested in getting published has heard of it and either bought it or made the conscious decision not to. It's the definitive book when it comes to marketing your work. (Although there are some other books of the same type out there. Just make sure you have something that identifies the markets for you.) This one has an internet service that keeps you up-to-date about any changes in the markets listed in the book. Good feature.
» more info - Sally Stuart's Guide to Getting Published by Sally Stuart -- Good for the inspirational writers out there! Too bad the book's description doesn't mention the fact that it's for inspirational writers until you start reading. Otherwise, it's a good book.
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