I’ve been on this writing journey for over 30 years now, and writing professionally for eight years. I was not born an award winner; I had to hone my craft as we all learn as we go along. Here are some of the books that had the most influence on my writing skills and my path as a published author. May they serve you well.
The writing craft
The Power of Point of View by Alicia Rasley
Everything you ever wanted to know about First Person, Second Person, Impersonal Third Person, and Personal Third Person Point of View. Primarily for fiction writers, this is a book you will return to time and time again and learn more every time you do.
The Breakout Novelist by Donald Maass
Donald Maass’ The Breakout Novelist is an all-inclusive guide, spiral-bound for ease of reference while working. Maass, an experienced author and literary agent, presents strategies that generations of authors have applied to craft sublime fiction, from core elements (character-building, plot navigation, etc.) to advanced techniques involving point of view, suspense, and the application of voice. Exercises for practicing these techniques round out this excellent resource. –Midwest Book Review
Writing Screenplays that Sell by Michael Hauge
Yes, I know we’re talking about writing books not screenplays, but this is the best look at how to plot a story from beginning to end and is used quite often by many fiction book writers. From the Back of the book: “For more than twenty years, Writing Screenplays That Sell has been hailed as the most complete guide available on the art, craft, and business of writing for movies and television. Now fully revised and updated to reflect the latest trends and scripts, Hollywood story expert and script consultant Michael Hauge walks readers through every step of writing and selling successful screenplays. If you read only one book on the screenwriter’s craft, this must be the one.”
The Writing process
Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott
Think you’ve got a book inside of you? Anne Lamott isn’t afraid to help you let it out. She’ll help you find your passion and your voice, beginning from the first really crummy draft to the peculiar letdown of publication. Readers will be reminded of the energizing books of writer Natalie Goldberg and will be seduced by Lamott’s witty take on the reality of a writer’s life, which has little to do with literary parties and a lot to do with jealousy, writer’s block and going for broke with each paragraph. Marvelously wise and best of all, great reading.
On Writing by Stephen King
Short and snappy as it is, Stephen King’s On Writing really contains two books: a fondly sardonic autobiography and a tough-love lesson for aspiring novelists.
When the Writing won’t come easily
The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron
With the basic principle that creative expression is the natural direction of life, Julia Cameron and Mark Bryan lead you through a comprehensive twelve-week program to recover your creativity from a variety of blocks, including limiting beliefs, fear, self-sabotage, jealousy, guilt, addictions, and other inhibiting forces, replacing them with artistic confidence and productivity. This book links creativity to spirituality by showing how to connect with the creative energies of the universe.
The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
Dubbing itself a cross between Sun-Tzu’s The Art of War and Julie Cameron’s The Artist’s Way, Pressfield’s book aims to help readers “overcome Resistance” so that they may achieve “the unlived life within.” Whether one wishes to embark on a diet, a program of spiritual advancement or an entrepreneurial venture, it’s most often resistance that blocks the way. To kick resistance, Pressfield stresses loving what one does, having patience and acting in the face of fear.
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
“Gilbert sweetly yet powerfully nudges readers to release fear, summon courage, and allow the ‘strange jewels’ hidden within each of us to emerge and shine. The end result is the ‘big magic’… Engaging storytelling mixed with personal anecdotes and astute insights makeBig Magic a rewarding, motivating and delightful read.” —Sucess Magazine
Book Publishing and Promotion
How to Write a Book Proposal by Michael Larsen
Larsen’s book is definitely the one you’ll want to add to your personal library and refer back to when you’re writing a book proposal. It highlights information about changes in the publishing industry and includes updated trends, sample proposals, and resources as well as a new chapter on online promotion.
Platform by Michael Hyatt
To be successful in the market today, you must possess two strategic assets: a compelling product and a meaningful platform. In this step-by-step guide, Michael Hyatt, former CEO and current Chairman of Thomas Nelson Publishers, takes readers behind the scenes, into the new world of social media success. He shows you what best-selling authors, public speakers, entrepreneurs, musicians, and other creatives are doing differently to win customers in today’s crowded marketplace
What are your favorite writing books? Comment below and I will check them out!
(Note: Clicking on the images will take you to Amazon where I am an affiliate)