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writerslounge2011-05-23 09:14 am
analect) wrote in writerslounge2011-05-23 09:14 am
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Books for Writers
A list of useful, interesting, or otherwise noteworthy books for writers, with an emphasis on the craft and practice of writing. Got your own to add? Leap in!
Thanks toscarylady for digging up the original thread on peopleofthedas, and aithne for compiling the original list, and additional credit to Cat Rambo.
Beginnings, Middles, and Ends by Nancy Kress
Full of exercises and examples that illustrate the potential pitfalls of all three parts of a story. Part of the 'Elements of Fiction Writing' series.
Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within by Natalie Goldberg
An interesting look at writing and spirituality, which you'll probably either love or hate. Those who fall into the former category might also like If You Want to Write by Brenda Ueland, a classic and very individual, semi-motivational book that tackles the idea of life as a writer.
The 10% Solution by Ken Rand
A slim volume that packs a lot of punch on the topic of cleaning up and streamlining your prose.
Writing The Other by Nisi Shawl and Cynthia Ward
A series of essays on how to write outside your own viewpoint - including characters from different races, ages, orientations - sensitively and well. Includes several basic exercises, originally written as a companion to a workshop.
The Joy of Writing Sex: A Guide for Fiction Writers by Elizabeth Benedict
A guide to not just writing sex scenes, but ensuring they carry their weight in the wider framework of the story.
The Chicago Manual of Style
Probably more often used as an industry or house standard than Strunk & White, but both are invaluable style guides to ensure your writing is technically up to snuff.
Writing Dialogue by Tom Chiarella
Applies largely to scripts rather than prose fiction, but includes invaluable references for unique fiction, conversational flow and tags.
Steering the Craft by Ursula K. LeGuin
A thoughtful, poetic primer on concepts and attitudes to story and writing, including a series of clever, useful exercises. Also very nicely written.
On Writing by Stephen King
Part autobiography and part detail of a very successful author's creative process - apparently a very good read.
From Pitch to Publication by Carol Blake
Yes, Blake as in Blake Friedmann. I suspect this is a tad outdated now, but it remains a useful first guide for authors new to the process of researching markets and pitching manuscripts. As long as it's not the only source of information you use.
If you have any opinions, personal favourites, or anything else you'd like to add, feel free to chip in.
Thanks to
scarylady for digging up the original thread on peopleofthedas, and aithne for compiling the original list, and additional credit to Cat Rambo.Beginnings, Middles, and Ends by Nancy Kress
Full of exercises and examples that illustrate the potential pitfalls of all three parts of a story. Part of the 'Elements of Fiction Writing' series.
Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within by Natalie Goldberg
An interesting look at writing and spirituality, which you'll probably either love or hate. Those who fall into the former category might also like If You Want to Write by Brenda Ueland, a classic and very individual, semi-motivational book that tackles the idea of life as a writer.
The 10% Solution by Ken Rand
A slim volume that packs a lot of punch on the topic of cleaning up and streamlining your prose.
Writing The Other by Nisi Shawl and Cynthia Ward
A series of essays on how to write outside your own viewpoint - including characters from different races, ages, orientations - sensitively and well. Includes several basic exercises, originally written as a companion to a workshop.
The Joy of Writing Sex: A Guide for Fiction Writers by Elizabeth Benedict
A guide to not just writing sex scenes, but ensuring they carry their weight in the wider framework of the story.
The Chicago Manual of Style
Probably more often used as an industry or house standard than Strunk & White, but both are invaluable style guides to ensure your writing is technically up to snuff.
Writing Dialogue by Tom Chiarella
Applies largely to scripts rather than prose fiction, but includes invaluable references for unique fiction, conversational flow and tags.
Steering the Craft by Ursula K. LeGuin
A thoughtful, poetic primer on concepts and attitudes to story and writing, including a series of clever, useful exercises. Also very nicely written.
On Writing by Stephen King
Part autobiography and part detail of a very successful author's creative process - apparently a very good read.
From Pitch to Publication by Carol Blake
Yes, Blake as in Blake Friedmann. I suspect this is a tad outdated now, but it remains a useful first guide for authors new to the process of researching markets and pitching manuscripts. As long as it's not the only source of information you use.
If you have any opinions, personal favourites, or anything else you'd like to add, feel free to chip in.
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Hee hee... yes. I'm afraid I come down more on the 'real writers just get on with it' school of thought, although for those who have to put up with discouragement and disparagement from family and so-called friends, the touchy-feely side of things can be motivating.
I'll have to have a peek at the John Warner and In a Word, definitely - looks interesting!
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