Books for writers
Sorry for the lack of images. Problem within the template, not due to laziness on my part.
Writers need books. Here are my favorites:
On Writing Well (The Classic Guide to Writing Non-Fiction) by William Zinsser. An overview of different non-fiction pieces - sports, memoir, travel articles, etc. Zinsser explains the use of style, humor and voice. I’m sure if he were writing it today, a chapter on writing for an Internet audience would be included. Every serious writer needs this classic on his or her bookshelf.
The Creative Call (An Artist’s Response to the Way of the Spirit) by Janice Elsheimer is in a workbook-style format with questions in each chapter to guide you. Excellent for the adult who wants to get back to that “first love” passion to pursue writing (Elsheimer’s book applies to other artists, as well. Painters, photographers, even web designers, if they think of their work as artistic.)
Take Joy (A Writer’s Guide to Loving the Craft) by Jane Yolen. I’m crazy for Jane Yolen and I love her voice on the page. The last two pages are so lovely, they deserve to be tacked above my desk so I can re-read them at a glance.
The Courage to Write (How Writers Transcend Fear) by Ralph Keyes. I’ve mentioned this before. Writers need courage. Writers are brave. This book helped me understand the connection.
Plot and Structure (Techniques and exercises for crafting a plot that grips readers from start to finish) by James Scott Bell. Want to write page-turning fiction, but don’t know how to start? Cheaper than an online class or writer’s conference, yet full of practical, how-to advice, Bell’s book is a treasure.
These are my top books for writers. What are yours?
4.1.08 at 7:27 am
Cheryl comments:
I have “Negotiating with the Dead” by Margaret Atwood. She’s always seemed to be a writer’s writer to me, and this book examines her drive and thought processes for writing, its pleasures and pains, its rewards and sacrifices.
Cheryl’s last blog post..Progress Report: 40 pounds
4.1.08 at 7:43 am
Monica Brand comments:
Isn’t that a catchy title? Thanks for your input, Cheryl, I’m going to check that one out.
4.2.08 at 12:06 pm
Marcus Goodyear comments:
Hands down my favorite philosophical book about writing is The Writing Life by Annie Dillard. I’m reading a good book on craft right now called Story by Robert McKee. It’s astounding.
And hey.. what is this commentluv thing. Looks interesting.
Marcus Goodyear’s last blog post..Gotta Love Google
4.2.08 at 12:47 pm
Monica Brand comments:
Yes! Good call on the Annie Dillard. I have a copy of that book… buried in the attic. And when I say buried, I mean the stone is rolled in front of the tomb along with a guard posted.
Commentluv is a nifty WordPress plugin. I’ll email you the link after I get done running around the backyard with the toddler, or you can do a Google.