The life of a writer is lonely. I’ve heard it said by so many people and even written by other authors. I used to believe it.
Sure, writing is something that you have to do alone, and yes, you often rewrite and edit alone, too. But I’ve learned that my writing improves when I release it to my community for their opinions and skilled edits. They challenge me to take my writing through another edit when I’m ready to be done already.
In the spirit of the helpfulness that I’ve received from so many, I wanted to share with you the books on writing that have helped me the most. If you’re not into writing but you love books, keep scrolling (a writer learns best from reading after all).
6 Books on Writing
Rivet Your Readers With Deep Point of View by Jill Elizabeth Nelson
I reread through this entire book yesterday morning because I needed to do a thorough edit of my sample chapters as I prepare a book proposal. I’m wondering if I ought to just make this daily reading!
Structuring Your Novel by K. M. Weiland
K. M. Weiland also has a website where she is highly active, sharing great information for writers. She’s one of those authors who I hugely admire and am simultaneously intimidated by!
Inside Story: The Power of the Transformational Arc by Dara Marks
I need to cozy up with this book again. It’s such a thick resource!
It’s only 99 cents for kindle, and if you like smart villains, this is a great first resource for learning how to write some dastardly ones!
My Current Learning-To-Write-Better Reads
On Writing Well by William Zinsser
Although Zinsser’s focus is nonfiction (and I prefer fiction), his writing is entertaining and informative. His chapters are generally short, spunky, and smart. I can learn just as much from well-written nonfiction as I can from an exquisite story.
Build Your Author Platform by Carole Jelen and Michael McCallister
A reality of today’s culture is platform regardless of what you write! You need a reader. Platform is hands down imperative for nonfiction writers, but it’s important for fiction writers too. When I interned for a publishing house, I was privileged to read through the slush pile (the stack of letters from writers with a story and a desire to be published). Some of those writers had brilliant ideas but no community, no website, no media presence, no viable self-marketing plan. So write well, but invite your friends and their friends to join your journey.
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My Learning-To-Write-Better Fiction Reads
French Twist series by Sandra Byrd
With a heavy dose of adulthood confusion and delicious pastries, Sandra Byrd enchanted me with her lovable heroine as she tried to figure out her place in the world. She even spends a few months in Paris, which further delighted this particular travel addict. I think this story made my own bumbling adulthood journey less terrifying and wrong-feeling.
The Return of Miss Blueberry by Rachael Phillips
A clumsy heroine with a small town history and a pageant crown to her name returns to her roots, running headlong into her past and a certain high school hottie. Goodness gracious, I enjoyed this story, especially since I recognized the real life setting. But I was inspired by this book because I have the privilege to call Rachael a friend of mine. She makes writing look easy and inspires me to keep tapping away.
Lady Windermere’s Fan by Oscar Wilde
A good woman, who accuses her husband of having an affair with an older yet glamorous woman with a history, catches herself between ruin and honor. Somehow Oscar Wilde, in a play, is able to convey more truth about humanity through dialogue than a heavily detailed novel. His writing challenges my own over-telling and over-wordiness.
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So, my friends, a writer’s life is far from lonely when it can be shared with you readers, the writers of today, and the writers of the past. What fun tidbit can you share with me about your writing or reading life?
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Oh, here are some more books for you, if you’d like! Naturally, it’s now I notice that my titles are not consistent…
6 Books You Should Read This Summer
Six Books for Grief and Loss
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