From time to time, people
ask me what my favorite books are to learn how to write. Of course, it depends
on what kind of story you want to tell. There are hundreds of creative writing books penned by
excellent authors, and some of those books may be better than the ones I’m
going to recommend here.
That said, every author has
his or her favorites.
Most of these I’m listing are
books I read when I earned my Master’s Degree in Creative Writing. Considering
how many awards I’ve won, I believe they've helped me and would also help others.
If you have any favorites,
please add them in the comments section below, and I can do an addendum later.
First, I want to add a few insights
on writing (I can’t help myself).
1. Good writing is
rewriting.
2. No matter how many
books you write, writing is hard. You might learn a few things to improve your
craft along the way, but it takes persistence. Don’t give up. Just keep working
at it. Those paragraphs eventually turn into chapters, and those chapters
eventually turn into a book.
3. After writing your
first draft, that’s when the real work begins—editing. I’ve heard many
newbies say they hate editing. Learn to love editing. You will edit many more
hours than writing your first draft.
4. If you are writing
to make a lot of money, you might be disappointed. If you are writing because
you can’t help but write, you are a writer.
5. Read a lot, and
those books that stick with you forever, ask why. Writing is more than just a
mental activity. Writing involves the heart, the emotions, the senses, and the
intellect. Think about what made those books special—and there is no right or
wrong answer. Books are a work of art.
6. Be willing to take
constructive suggestions. In the end, it’s up to you what you do with that
“criticism.” Don’t be defensive. Just say “thank you” and move on.
7. If you write something that changes the world or improves people’s lives, relationships, or perspective, thank God He used you to make the world a better place, and give Him the glory.
Here goes my list of books in no particular order linked to Amazon:
Writing to Change the World, by Mary Pipher
The Elements of Style, By William Strunk, Jr., and E.B. White
How to Write Killer Fiction, by Carolyn Wheat
Writing for Story by Jon Franklin
On Moral Fiction by John Gardner
On Writing Well by William Zinsser
Scene & Structure by Jack M. Bickham (important for fiction)
If you are interested in writing a memoir, here is a link to an award-winning article I wrote:
"Writing a Memoir in Twelve Easy Steps"
I would also recommend you find a writer's group in your area and start attending. I lead the local Word Weavers International in Gainesville, Florida, so if you live near me, you are welcome to join us. There are also many other chapters across the United States as well as some online critique groups. Click on this link to learn more.
If you have any specific writing questions, post them in the comments below and I will reply as time permits.
If you would like to check out my latest book, Tails and Purrs for the Heart and Soul, click here.
In the meantime, happy writing!
