The Only Writing Books A Newbie Writer Will Ever Need
I recently read a Twitter post or something on a message board (I forget where) from a person claiming to have hundreds of books on the topic of writing. Some people like to collect things and there is someone who collects everything.
For those of you who simply want the goods without taking up too much shelf space, I’ve created this list.
Books on writing are awesome. I love them and I have plenty. You see a good one and think: Hey, I’ll try that out. And then it turns into a dud and you don’t feel like going through the hassle of returning it - or it’s too late. There are many books out there, some better than others. This list assumes you’re just starting out or looking for something to add to your arsenal. If you’ve been writing a long time, chances are you’ve heard of these - but if you haven’t, I hope you’ll get some good use.
Understanding Show Don’t’ Tell (And Really Getting It)
Hands down, the best education on the concept of Show, Don’t Tell. I’ll admit, when I was just starting out, SDT was basically like two different languages. This book really hit home and does such a good job of explaining it so you really get it. A simple example is:
He was really mad - TELL
He slammed his hand on the desk - SHOW
This book goes beyond that and it’s essential for every new writer.
Save the Cat! Writes a Novel
Note: I have never read this book, but it’s rated five stars on Amazon and people tell me it’s amazing. Definitely work checking out.
The 90-Day Novel
I avoided this book for years. It kept coming up in my Amazon suggestions, but I vehemently said no because I felt I didn’t need a basic writing how to. After attending a Summer writing workshop, someone had mentioned they loved it and I figured, all right…why not? Least I could do is check it out. And what a difference it has made. The 90 Day Novel can definitely be about blasting through a novel in three months, but for me, it’s been most helpful in getting to know my characters in a deep, fundamental way. The exercises are great for expanding your own relationship with your story. It’s been endlessly useful. I use it as a reference book and have implemented it into how I create my characters.
Stephen King - On Writing
Whether you’re a fan of King’s or not, there’s no arguing he’s a prolific writer. Although it’s filled with advice, it’s mostly a memoir that talks about how he got started. It’s inspirational to see how he went from nothing to where he is today. It’s also a quick read and makes you feel like you can do it. Although, I will admit, it made me feel bad I hadn’t published anything by the age of 20.
The Emotion Thesaurus
Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi have created the writing thesaurus empire here. There are five or so other books in the series and I have all of them. These actually make you a better writer. They help for those moments when you’re struggling to describe a character’s emotion and need to go beyond, “he was sad.” The thesauruses for environments are very helpful as well. Our brains are amazing, but even if you’ve been to the big city, you might forget certain sounds that can bring life to your work. These help add real depth and are a must have.
Naughty Words for Nice Writers
I LOVE this book and use it often. This is immensely helpful for romance writers (or anyone who has romantic elements in their work). Even if you’re writing a fantasy adventure, but there is a love interest. Caveat: Cara Bristol isn’t timid and there are definitely some extra naughty words in here. This covers all the bases and then some, if you get my drift. She also goes into details about how to set a romantic scene, which is beneficial. Sometimes you want more than, “They went into the bedroom - the end.” If you’re writing clean romance and get shy around physical descriptions below neck, this isn’t for you. I love Bristol’s honesty and how she plainly tells the reader that some words are just gross.
The Chicago Manual of Style
OK, I’m a copy editor and I use this book all the time for everything. If you’re a writer, it’s important to know the rules. I often see writers asking basic grammar questions on Reddit, Facebook, and Twitter. We all need help from time to time; and if you’ve ever delved into WattPad, you know grammar isn’t everyone’s specialty. Even English majors need this book. You can look up information online, but it’s handy to have this baby on your desk for quick reference. The CMS is the most widely used grammar and style guide on the planet. They set the standard. Knowing the rules makes you look like a champ and it improves your writing by ten-fold.
Writing Between the Sexes
Not to brag, but I already write decent male/female dialog and interactions. At least, I feel like I do. This book however, is great for new writers.
Based on stereotypical (and expected) definitions of male and females, see if you can tell which is the girl and which is the boy:
“I think we need to talk about our relationship. It’s just…we’ve known each other a long time and I feel like things have been weird for us lately? Know what I mean?”
“OK.”
Even gender-neutral characters tend to fall into one type of speech or the other. What Michaels calls “female” can easily be applied to your “emotional” or “heart on their sleeve” characters - whatever gender they happen to be. Don’t let the Yin and Yang element deter you. You may have a male character that is more feminine or vice versa. One of the biggest issues new writers have is the inability to differentiate between characters in speech. Don’t feel bad. We all start there. This will help you add more depth to your characters and the way they talk. To be honest, this book also helped me understand interactions with people in real life as well.
How to Write Sexy Descriptions and Sex Scenes
Val Kovalin has written several M/M romances and a few “how to” books. Fall Into the Sun is really great, by the way. Because she writes male/male romance, this book gets into it. And I mean, in to it! There are however, some wonderful nuggets of information for female/male relationships as well. Shy kids stay away. Kovalin is extremely honest and her advice goes straight for the pants.
The Hero with a Thousand Faces
Joseph Campbell is the guy who popularized the idea of the hero’s journey and how mythology plays into almost every story you’ll ever read. It’s fascinating. I didn’t get around to this one until I was in my 20s, but knowing what makes stories tick will make you a better writer. If you’re really into the craft of writing, I do suggest you start reading even just a basic high school mythology book.
Wired for Story: The Writer's Guide to Using Brain Science to Hook Readers from the Very First Sentence
This is an important book to read if you’re interested in WHY human being thrive on story. For me, this book helped solidify why I do what I do. It also helps you understand why stories are so important and what it is about them we love so much. It breaks it down in a fun, understandable way.
I Give You My Body…How I Write Sex Scenes
Diana Gabaldon put this book out a few years ago at the request of her fans. It gets into her head and what she considers when writing a love scene. If you’ve ever read any of her Outlander books, you know she’s a master in the bedroom (and other places as well) without being too graphic. Gabaldon’s sex scenes are emotional and rich. This is a quick read, but filled with lots of wonderful ideas and descriptions from her books to help inspire you.
How to Write a Swoon-Worthy Sweet Romance Novel
Currently reading: I love this book. Victorine E. Lieske is one the better indie, clean romance writers out there. A self-professed pantser, Lieske attempts to describe what it is she does and how she does it so well. The best part about this book is that she includes one of her popular clean romances and pauses in between paragraphs to describe what she was thinking and why she did what she did. It’s great. This isn’t just for clean romance. Her advice applies to all romance.
Hopefully this list gets you on your way to improving your writing and making better stories. These are just my favorites. What’s your favorite writing book? Post in the comments.