Advice For Writers: The Five Books You Must Read
Hello there and welcome to a new Wednesday column just for writers. You may already read my sporadic posts about my Adventures in Publishing, but this column is in response to questions I get from up and coming writers. Unfortunately I’m not able to work with writers one-on-one but I do want to offer advice. Most of it was passed down to me so I’m just sharing the best. Check back each Wednesday for a post here or for a link to where I’m guest blogging. If you have a writing related question, ask: selena @ selena-blake.com (no spaces.)
“If you don’t have time to read, you don’t have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that.” ~ Stephen King
My first piece of advice for writers: Read a little bit of everything. (Tweet this.) Stephen King has it right. Not only will reading expand your horizons, you’ll learn what you truly love to write.
Aside from reading books in the genre you want to write, I highly recommend taking the time to read craft books. These are How To resources just for writers. While you won’t see them advertised on Dr. Phil, they can be extremely helpful.
As a beginning writer, these books will teach you things. Not just rules, but why things work in writing. Guidelines. Suggestions. Case studies. And advice from the greats.
But they’re also helpful to long time writers. Whenever I’m stuck, there are three of these How To books I choose from. I open to any page and start reading. I stop two or three pages later. Not because I’m bored or already know the information, but because I have to start writing.
You see, these craft books will become your friends. Sometimes they’ll be the crutches that prop you up when you have no where else to turn. They will blast away the writers block. They will make you think, not only about fiction that you’ve read but your own books as well.
In no particular order, the books I highly recommend for your bookshelf are:
Plot & Structure by James Scott Bell
Art of War for Writers by James Scott Bell
Conflict & Suspense by James Scott Bell
Revision and Self Editing for Publication by James Scott Bell
Writing the Breakout Novel by Donald Maass
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5 Must Read Books for Authors: clicktotweet.com/pUu9X
photo by: Paul Bence
