by Patricia Gilliam

Created on: June 18, 2010

As a sci-fi novelist and even a creator of several writing guides myself, I want to encourage you to develop a reference library of books that can help you develop and grow based on your particular needs.  This does not mean to limit yourself to the 'Writing' section of the bookstore and never venture anywhere else.  For my own work, I did the exact opposite.  Here is a glimpse from some of my bookshelves and why I would recommend each book.

Writing Guides:

1)  Elements of Writing Fiction-Characters and Viewpoint by Orson Scott Card (ISBN:  0898799279)

The more time you spend on the front-end of a novel project, especially with character development, the better your overall writing process and books will flow.  I like the overall advice and tips in this particular book.

2)  Stein on Writing by Sol Stein (ISBN:  0312254210)

This book gave me a good foundation in story structure and conflict development.  I like that it has a combination of both writing and editing tips, and Sol Stein has the professional background in both areas.

3)  Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Brown and Dave King (ISBN:  0060545690)

Regardless to your intent to publish traditionally or self-publish, your level of editing as an author increases the quality of the finished product.  This book will help you get started.

4)  Several books from the Howdunit Series (ISBNs: 1582974551, 1582974748, and 1582975280)

I like these books in that they're entertaining in themselves and serve as a reference for any mystery or police-based story you might have.  Even though my main genre is science fiction, drawing elements from other genres can make a story more interesting.

Financial, Business, Sales, and Marketing Books:

The other side of being an author is similar to any other small business, and developing financial and business skills early in your career will make things less overwhelming as things grow.

5)  Guerrilla Marketing for Writers by Jay Conrad Levinson, Rick Frishman, Michael Larsen, and David L. Hancock (ISBN:  9781600376603)

This is the best book I've encountered when it comes to practical tips you can use to get your career off the ground.  It's all solid information and no fluff, which I like with reference books.

6)  The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey (ISBN:  0785289089)

As a writer, you want to have your debt load very low if not gone altogether so you can have the freedom to travel and expand your reach to readers.  This book helped my husband and I on a personal basis, and the same concepts can be applied from a business standpoint as well.

7)  48 Days to the Work You Love by Dan Miller (ISBN:  0805444793)

This book helped me make the leap from doing something I didn't enjoy to following my dream in a very practical and stable way.

Other Suggested Reading and Tips:

*While I don't have a particular book in mind, older editions of psychology textbooks are helpful in developing character personalities and getting the basics of human behavior.  You can often find these at used bookstores for $5-10.

*If you have a fiction series you enjoy, read books multiple times to see why you like it and how it works.  The same concept applies to television shows and movies.

*Do your homework on any portion of your story that has a historical or technological aspect that you're not familiar with-otherwise an informed reader may catch a mistake and be disappointed.

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