by Anne Bradshaw

Created on: April 25, 2007   Last Updated: May 14, 2007

A writer can't get enough good how-to books internalized. Study and practice go hand in hand in this profession. Perhaps the most important advice for beginning and seasoned writers alike is to read, read, read. This goes for books of all genres, but particularly books that teach and hone writing skills.

My recommendations are taken from a well thumbed pile sitting on my desk right now.

1) Scene & Structure by Jack M. Bickham: I love this book because it keeps my writing going in the right direction, and helps me see how to pull it all together.

2) The 10% Solution by Ken Rand: A small, practical work manual on theory and practice. A great tool that can be adapted to each writer's style.

3) The Word by Rene J. Cappon: A great little book that guides writers in their search for correct and attractive use of language.

4) Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Browne and Dave King (second edition): A must-have book. Publishers look for well edited work. This book shows writers how to avoid pitfalls that send manuscripts to the slush pile.

5) The First Five Pages by Noah Lukeman: If Lukeman's advice is followed; this little gem can make all the difference to success. It takes writing to a higher level.

6) Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg: This book helped me feel good about writing. The author speaks from the heart and has a way of making difficult things easy. It could save your writing life.

7) Eats, Shoots & Leaves by Lynne Truss: This hilarious book packs a punctuation punch like no other. Highly recommended.

8) The Scribner Handbook for Writers by Robert DiYanni and Pat C. Hoy II: An in-depth reference book that answers the most difficult questions a writer could have. A good resource book for all serious writers.

9) How to Write Articles That Sell by L. Perry Wilbur and Jon Samsel (second edition): This practical handbook gets into every aspect of article writing, such as researching, organizing ideas, structuring the article, tailoring it to the right markets, composing powerful query letters, and selling overseas and on-line.

There are many excellent books on writing available. A Google search will throw up more than a writer can handle, which can be confusing. I recommend starting with one book from the list above, then slowly collecting more so information can be absorbed and applied. It takes years to learn any craft well. Writing is no different.

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