I have a weakness…I love books on writing. In college, I saved all the textbooks from my writing classes. I subscribed to Writer's Digest almost immediately upon graduation and discovered the Writer's Digest Book Club and began buying writing books "at incredible savings!" Shortly after, I worked in the acquisitions department in a university library. I could order any book I could find and I got a discount! I filled shelves upon shelves before it was all over.
Have I read them all? Most but not all, but I have my favorites based on readability and usefulness.
Need help with mechanics?
The Elements of Style by William Strunk, Jr. (aka "Strunk and White") - Originally written in the mid 1950s, this book breaks down English grammar the best of any other book. The table of contents is like a checklist of grammar points if you just need a quick reference. Inside you can find more in-depth discussions of the comma-semicolon dilemma and the dreaded indefinite pronoun. Coyote Canyon Press published the latest edition in 2007 without crediting co-author E.B. White. They also call it "the original edition." It is available on Amazon.com for $3.90.
Getting the Words Right: 39 Ways to Improve Your Writing by Theodore A. Rees Cheney - When I bought this book 20 years ago, the subtitle was "How to Rewrite, Edit and Revise." It does just that and in a way that it becomes incorporated into your daily writing life, like Weight Watchers isn't a diet but a program to incorporate healthy eating into your daily life. You change bad writing habits, learn how to avoid language pitfalls and become a better first draft writer simply by reading this book. Published by F&W Publications, it sells for $11.99 on Amazon.com.
The Writer's Digest Guide to Manuscript Formats by Dian Dincin Buchman and Seli Groves - WD Books published this guide in 1988, and at that time, it was THE reference guide to have because it lists not only novel formats, but query letters, short stories, plays, screenplays, nonfiction articles and more. Some of its advice is now somewhat dated in today's Internet world (it talks about setting your typewriter tabs), but the basics are good. You can only find it used now, but there are other formatting books out there and I strongly recommend that every writer have one, be it this one or not. The appearance of your manuscript makes your first impression to an editor or agent. Make sure it looks good.
Want to try something different?
Screenplay by Syd Field - Syd Field is a screenwriting guru and this book has been around at least 20 years teaching writers the structure of the basic screenplay. It will help you plot out your story, show you proper screenplay format, and much more. If you're a novelist looking to adapt your book, it even outlines what will and won't work on film. Field has many other screenwriting books but this one is the best one to start with if you've never written a script. Delta published its latest edition in 2005 and you can get it on Amazon.com for $10.88.
Creating Short Fiction: The Classic Guide to Writing Short Fiction by Damon Knight - I liked this book because it explained plotting to me in terms I could understand. I have yet to master it, but I do understand it. Like the other books on this list, it is enjoyable to read as well as instructive. Even if you don't want to write short stories, this is a good reference to have if you want to learn how to conserve your words but still give your idea life. It is from St. Martin's Griffin and sells for $10.46 on Amazon.com.
Need affirmation?
Dare to be a Great Writer by Leonard Bishop - I was sorry to see this book is no longer in print. (You can find copies on Alibris.com and from private sellers on Amazon.com). This is a great book to read before you send out your manuscript, after you get your first rejection slip or whenever you need to be reminded that you're a great writer. It's like having Dr. Phil at the ready on your bookshelf. I've read all of it but I didn't read straight through. Often I'd just flip through until I found the pages and the words I needed at that particular time.
There are other books out there that offer advice and instruction--I have many more myself--but I will probably never part with these six.
Irish author Paul Kildoff will answer your questions about writing and his new book Ruinair as he kicks off his Virtual Book Tour here at 3 Questions...and Answers May 19. Read more and leave your questions here by 6pm EDT Friday, May 16.
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