I'm Trying to Get a Book Published! discussion

Since the goal of every author is to improve their writing skills, I figured I'd start a thread to feature books that gives great advice on how to improve your writing. If you have a book on writing that you would like to share with the group please post it here.

Here are a few books that I found immensely helpful in becoming a better writer. Not only do these books give great advice. They are also a lot of fun to read. I highly recommend that you guys check them out:

On Writing by Stephen King

Plot by Ansen Dibell

How to Write Science Fiction & Fantasy by Orson Scott Card

The Elements of Style by E.B. White and William Strunk Jr.

When Words Collide A Media Writer's Guide to Grammar and Style

The Writer's Journey Mythic Structure for Writers by Christopher Vogler

Writing the Breakout Novel by Donald Maas

Write Great Fiction Plot & Structure by James Scott Bell.

Story Substance, Structure, Style and The Principles of Screenwriting by Robert McKee.

"Bird by Bird" by A. Lamont is also fun and a good additional read to King's "On Writing."

Depending on what kind of writing help you're looking for, "Zen and the Art of Writing" by Bradbury can also be good. It's certainly a goad.

I agree, Victoria. Zen and the Art of Writing is a great recommendation. I haven't heard of Bird by Bird. I'll have to check that one out.

Thanks for creating this thread, Kevis! I'm always looking for good books to read on writing. :) I've read parts of On Writing, How to Write Science Fiction & Fantasy, and The Elements of Style. I'll have to check out your other suggestions. :D

♥ Brigid ♥ wrote: "Thanks for creating this thread, Kevis! I'm always looking for good books to read on writing. :) I've read parts of On Writing, How to Write Science Fiction & Fantasy, and The Elements of Style. I'..."

Brigid,

Looks like you are way ahead of the game. I didn't read any of those books until I was much older than you. I am impressed!

:) lol thanks!

100 Ways to Improve Your Writing by Gary Provost

Elements of Fiction Writing: Characters & Viewpoint
by Orson Scott Card

What's Your Story? A Young Person's Guide to Writing
Fiction by Marion Dane Bauer

and for finding info on publishers and such

Writer's Market (2010)

the one by dwigt v swain sounds interesting

Lyssa wrote: "If you want to write-Brenda Ueland
Creating Characters-Dwight V. Swain
(I am currently reading these)"

Lyssa,

Thanks for the suggestion. I'm going to check this book out.

Oh wow.. this thread is so helpful!! =)

Kevis already mentioned some of my favorite books, but I also like this one:

Manuscript Makeover by Elizabeth Lyon.

The books that I find I read over and over again are the ones by Julia Cameron, not necessarily the 6-8 week workshop books, but the smaller inspirational THE SOUND OF PAPER or THE RIGHT TO WRITE. I received enough rejection slips to wallpaper every room in the house before my books were published. I needed Julia's stress on indulging in the passion of writing (as opposed to concentrating solely on the business side) it keep me balanced and hopeful. And I still do.

Kathy-Diane
Author of LET THE SHADOWS FALL BEHIND YOU
http://kathy-dianeleveille.com

writing magic by Gail Carson Levine

Writing Magic was useful, but it was geared towards a younger audience.

I've read On Writing by Stephen King, and that was probably the most useful. :)