Full disclosure: I don’t read writing books as much as I maybe should. I tend to wing things, or read blog posts, or take courses (mostly wing things… I’m working on it). But I do have a pretty decent writing resource library, and I have actually read a few of the books in it, and they’re worth recommending, so here are five writing books that I’ve found helpful. (Images are affiliate links for BookShop. This means that if you buy through these links I’ll get a commission at no extra cost to you. And BookShop is awesome because they support local U.S. bookstores!)
1. The Extroverted Writer by Amanda Luedeke
This is a short book, but has a bunch of helpful information on building a platform, what size your platform really should be, what platforms to use, etc. Definitely helpful for us indies, in particular, but really for all writers.
2. Project Canvas by Caroline Meek and Olivia Rogers
While the copy-editing for this book leaves something to be desired, the actual content is really good. The articles in this book cover everything from worldbuilding to overcoming writer’s block to editing to blogging to specific genre tips, and they’re written by young authors from 11 different countries. This is a super awesome resource and I found it really inspiring.
3. Platform by Michael Hyatt
This is another marketing book that I found really helpful, especially for discovering how to promote my work without sounding salesy and how to better utilize my website. (I should go back and give myself a refresher. :P) If actually incorporated (something I’m bad at with writing books), the info in here could make a huge difference to your platform.
4. Storyworld First by Jill Williamson
This is one I’ve talked about multiple times before because it’s a really helpful book. It’s another that’s pretty small but has a ton of helpful information. You could spend weeks working straight through this book, if not longer. (Just don’t get worldbuilder’s disease.) My copy has way too many sticky notes in it.
5. Writing Vivid Settings by Rayne Hall
If you want some practical tips for making your description accurate and genuine, check out this book. In addition to the five basic senses, it tackles lighting, weather, what to best describe during climax scenes or opening scenes, etc. It’s super in-depth and helpful.
These look great!! And I really need to read a discription book… I will look into Writing Vivid Settings, maybe my library has it. Thanks!
I hope you’re able to find it! :)
I’ve heard so much about Project Canvas, just haven’t gotten my hands on it yet. But I did get the book on editing by GTW recently, so I hope to go through that soon.
Ooh, that one’s on my wish list. I hope it’s super helpful! :)