Resources for Writers

Books

A hard copy of the dictionary, your choice (It's hard to go wrong with Webster's).  Why use a hard copy instead of digital?  Discovery value. You will frequently discover new words on your way to look up the word you originally intended. Besides, what will you do when the internet is down?

A hard copy of a thesaurus, your choice. Same reason.

The Emotional Thesaurus: A Writer's Guide to Character Expression by Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi. I loved this book because it has helped me understand my own characters much better.

Self-Editing for Fiction Writers: How to Edit Yourself into Print by Renni Browne and Dave King.  Once you're finally ready to start editing that work, this will be a great resource for you. Just remember not to try editing your work while you're trying write it!

Character and Viewpoint by Orson Scott Card. This book changed my understanding of point-of-view for the better.

How to Write Science Fiction and Fantasy by Orson Scott Card. If you write Science Fiction and Fantasy, you need this book. After all, it's by the guy who wrote the science fiction classic Ender's Game.  It has been an indispensable resource for me.

Steering the Craft: Exercises and Discussions on Story Writing for the Lone Navigator or the Mutinous Crew by Ursula K. Le Guin. This is full of all kinds of great tips, including examples from the writings of others.

Word Painting by Rebecca McClanahan. Want to write gorgeous, descriptive prose? This book is for you.

The Elements of Style by William Strunk, Jr. and E.B. White. This slim book fits into a purse or cargo pants pocket, and it has helped me understand good writing style. Plus, E.B. White wrote one of my all-time favorite children's books, Charlotte's Web.

 Resources for Christian Writers

(These resources are useful for anyone, but they are written from a Christian worldview.  While I am a Christian, it is not my goal to use this blog to proselytize anyone. However, I cannot separate my faith from my identity.)

The Roar on the Other Side: A Guide for Student Poets by Suzanne U. Clark. This is an excellent introduction to the art of writing poetry.

Reading Between the Lines: A Christian Guide to Reading Literature by Gene Edward Veith, Jr. I recommend this book because understanding how to read literature also helps you understand how to write it. Also, if you happen to be a Christian writer and are wondering whether something you're writing might not reflect well on your faith, this will really help you figure that out in a non-legalistic way. (As a bonus, Veith happens to be the same denomination as me, so if you happen to be a Missouri Synod Lutheran, you'll probably love this even more!)