For Writers
I’m really big on supporting writers. I strongly suggest that if you want to write, build a wonderful group of cheerleaders that can help you and are going through the same thing.
Along with joining a writer’s group, it’s really important to hone your craft and work your story. I didn’t start pitching my first YA until it was polished so much that I thought I could see my reflection in it. Make your work the best it can be. Here are a few books that I suggest you pick up if you want to write a novel.
- Story: Robert Mckee
- On Writing: Steven King
- Writing the Breakout Novel: Donald Mass
- The Writer’s Toolkit: Bob Mayer
- Goal, Motivation and Conflict: Deb Dixon
If you have specific problems with grammar, sentence structure, etc. Here are a few books I recommend:
- The Elements of Style: William Strunk and E.B. White
- Clean, Well-lighted Sentences: Janice Bell
- You Just Don’t Understand: Debra Tannen
If you’re at the end of your rope and it’s time for you to sit down and revise, then here are two books that I find invaluable:
- Manuscript Makeover: Elizabeth Lyon
- Writing the Breakout Novel Workbook: Donald Mass
I have quotes in the ‘advice for writers’ tab if you want to take a look and get inspired. I also offer workshops for writers groups if anyone is interested in hearing me speak. And remember, Keep Writing!
“Read, read, read. Read everything—trash, classics, good and bad, and see how they do it. Just like a carpenter who works as an apprentice and studies the most. Read! You’ll absorb it. Then write. If it is good, you’ll find out. If it’s not, throw it out the window.”
- William Faulkner