Writing Resources

Here are a few recommended books from my own shelves and courses I’ve taken, or programs personally used, to help you improve your writing. There may also be those that I have reviewed and feel would be of great benefit to you. These will be updated often—so be sure to check back.

* Some of the listings with links may be affiliate links, including Amazon links, which means I may receive a small commission if you purchase the book, program, or course, but it does not in any way affect the cost you pay for it. If you need to know more, you may check the affiliate statements in the footer of each web page.

BEST WRITING PROGRAM:

• Scrivener—best overall writing program for fiction or non-fiction. It allows you to keep all of your research—including web pages, notes, photos—in one place along with your manuscript plus much more.

PROGRAMS, BOOKS, COURSES FOR SCREENWRITERS:

Screenwriting programs, courses, and books are not just for screenwriters. They will help any writer learn to structure story more effectively. If you follow through and write the screenplay, you will also have an effective outline for your book, including most of the dialogue and your major settings. It will make writing the novel so much easier—and you may well end up with two products to market.

• Final Draft—I feel this is the most useful program for composing your screenplay, and it is highly regarded in the film industry.

• ScreenwritingU Not an affiliate link. You may take individual online classes from ScreenwritingU, but I highly recommend beginning with their ProSeries for in-depth screenwriting training, which you could just as easily apply to novel writing for every facet of writing an amazing story.

• Story by Robert McKee—there is no one better to learn from than Mr. McKee, whether you are writing a screenplay or a novel, even your memoir. All stories must have substance, structure, and style. He teaches the principles of screenwriting, and in my personal experience screenplays are great outlines for novels. Robert McKee is a master of the craft. I have attended his seminars in person in L.A., have his book, and when he says something, I listen.

• The Anatomy of Story by John Truby—22 steps to become a master storyteller using Truby's system; works for screenplays or novels.

As well, Mr. Truby has online training both general and specific to genres. Check it out: Truby Genre Training (This is not an affiliate link.)

• Dr. Format Tells All by Dave Trotter, also author of The Screenwriter's Bible—tells you everything you need to know about how to format your screenplay (which you can then do in Final Draft).

BOOKS TO HELP YOU BECOME A BETTER WRITER - FICTION:

Bear in mind, however, that many fiction techniques can successfully work in non-fiction as well. I will frequently be adding more books and courses for all categories, including non-fiction and for content copywriting. In the meantime, I hope you find these help you become a better writer.

WRITING BOOKS BY DONALD MAASS—Donald Maass owns a literary agency in New York and represents 100 of some of the best novelists of our time. The Donald Maas Literary Agency is a literary agency for professional novelists. His pioneering work and writing about the development of fiction careers has made DMLA a leading agency for fiction writers.

• The Emotional Craft of Fiction—write the story beneath the surface with a moving narration that creates an emotional response in your readers.

• Writing the Breakout Novel—Insider advice for taking your fiction to the next level; and, be sure to get the workbook to go with it. Writing the Breakout Novel Workbook—Hands-on help for making your novel stand out and succeed. This companion workbook perfectly complements the writing book.

• The Fire in Fiction,—passion, purpose, and techniques to make your novel great. We've all read them: novels by our favorite authors that disappoint. Uninspired and lifeless, we wonder what happened. Something similar is true of a great many unpublished manuscripts. They are okay stories that never take flight. They don't grip the imagination, let alone the heart. They merit only a shrug and a polite dismissal by agents and editors.

It doesn't have to be that way. In The Fire in Fiction, successful literary agent and author Donald Maass shows you not only how to infuse your story with deep conviction and fiery passion, but how to do it over and over again.

• Writing 21st Century Fiction: High Impact Techniques for Exceptional Storytelling—Capture the minds, hearts, and imaginations of 21st century readers! Whether you're a commercial storyteller or a literary novelist, whether your goal is to write a best-selling novel or captivate readers with a satisfying, beautifully written story, the key to success is the same: high-impact fiction. This book will help you write a novel for today's readers and market, filled with rich characters, compelling plots, and resonant themes.

WRITING BOOKS BY ELIZABETH GEORGE—Elizabeth George has long been my all–time favorite author. While I love the works of other authors, too, she is always at the top of my list. I especially love her extensive vocabulary and that she does not fear to use it in her novels.

I am only listing below her two non–fiction books about writing, but Elizabeth George has over 23 published novels (primarily crime fiction). She has won many awards and her work has been translated into more than 21 different languages. George has written a multitude of novels that have topped the bestsellers list. Eleven of her novels were adapted for the BBC television series, The Inspector Lynley Mysteries.

Now we can learn about writing from this amazing author through her books.

• Mastering the Process—George offers readers a master class in the art and science of crafting a novel. This is a subject she knows well, having taught creative writing both nationally and internationally for over thirty years. In these pages, Elizabeth George takes us behind the scenes through each step of her writing process, revealing exactly what it takes to craft a novel.

• Write Away: One Writer’s Approach to the Novel—“Here’s what I tell my students on the first day when I teach one of my creative writing courses: You will be published if you possess three qualities:talent, passion, and discipline.” (Elizabeth George quote)

In Write Away, New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth George offers would–be writers exactly what they need to know about how to construct a novel. She provides a detailed overview of the craft and gives helpful instruction on all elements of writing, from setting and plot to technique and process. George’s solid understanding of the craft is conveyed in the enticing manner of a true storyteller, making Write Away not only a marvelous, interesting, and informative book but also a glimpse inside the world of a beloved writer.

“I have a love–hate relationship with the writing life. I wouldn’t wish to have any other kind of life . . . and on the other hand, I wish it were easier. And it never is. The reward comes sentence by sentence. The reward comes in the unexpected inspiration. The reward comes from creating a character who lives and breathes and is perfectly real. But such effort it takes to attain the reward! I would never have believed it would take such effort.” (Elizabeth George quote)

WRITING BOOKS BY JAMES SCOTT BELL—James Scott Bell is not only a successful award-winning author of thrillers, he is a successful non-fiction author of books for writers, including books about writing and editing.

• Write Your Novel From The Middle: A New Approach for Plotters, Pantsers and Everyone in Between—What if it’s not the beginning or the end that is the key to a successful book? What if, amazing as it may seem, the place to begin writing your novel is the middle of the story?

According to #1 bestselling writing teacher James Scott Bell, that's exactly where you'll find your story's heart and heat. Bell’s “Mirror Moment” is the secret, and its power is available to any writer, at any stage of the writing process.

• How to Write Dazzling Dialogue—the fastest way to improve any book.

• Super Structure—the key to unleasing the power of story.

• The Last Fifty Pages—how to write unforgettable endings. What are the secrets for writing a great ending for your novel? How do you leave readers so satisfied that they'll want another book by you—right now? In this book, International Thriller Writers Award winner and #1 bestselling writing teacher James Scott Bell reveals the answer.

• Plotman to the Rescue: A Troubleshooting Guide to Fixing Your Toughest Plot Problems—practical, easy–to–apply answers to the most vexing plot questions writers face.

• Voice—the secret power of great writing. What is the single greatest secret to a breakout writing career? It’s VOICE. Everyone talks about it, yet no one seems able to define it. Voice has therefore been the most elusive aspect of the entire writing craft to teach. James Scott Bell reveals the true source of voice, and what any writer in any genre can do to capture it for their own work.

• Writing Unforgettable Characters: How to Create Story People Who Jump Off the Page—What will take your fiction from good to great? From decent to dazzling? From lackluster to blockbuster? Characters who “jump off the page.” Of course plot matters. So does conflict, and scenes, and every other aspect of the fiction craft. But without unforgettable characters, your books will always be less than they could be.

• 27 Fiction Writing Blunders and How Not to Make Them! —Ever wonder why some books shoot to the top of the bestseller lists? And others that you think should, don’t? It’s usually a matter of mistakes that could have been avoided. Don’t let little mistakes keep you from big success. Eliminate these 27 blunders forever . . . and sell more books!

• The Mental Game of Writing: How to Overcome Obstacles, Stay Creative and Productive, and Free Your Mind for Success—All success begins in the mind. For writers, the mind fuels the imagination and creates stories. Successful writers have the ability to inspire themselves to produce consistently, improve systematically, overcome obstacles and keep up a positive mental attitude. James Scott Bell shows you not only how to stay on your game, but how to improve it. He gives you insights, strategies, and techniques for blasting through walls and jumping over hurdles, setting you free to concentrate on what you love most— writing.

• How to Make a Living as a Writer—It’s the best time on earth to be a writer. More writers are making money today than at any other time in history. For centuries few have been able to support themselves from the quill or the keyboard alone. Not anymore. With the rise of ebooks and indie publishing there are now more opportunities than ever for writers to generate substantial income from their work. And there is still a traditional publishing industry that needs new talent to keep growing. Learn how to do it with this book.

OTHER VALUABLE WRITING BOOKS:

It may seem odd to you, but a great way to explore a new character’s feelings and behavior could be through assigning that character a sun sign. When I first discovered the ways astrology could be used to enhance a character, I was fascinated.

• Linda Goodman’s Sun Signs—I have had this book since it first came out and it is always my first go–to when I’m thinking about a new character. Her sense of humor makes it a fun read. She also has Linda Goodman’s Love Signs, which can help you develop your character’s love life. I enjoy these books as starting places for the foibles and virtues of a character.

• The Thirty-Six Dramatic Situations by Georges Polti—outlines the basic situations or plots with examples in both ancient and modern times, and how to use them to craft your own story.

• 45 Master Characters by Victoria Lynn Schmidt—mythic models for creating original characters.

• Conceptual Blockbusting by James L. Adams—celebrates the joys of creativity with examples and references to unleash your own creativity; identifies key blocks (perceptual, emotional, cultural, environmental, intellectual, and expressive) that contribute to the process.

• Writing the Paranormal Novel by Steven Harper—techniques and exercises for weaving supernatural elements into your story.

• The Truth of Memoir by Kerry Cohen—how to write about yourself and others with honesty, emotion, and integrity.

• Naked, Drunk, and Writing by Adair Lara—shed your inhibitions and craft a memorable memoir or essay.

• Fearless Confessions by Sue William Silverman—Ms. Silverman says: “…writing memory, writing what we remember, is a creative act. We interpret facts about the past in order to reclaim them, make sense of them.” She shows you how to do that in her book.

• Building Better Plots by Robert Kernen—plot is the key to great storytelling whether you write novels or screenplays. This books gives a hands-on approach with instruction, illustrations, fill-in charts, quizzes, timelines, and more.

• Beginnings, Middles, and Ends by Nancy Kress—elements of fiction, and she does a great job of helping you understand them and write them well.

• Creating Character Arcs by K. M. Weiland—the masterful author’s guide to uniting story structure, plot, and character development.

• Writing Active Hooks by Mary Buckham.

• Romancing the Beat by Gwen Hayes—how to write kissing books; story structure for romance novels.

• The Joy of Writiing Sex by Elizabeth Benedict—a guide for fiction writers; interviews, examples, and advice from today's most celebrated writers.

• “I Give You My Body…” How I Write Sex Scenes by Diana Gabaldon—no more needs to be said!

• Writing the Popular Novel by Loren D. Estleman, foreword by John Lescroart—a comprehensive guide to crafting fiction that sells.

• Save the Cat! Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody—the last book on novel writing you’ll ever need, so states the cover.

• Word Magic by Cindy Rogers—power your writing to publication; your source for language that enchants, empowers, convinces, and wins readers.

• Mystery Writer’s Handbook by the Mystery Writers of America, edited by Lawrence Treat—this book can help shorten your apprenticeship to the mystery writer’s craft, and help you make crime pay.

• The Writer’s Complete Crime Reference Book by Martin Roth—get the facts on surveillance tactics, police, FBI, investigatory, and courtroom procedures to make your story authentic.

• Novelist’s Essential Guide to Creating Plot by J. Madison Davis, a Writer’s Digest Book.

• Novelist’s Essential Guide to Crafting Scenes by Raymond Obstfeld, a Writer’s Digest Book.

• How to Write Non-Fiction by Joanna Penn—turn your knowledge into words.

• First Draft in 30 Days by Karen S. Wiesner—a novel writer’s system for building a complete and cohesive manuscript.

• How to Write While You Sleep by Elizabeth Irvin Ross—and other surprising ways to increase your writing power. And who wouldn’t want to write while sleeping, think of all the time that would save! I did find some of the techniques helpful, and I’m sure you would, too.