On My Bookshelf
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I have a dangerous love for books on craft—and now a sturdier bookshelf to support my collection!
Any time I find a great book or resource for writers, I’m quick to share. For new writers and more seasoned authors alike, here are some of the best resources I’ve found so far.
** I’m not affiliated with any of the products on this list.
These are simply resources I’ve found helpful and shared with authors. **
Have a suggestion for a resource that’s helped you?
Books on the Basics
Secrets of Story by Matt Bird
A great overview of all the necessary elements of a properly constructed story. Matt includes a wealth of tips for executing craft tips on characters, setting, dialogue, structure, and more.
Save the Cat by Blake Snyder
Famous among authors for a reason! This book breaks down story structure in an easily digestible series of beats you need to meet for readers to feel the story progressing. Based of screenwriting, but you’ll be shocked how many of your favorite novels follow this structure (it’s what people expect of story).
Creating Characters: The Complete Guide to Populating Your Fiction (Creative Writing Essentials) by the Writers Digest Editors
Writers Digest resources are great, and this book explains how to create characters that feel so real to readers. Think of your favorite literary characters: They are complex, nuanced, and completely engineered to steal your heart. This book compiles all the critical elements needed to bring your characters to life.
Diving Deeper
The Emotional Craft of Fiction by Donald Maas
Donald Mass is an agent whose books break down what stories need. This particular book goes beyond the mechanics of writing to make sure the pages you’re drafting capture the tone, emotional elements, and the depth of the story inside you. If you want to know how to make your readers feel what you feel, this book is for you.
Dazzling Dialogue by James Scott Bell
Dialogue can be tricky—it’s not real conversation, but it should feel real. Not sure how to achieve that? This book lays it all out.
The First Five Pages by Noah Lukeman
Hooking readers from the very first page is critical, and also one of the most difficult parts of the manuscript to get right. Fix the most common errors listed in this book, and you’ll already be leagues beyond the average manuscript.
Story Fix by Larry Brooks
If you’ve written your first (or second) draft and something’s not working, but you can’t figure out what specifically to fix, this book is an immensely helpful resource. Set your manuscript aside, clear your head for a few weeks, then read this book. By the time you get back to your story, you’ll most likely know exactly where things went wrong and what you might need to do to fix it.
Podcasts
Helping Writers Become Authors
K.M. Weiland’s bite-sized podcasts make for easy consumption, but don’t be fooled! The depth she can reach in a 15-minute episode will surprise you. Many, many great tips in here. An excellent place for beginners.
How do You Write?
Ever feel like you need a writing friend and cheerleader? Rachel Herron’s positive attitude is like a warm hug reminding you that you can write, and that you will finish that book. She teaches memoir and shares so many helpful tips.
Story Grid Podcast
For writers drawn to structure, the story grid method can be very helpful. This podcast breaks it down and uses real-world examples to make story structure more digestible.
The Creative Penn
If you’ve got questions about self publishing, Joanna Penn has likely covered them. She’s got a wealth of resources and stays on top of a rapidly changing industry.
The Manuscript Academy
For writers who’ve finished their final draft and feel ready to query agents—listen to this podcast first to hear agents describe what works and what doesn’t.
The Sh-t No One Tells You About Writing
Honest talk about the writing process, with lots of great interviews with authors who shared their struggles.
Beautiful Writers Podcast
If you need inspiration via interviews with successful authors, this is a great collection.
Writers on Writing
Bird by Bird by Anne Lamont
A classic, wonderful collection on stories that remind us to keep doing the work, word by word.
How I Write: Secrets of a Bestselling Author by Janet Evanovich
So many writers write about writing, but if you need something a little less serious that still has nuggets of practical advice, this book is for you.
On Writing by Stephen King
Everybody reads this for a reason—we’re all hoping to find the keys to runaway publishing success. His advice is good, and it works for him. If you’re looking for tips, this is a must-read, even if only to know what everybody is talking about.
Pity the Ready by Kurt Vonnegut
I enjoyed the perspective of approaching everything with the reader in mind. Great stories, valuable insight, and a different perspective on how authors find success.
… And many more! Have questions about writing craft or the publishing process? Get in touch and I can likely share additional resources.
(Also let me know if I’m missing any good ones!)