Thursday Review—Comprehensive List of Resources for Writers

by Lynn H. Blackburn

I’ve had the privilege of guest posting here for 3 ½ years. I’ve written about everything from NaNoWriMo to how to keep your word count up during the holidays. But most of the time, I review books about writing. Short books and long books. Easy reads and deep dives into craft. Books that cover specific topics in depth and books that touch on almost everything a writer might encounter in their career.

Sometimes we need something to remind of us why we write. Sometimes we need something to help us through a sagging middle or a pesky re-write. Sometimes we just need something that makes us laugh. And sometimes, we know we’ve read a review, but we can’t remember where or when. So to make things a touch easier, I’ve compiled a handy reference. This is by no means a comprehensive list of books on writing, but it is a list of my reviews here at The Write Conversation.

*Bonus tip—Books marked with an asterisk are quick reads or are broken up into short chapters so you can read them even if you think you don’t have time to read.

Craft-Craft-Craft

Plot and Structure by James Scott Bell

Revision and Self-Editing by James ScottBell (this review was written by my dear friend Mary Denman)

Conflict and Suspense by James ScottBell

The First 50 Pages by Jeff Gerke

Getting Into Character by BrandilynCollins

The Dance of Character and Plot by DiAnnMills

*TheEmotion Thesaurus by Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi

*Writer’sDigest

Inspiration, Encouragement, or maybe a swift kick to the seat of the pants

Rumors of Water by L. L. Barkat

Unleash the Writer Within by CecilMurphey

*The Art of War for Writers by JamesScott Bell (Edie wrote this review)

*Write Every Day by Cathy Yardley

On Writing by Steven King

*Acceptable Words edited by Gary D.Schmidt and Elizabeth Stickney

Pen on Fire by Barbara DeMarco Barrett

*Writing Fiction for All You’re Worth byJames Scott Bell

The War of Art by Steven Pressfield

Writing Related

Scrivener- Part 1

Scrivener- Part 2

Moreabout Scrivener - Part 1

Moreabout Scriverner - Part 2

How to Find Out Anything by Don MacLeod

I hope you find this list helpful and I’d love to hear about your favorite books on the craft so don’t forget to join the conversation!

TWEETABLE

Looking for a book or program for writers? @Lynnhblackburn and @EdieMelson have the comprehensive list for you! (Click to Tweet)

Lynn Huggins Blackburn has been telling herself stories since she was five and finally started writing them down. She blogs about faith, family, and her writing journey on her blog Out of the Boat. Lynn is a member of the Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild and the Word Weavers, Greenville. She lives in South Carolina where she hangs out with three lively children, one fabulous man, and a cast of imaginary characters who find their way onto the pages of her still unpublished novels. She drinks a lot of coffee.