Writing Resources: Best Books on Writing

I most often write horror and fantasy, so the books here are those that I've found most useful in general for fiction writing. That isn't to say that other writers won't find them useful, just that they're recommended specifically by their value to someone who writes fiction. Titles in gold indicate my favorite books, what I consider must-reads.

General Writing

So You Want To Write, Marge Piercey and Ira Wood

Good, solid general purpose book for fiction writing. The character questionnaire at the beginning of the book alone makes this book worth having. Plus, I think this particular book uses more good examples of actual prose to make points than most writing books I've read.

How to Write & Sell Your First Novel, Oscar Collier

I liked this one because it's an excellent look at the novel-writing process from start to finish, with an eye toward developing good writing habits in general. The inspirational stories toward the end are great, too, showing us how popular authors started out.

Writing Philosophy

On Writing, Stephen King

Probably one of the best books on writing I've had the pleasure of picking up, one that anyone who wants to put pen to paper should read. Written with a sense of humor and full of advice and experience.

The Forest For The Trees- An Editor's Advice to Writers, Betsey Lerner

Another excellent book that covers not only the process of writing a novel, but publishing, from the point of view of a publisher.

References and Other

The Writer's Digest Character-Naming Sourcebook, Sherrilyn Kenyon et al

A useful resource listing thousands of names from different parts of the world, including meanings. Slightly more useful than a baby names book because it includes information on surnames as well.

The Howdunit Series, various authors

A must-have for writers of mysteries, crime, and action. Each title is written by an expert in the field, ranging from Private Investigation to Forensics to Law Enforcement. Ever wonder how an autopsy is performed, what a knife fight is really like, how con men work? All the answers are here.

Fondling the Muse, John Warner

I have mixed feelings about this book. While it's very tongue-in-cheek and entertaining, I don't really feel that it gives any useful advice. It's more a parody of writing advice, and while someone familiar with the general writing world will probably find it very funny and true, it's really not the kind of book someone should pick up to learn to write. So I'm classifying it as "other", specifically writing humor.

Murder and Mayhem, D.P. Lyle, MD

Another reference book where a doctor answers some of the most common questions by mystery and crime writers about causes of death and other trauma. It's written in clear, concise language, with a bit of humor, and it's fascinating just what kind of odd and creative situations writers come up with!

Best Books On Writing

General Writing

Writing Philosophy

References and Other