Hello Readers,

I thought I’d share about some of my favorite writing books I’ve collected over the years. Feel free to add yours also!

In no particular order: Writer Mama by Christina Katz

Writer Mama by Christina Katz–a book for mom writers everywhere

This book offers great suggestions for moms who want to get started in writing (mostly magazine or blog articles) and ways to get writing done around the kids in the house.

The Writer’s Little Helper by James V. Smith, Jr.

Small and colorful, The Writer’s Little Helper by James V. Smith, Jr.

I love this small but very useful book. The colors are a welcome respite from constant black and white of most books. The size makes it easy to carry in a small bag or purse and it has so many useful tips. One of my favorites: “Never write description. Description implies stopping the story to write colorful stuff. Instead, create powerful imagery.” from the chapter Imagery Versus Description, page 18. Lovely stuff. As a matter of fact, I need to reread it.

Next up: Writer to Writer by Bodie and Brock Thoene

Writer to Writer by Bodie and Brock Thoene, my first writing book I purchased

I bought this book for $6.95 in 1990. It was my first book on writing I ever purchased and still has the receipt in it from B Dalton. This book gave me an introduction to a writer’s life, what it might be like, what it would take, and how to get there. I still read through it every so often. (BTW, the authors’, last name is pronounced Tay-knee, which I heard at a conference years ago. I have not had the privilege of meeting them, however.)

And, finally, How to Write What You Love and Make a Living at It by Dennis E. Hensley, Ph.D.

How to Write What You Love by ‘Doc Hensley’, another favorite

I have had the privilege of meeting ‘Doc Hensley’ and having the ‘pleasure’ of him critiquing one of my earlier manuscripts. That one had a lot of red marks on it. 🙂

I have heard him teach at conferences and trust his advice. And well I should. He has written thousands of articles, over thirty books, and teaches writing at Taylor University.

This book is like a conference in mini-form and covers many aspects of writing from how to become a freelance writer, what to write about, marketing strategies and a whole lot in between. I need to read this one again, too.

What are your favorite books or tools for writing? Share with us!

Happy writing!

~~Michelle