Books on Writing - An Annotated List

Theory and Inspiration

• The Art of Fiction: Notes on Craft for Young Writers - John Gardner
  -- This book is densely packed, and should probably only be attempted by the intermediate/advanced writer. Part I is Notes on Literary-Aesthetic Theory, covering a) aesthetic law and artistic mystery, b) basic skills, genre, and fiction as dream, c) interest and truth, d) metafiction, deconstruction and jazzing around. Part II is Notes on the Fiction Process, covering a) common errors, b) technique, and c) plotting. The sections are followed by some exercises. This book is full of wise advice and clear judgements, and I have found it a source of inspiration and support. It could be intimidating to a beginner, as the material is highly literary and advanced. Highly recommended.

• Writing Down the Bones, Natalie Goldberg
  -- Writing Down the Bones is a wonderful inspiration book for writers. In its one-two page chapters, it mixes practical writing advice, a plethora of exercises, and Zen buddhism to produce a supportive, exciting book. The sort of book you can pick up and open at any random page; the sort of book that reminds you of the important things you know deep down. A great book for writers at all stages. Highly recommended.

  Writing Practice

• The Creative Process, Bunke/Tinsley
  -- The Creative Process is a practical resource that walks you through the writing process. While it can't teach you how to write, it is a great place to go for reminders and tips on any given stage. The first section, "Discovering Material", discusses such techniques as using sensory impressions, memories and dreams to find your story. The second section "Exploring Technique", covers such areas as focusing tension, showing vs. telling (with a subsection on when telling works), making connections and choosing a point of view. The third section, "Developing Form", discusses shaping a work, the poem (in many forms, from found poetry to to formal sonnets), the story and the essay. An up-to-date guide with exercises and many literary examples throughout, this sensible book is careful to give you plenty of caveats along with its guidelines. Especially appropriate for the intermediate writer. Highly recommended.

• Self-Editing for Fiction Writers, Browne and King
  HarperPerennial 1993
  -- very helpful once you've finished a work - looking for ways to spruce up. Chapters on everything from Show and Tell to Dialogue Mechanics to Voice. - Joan

  The Business of Writing

• How to Write Irresistible Query Letters, Lisa Collier Cool - Writer's Digest Books 1987.
  This is more geared toward magazine articles but it has really good info about how to query successfully. - Joan