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I use Webster's II New College Dictionary most of the time, although I have Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary as well. But any good dictionary will help you with definitions and spellings and, for those special occasions, with word origins and date of first usage. (In case you're wondering whether your heroine from 1750 would use the word "cool" to describe something that's spectacular or interesting. And the answer is NO.)
A good thesaurus
Yeah, I know there's one built-in to whatever word processor you're using, but it's not as thorough as a really good one; in fact, it really only operates like a smart dictionary. I have a huge Bartlett's Roget's Thesaurus from Little, Brown. It took a while for me to really, truly learn how to use it properly, but it has resulted in some startlingly better word choices for me from time to time.
The Elements of Style
What do you mean, you hate that book? You're just saying that because visions of English 101 still haunt you. Don't just buy it: READ IT! My personal favorite rule is #17:" Omit needless words", beautiful not only for its advice but for the way form meets function. However, there's lots of good stuff here. Like practical advice on not overwriting, or sticking to plain speech instead of using fancy words. Plus helpful info for folks who can't remember how to form possessives properly, or when to use certain pronouns (its and it's, say).
Perhaps my favorite of all writing books, offering inspiration, encouragement, honesty, humor and practical tips. Call me crazy, but I prefer the original, golden-tan cover to the black and white mass market paperback. Since I read this one often, I'm glad I bought the hardcover, but at least spring for the trade paperback!
Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life
This book offers inspiration and encouragement for writers
Dojo Wisdom for Writers: 100 Simple Ways to Become a More Inspired, Successful, and Fearless Writer
The subtitle is longer than most of the 100 tips. Each is based on the author's martial arts training, and each comes with a specific exercise that applies the saying to a writing life.
It's a woman's prerogative to include books in more than one category. Stephen King's book offers practical tips about writing and submissions, and who better than an author who has sold a bajillion books to give advice?
You Can Write Children's Books
Also, there's the You Can Write Children's Books Workbook from the same author. Both offer concrete, specific advice to get you started in the world of children's books. I'm not sure I totally understand the benefit of having both of them, but it could be that the Workbook came too late for me in my personal process.
Picture Writing: A New Approach to Writing for Kids and Teens
One of the best resources on the market for writing for young people. Also, one of the most challenging: it requires discipline and effort and time. But Anastasia is an excellent teacher: if you follow the program, you'll end up with decent work product. Something you can feel comfortable showing to other people for feedback.
The Marshall Plan for Novel Writing
There's also a workbook for this one: The Marshall Plan Workbook: Writing Your Novel from Start to Finish. My sense of honesty compels me to say that I've not used his method yet, but only because I haven't started my next novel. The first one I started before I got this book, and it lies languishing in the back of my brain, having stalled out some time ago. Perhaps because it doesn't seem to have a true conflict. But I digress: Marshall's book will help you get an idea, develop it, and see your novel through with nearly military precision. My friend Heather is working her way through her first novel using the book (and, I believe, the workbook), and vouches for it at every turn. That's good enough for me.
How to Write a Damn Good Novel!: A Step-by-Step, No-Nonsense Guide to Dramatic Storytelling
This one came highly recommended at a few conferences I attended. Frey is accessible and funny, and provides solid writing advice. Not as rigid as Marshall's plan, but an excellent source of information and useful tips.
How to Write Attention-Grabbing Query & Cover Letters
Terrific resource for folks who are ready to send their manuscripts or magazine articles out into the world. Provides how-to (and, for illustration purposes, how NOT to) tips for preparing query and cover letters.
Self-Editing for Fiction Writers, Second Edition: How to Edit Yourself Into Print
Excellent resource on revising and refining your work to get it ready to send to editors and/or agents. The one book on revision to have, if you're just having one.
The First Five Pages: A Writer's Guide to Staying Out of the Rejection Pile
Not a book for true beginners, and not necessarily a good fit for everyone, I recommend this one for writers who are ready to submit their works to publishers. This one is about revising and refining your work so that it stands a better chance of getting out of the slush pile. That said, Mr. Lukeman can come off as a bit harsh from time to time, so take a few minutes to read a bit before you commit to this one.
I love this book. Bugeja gives practical advice on developing ideas for poems, then provides a tutorial on the components of poetry: voice, meter, and rhyme, with attention to the title, lines, and stanza forms, followed by an explanation and study of the various forms and formats poems take. The one book to have if you're having only one.
A Kick in the Head: An Everyday Guide to Poetic Forms
Technically not a how-to guide, this picture book provides examples of 29 poetic forms, with basic definitions and formats explained. For visual thinkers like myself, this one's a must.
Poemcrazy: Freeing Your Life With Words
An inspiring collection of exercises designed to spark a poet's mind. Wooldridge initially conceived these as story sparkers for children in a classroom, if memory serves. They are useful and, on occasion, brilliant. Nice to have around for those days when you feel like you've got nothing -- nothing to say, no immediately accessible concept or story or idea begging to be put on paper. |