There are a lot of books out there specifically for writers. Many of them are reference books that will be more niche, depending on what type of content you plan to write. I’ve bought a TON and found that I really only rely on a few, (and of course, the ones that will simply help you overall).
Here are some of the best, most fantastic books for writers:
Master Lists for Writers – Bryn Donovan
This particular book does not leave my desk. I use it ALL the time. It has great lists to use for general reference when it comes to writing anything from a novel, to a short story, to poetry. I think every serious writer should have this book in their personal library. It contains the following lists that are incredibly helpful and fantastic for writers:
- DESCRIPTIONS for characters
- SETTINGS
- PLOTTING (tons of plot ideas for stories)
- ACTION (lots of words to use for action scenes, and one of my favorite lists: Responses to a crisis).
- DIALOGUE (tons of lists and tips on writing dialogue in stories).
- CHARACTER NAMES
- CHARACTER TRAITS
- & 10 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD WRITE THAT STORY
What If? – Anne Bernays & Pamela Painter
This is one of the best books I’ve found that contains loads of exercises for aspiring fiction writers. Since exercises are so important – this book is another essential in a writer’s library. This book will help you implement those exercise to improve your writing and keep you motivated to keep going! A fantastic book for any writer!
Prompt Books
There are SO many of these out there! They are truly fantastic for writers to have around. (I also collect free prompts that I find online). However, here are my favorite prompt books for writers in various genres:
- 101 Writing Prompts for Fantasy and Science Fiction Writers: Vol. 1 – L.K. Grant
- 1,000 Creative Writing Prompts – Bryan Cohan
- The Writer’s Idea Book – Writer’s Digest Books
- Horror Writing Prompts – Creativespace Independent Publishing Platform (There are tons of volumes of this particular prompt book).
I’ve started writing a series of writing prompts that you can see here.
The Art of Mystery: The Search for Questions – Maud Casey
This is tailored more towards mystery writers but can be helpful to any other type of writer as well. It focuses on story structure, characterization and other highly helpful elements of constructing a well-written story.
A Writer’s Craft: Multi-Genre Creative Writing – Kendall Dunkelberg
This book dives into a lot of fantastic elements of writing. It also contains a glossary of literary terms, (a fantastic writing aid for any kind of writer).
Writer’s Reference Books that I use Often:
- The Writer’s Guide to Weapons – Benjamin Sobieck
- The Complete Writer’s Guide to Heroes & Heroines – Tami D. Cowden & Caro LaFever
- Cause of Death: A Writer’s Guide to Death, Murder and Forensic Medicine – Keith D. Wilson (Lots of other FANATSTIC books for writers in the “Howdunit” series)
If you’re looking into a specific genre, or genre-related information, look up “Writer’s Guide to X” and you’ll likely have yourself a fantastic new reference book that you can use over and over again.
Using these types of books will make your writing feel more realistic. 🙂
I’ll keep adding articles about helpful tools for writers so don’t forget to check back. Keep on writing :).
