September 2009

My Favorite Writing Books

I am starting to teach a class at the Loft Literary Center in Minneapolis soon, with my writer friend Jacqueline Fletcher. The class is called The Adventures of Writing for Young Readers, and will focus on both middle-grade and YA novel writing.

In preparation for the class lectures and exercises, I’m pulling every writing book I love off my shelves. These books provide me with both craft support and comfort. They play teacher and therapist. I re-read these books often. Now, I am pecking through them once again for the bits that have fed me the most as a writer.

If you would like these bits, sign up for the class. Or you can find them yourself in my most beloved writing books:

What It Is by Lynda Barry. Part writing instruction guide, part diary, all genius. I love Lynda Barry. Read more about What It Is in my June 2008 journal.

Writing Fiction by Janet Burroway. This textbook is often used in MFA writing programs. It's thorough but very accessible. Buy it used--it's a textbook, so it's spendy when you buy it new.

Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg. Bite-sized essays that motivate me to write.

The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. This book lays the foundation for a creative habit with Morning Pages. I also love Julia’s The Right to Write and Finding Water.

Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott. I turn to this snarky classic when writing feels lonely and hard, and I need to hear from someone who gets it.

Writing the Breakout Novel Workbook by Donald Maass. Practical exercises to help you raise the stakes and dramatic tension in a story.

By Cunning & Craft by Peter Selgin. These short essays cover the craft basics in a fresh way.

You can be a writer. These books can help. Don't be a chicken--check out the books!