Top 5 Writing Books I Love

Many people ask me what I have read when it comes to writing. I’ve read a variety of books and so I compiled my top 5 favorites here. These are books and magazines that you should have in your library and ready for reference when you have questions, problems or just need to review what you are doing. If you’re serious about publishing, reading about how to write is essential.

Writing Fiction for Dummies

Admittedly, it seems highly unlikely that the “Dummies” series would have anything to add to the conversation about writing. However, it was one of the first books I read and I find myself still following  the basics I learned in it. If you are new to writing or just looking for something to take you throught the basics I have to recommend.

The Writer

So its more of a magazine than a book, even I’m guilty for not keeping to my own list, anyway this is one of the best regular writing resources that you can get. They discuss everything that can help you write a better story and the markets in the back are a tremendous resource.

Writing Digest

Last magazine, I promise. Writer’s Digest produces a great monthly magazine as well as a highly recommended series of books including the yearly Writer’s Market which is one of the most comprehensive lists. of publishers and magazines available to writers today.

The Portable MFA

I just picked up this book. I was thinking about doing an MFA just as I found this book. If you can’t/don’t want to do an MFA then this book is really the next best thing. I am an experienced writer and I have learned a great deal by reading this book. I highly recommend it for those who have been writing and are ready to take things to the next level.

Great Fiction

I love this series of “Great Fiction” books because they take you through each important concept of writing in a book. You can work on particular areas of difficulty or you can really round out your writer’s education.

Up Your Writing Skills

Writing is a craft and it is important to study your craft as a writer. Get these books in paper or digital and you’ll learn plenty about the craft. These books can help you increase your writing skill, solve a variety of problems, and make writing actually easier.