MY FAVORITE HOW-TO BOOKS ON FICTION WRITING

IF YOU ARE READING THIS page, you're likely writing a novel. Or considering writing a novel. Or preparing to consider writing a novel. And, if so, you're probably aware of the hundreds of writing books available out there...many of which are, shall we say, somewhat limited in relevant information?

Below is a brief selection of my favorite books, and in no particular order. (None of which are Muse Harbor books, by the way. This ain't no shark tank.)

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Books I've Found Helpful
(A Partial List)

• BIRD BY BIRD: by Anne Lamott. Twenty-five years old but still relevant. Funny, poignant and a very good read.

• HOW TO WRITE A DAMN GOOD NOVEL by James N. Frey. Just trust me on this.

• HOW TO WRITE A DAMN GOOD NOVEL II by James N. Frey. Ditto.

• ADVENTURES IN THE SCREEN TRADE by William Goldman. Yes, it's about writing screenplays. Yes, most rules still apply. Wonderfully, wistfully written. Plus a complete manuscript of Butch Cassidy And the Sundance Kid. (Still one of the best Western's ever written.) Delightful!

• TELLING LIES FOR FUN AND PROFIT by Lawrence Block. One of the best Mystery writers EVER gives us his perspective for success...and a whole lot more. (He once wrote for Writer's Digest.) A ton of good stuff for beginners, even for writers who want to become beginners.

• DANSE MACABRE by Stephen King. Let's face it, he knows how to write. And to sell. Probably more germane to horror fanatics...but still awesome.

• ON WRITING by Stephen King. Both a fascinating autobiography and pertinent, functional information for novelists.

• ZEN IN THE ART OF WRITING by Ray Bradbury. A handful of lovely essays by a master storyteller.

• STRUNK & WHITE'S The ELEMENTS OF STYLE. Basic knowledge about grammar, usage and style. Still mandatory information. Cover-to-cover gotta know basics.

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