My favourite books on writing
All writers love a good book. And a good book on writing can be pure gold. These are my top picks that I revisited time and time again.
Structuring your Novel (K.M. Weiland)
What it’s about
This book outlines how structure is the crucial ingredient to make your story work. Taking you through proper story and scene structure, it will help you to craft powerful plots and strong character arcs.
Why I love it
When I began writing, I had no idea as to plot or novel structure. This book offers a clear, cut manual on how to hit the key action beats for any story and the right places to put them. It will help prevent any saggy bits in your story and keep the pace moving along and readers engaged.
Self-Editing for Fiction Writers (Renni Browne and Dave King)
What it’s about
Written by two professional editors, this book is a guide to revising your first (and subsequent drafts), elevating your story to a publishable level. It offers examples, practical tips and even exercises to help you nail the editing process.
Why I love it
This book is broken down into easy to digest chapters on dialogue, exposition, point of view and interior monologue among others. It’s simple to use and the tips easy to apply to your own writing. I found that with just even their basic suggestions, that my work really began to shine and take on a more professional feel.
How to be an Author: The Business of being a Writer in Australia (Georgia Richter and Deborah Hunn)
What it’s about
This is a writer’s handbook that covers everything from starting out and creating a writing routine, all the way along to how to make writing your long-term career. No matter the stage of your journey, this book is a must for anyone taking themselves seriously as a writer.
Why I love it
Simple and practical suggestions on the business of writing, I found this book easy to pick up and put down depending on where I was at with my writing. I love the section on author branding and self-promotion (something I’ve always baulked at), and the candid answers from enlisted professional authors really opened up my eyes to the world of life as a professional writer.
Photo credit: Debby Hudson @hudsoncrafted via Unsplash