Creative Writing: Getting Started and the Craft of Fiction

The following creative writing books have been absolutely instrumental in my quest to learn the craft of fiction:

My creative writing collection.

• Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life  - Anne Lamott: this is a fabulous book, a must read for anyone who endeavors to write.  For me, it simply took some of the fright of writing.

• Writing Fiction: A Guide to Narrative Craft (8th Edition) - Janet Burroway and Elizabeth Stuckey-French: no offense to God, but this is my bible.  I refer to it often, I honestly could not survive without it!

• The Art of Fiction: Notes on Craft for Young Writers - John Gardner: A fantastic resource to use along side Writing Fiction.

• The Elements of Style (4th Edition) - William Strunk and E.B. White: According to Stephen King, in On Writing: 10th Anniversary Edition: A Memoir of the Craft, every aspiring writer should read this book.  I totally agree, this book is a must have (you can carry it in your pocket)!

• An American Rhetoric - William Whyte Watt: This is an amazing guide to "Good Writing and Correct English" - it is hard to find, even harder to find at a decent price - try Better World Books, I scooped a copy up there for less than $20!

• Solutions for Writers: Practical Craft Techniques for Fiction and Non-fiction: Though I also included this in the section for revision, I also think it is a fantastic read before you dive into your novel.  The guy is simply straight forward with his advice, and his proven track record makes it worth following.  I am serious, this book is awesome!

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