In this post I’m going to share with you some of my favorite books on writing. I have quite a few. :-)

My all-time favorite book on writing in my collection is Turn Not Pale Beloved Snail by Jacqueline Jackson. One day long ago, I happened upon it in the small writing section of the library which I perused quite frequently. In this book’s introduction, Mrs. Jackson says she has written it for any age, whether kid or adult. The suggestions and ideas she gives can be applied to anyone’s writing. If I was to sum up the central theme, I would say it encourages writers to use all five senses to experience the world and draw from those experiences to write.

After reading this book several times when I was around twelve or thirteen, I actually found Mrs. Jackson’s email address and sent her a message. She was (and still is) teaching at the University of Illinois, using her book in her writing class. Over the years, we exchanged a few emails; I began receiving her newsletter and got signed copies of her newest books. Very neat.

Curious about the title? It’s from "The Lobster-Quadrille" by Lewis Caroll. If you want to know why that's the title, you’ll have to read the book! Sadly, it’s now out of print, but I believe used copies can be found on Amazon and Half.com. To my knowledge, this book is not written from a Christian perspective, but there’s nothing objectionable in it that I can think of.

Next, what would a good writer be without reference books? Having taken many English classes, I have my share of these. The classic, of course, is Strunk and White’s The Elements of Style. Similar to this and written more recently is Style: Ten Lessons in Clarity and Grace by Joseph M. Williams. My mom got me a copy of this book from Veritas Press when I was in high school. I could be mistaken, but I believe the author is a Christian. In any case, there are quite a few Bible verses quoted in it. The many exercises throughout the book can be used to improve one’s own writing.

In complete opposition to The Elements of Style is Audios, Strunk and White by Gary and Glynis Hoffman. This book was required for an advanced expository writing class I once took. I would not recommend it because of some objectionable content, however, the concept is interesting. The authors aim to teach writers how to write stylistically complex sentences instead of short, to the point, boring A-papers. Think of Dickens writing style – that’s basically what this book teaches. I may talk more about the ideas later, since I don’t recommend you getting it. :-)

An easy-to-use reference book is A Writer’s Reference by Diana Hacker. If you’re writing articles or papers for school, this is a useful book. It gives directions on MLA and APA format for how to do those pesky in-text citations and works cited pages, plus lots more.

For more serious writing of books and articles, I would recommend two books. Book Proposals that Sell by W. Terry Whalin gives an inside look at the publishing world and how to get one’s foot in the door. The Christian Writer’s Market Guide by Sally E. Stuart lists countless publishing houses and magazines that accept submissions. It also contains many links and resources for writers.

Lastly, all writers need a good thesaurus. The Synonym Finder by J.I. Rodale is the best, hands down. My mom first discovered the secret of this big red book when we were homeschooling, and I’ve been using it for years.

Those are some of the favorites from my collection. Whenever I read a book on writing, I try to pick out some specific things from it that I can apply to my own writing. That makes the books worth it. Writers have a tendency to procrastinate in any way possible, and reading books on writing is one of those ways. The most important thing is to actually WRITE and apply what you learn from what you read.

Feel free to share if you know of any other good books on writing!

Posted by dixiebeauty

Wow, I never knew they had books like that. That's cool.
I can't believe Melinda got voted off. She was the best. I liked the other two but she was the bomb. I heard that when Ryan said she was going home, Simon (?) covered his face with his hands. We wanted to cry but we couldn't get over the shock.
I think if you have a garden, you're life consists of pulling weeds. lol. I love pulling weeds. If I need time alone, I sometimes go in the garden and just start pulling. It's a great way to talk to God.
lots of love,
Jordan Lee

Posted by PumpkinsMomma

Oh yeah, I shoud send you the link to one of the other podcasts I listen to...it's called "I should be writing" :)
thanks for the book reviews!

marie

Posted by totustuus

Very interesting and informative!! I will check out some of those books...

Posted by intdesigner

Ya, my little puppy's ears are to big for her it seems 'cause her ears fall in her water bowl as well. Sometimes I think she's going to trip over them. lol
M_E

Posted by SuperAngel

any writing books suggestions. Not the writing type.

Thebday card was hysterical!! You are a hoot!!

Well then… but still. Mom started hers in like march, and they are still just little plants. It has been a little harder for her this year to garden with Lillie here.
Thanks for your comment!!
Love...
!!SUPERANGEL!! !!Amanda!!

Posted by IloveyouGod

Very neat--thanks for sharing. I might have to read some of those :)

Brooke

Posted by Walkbyfaith

I read your post below. That was intersting. :)

Alycia

Posted by Jocelyndixon

Mom got me a book from the library and I think it was by Gilbert Morris. He wrote a series that Amanda LOVED. It was a book on how to write and sell your novel.

Thank you for you lovely words...

Love, you always!
Joci