How To Write Books

I mentioned in previous blogs that How To Write Books have become a market within themselves.

I did promise to post a few books that I can vouch for. So, here they are. Now, I just want to warn you that book sites are full of bells and whistles to get your attention and your money. You can’t be a kid in a candy store and if you do, don’t complain to me!

As always, just keep in mind that How To Write Books are guidelines to be interpreted, defined, and accentuated by your personal craft. Not all views in the books are absolutes, they must be filtered through your perceptions and personal beliefs.

Then again, there is the conundrum of publishing. To write everything through your personal craft and beliefs may very well keep you sane, but you will probably have a new mailing address just to hold your rejections.
To write to sell you have to target what publishers want. That means you change the focal point of your craft to please them. Sure you don’t have to, you can keep your astute beliefs that the way you write is fine…Just enjoy being poor and keep your day job:)

These are my top three picks:

#1 “On Writing Well”  by William Zinsser, a writer and teacher. This book is a must have to the writer’s library.

#2 “The 10% Solution” by Ken Rand. This is also on my “must have” list. At first glance it may seem short but the more you delve into its pages the more deeper your thoughts are provoked. The 10% solution is a viable help to the writer on all levels.

#3a (for fiction writers) “Self-Editing For Fiction Writers”  is on my top three for fiction writers and an invaluable source to commonsense writing.

#3b (for nonfiction) “Writing For Story" by Jon Franklin. Even if nonfiction is not your thing I would read this book. IF you are a writer of nonfiction, he is an absolute must read and perhaps belongs on the #1 nonfiction list.
These are the top three suggestions from me. Not much, but if you are seeking a clarity to writing, these pages will help you on your way.



#4 “The Complete Handbook Of Novel Writing” by the Editors of Writers Digest Books. It covers chapters from Craft, Art, The Process (of writing), Genres, Marketplace, and interviews.
The book covers many subjects but not in deep, exhaustive detail. It is a primer to get you kick started in a certain genre and as such, covers many subjects. I found it to be a good read and help but not a must read beginner book.

Dictionaries: Yes, I have a few. Yes, I need to use them more. As a writer you need several. Even with a trusty dictionary on your word processor, you still need another source. I have an Oxford pocket version of a dictionary and thesaurus. In addition, I also have an old Thorndike Barnhart Dictionary to research some of my older words.My most valued tool is a Webster's Encyclopedic Unabridged Dictionary, it is mammoth but a true gem.

I also have three Grammar books that contradict each other most of the time, but also a must have. Naturally, the editor’s preference is the final say of how to and what not on writing. Proper format is essential.

Are these all the How To Write Books I have? Nope. For the basics of writing I think these are good starter books. You will probably end up with a shelf full of books. However, there will always be just a few that stick with you.
Most of these can be found at Amazon or your local bookstore. Writer’s Digest has a bookstore as well (with many bells and whistles).
Happy reading!

-C.D.Marshall