Here are five I chose to re-read first.
Re-reading Writing Books – by Edie Melson–
My mood reading applies here. I’ll pick up whichever one jumps out at me and read them in the order that feels most natural. But I’m excited to dive back in and see what they have to teach me.
1. On Writing by Stephen King. This one is part memoir, part writing guidance. Entertaining and full of tools for writers of all levels. It makes all the “best books on writing” lists for a reason. I’m not a fan of horror and have never read any of Stephen King’s fiction, but this book made me wish I could enjoy everything he’s ever written.
2. Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott. Another book that melds the author’s own journey with writing advice and wisdom. I remember that I adored it when I read it the first time and I can’t wait to see how it resonates now.
3. Story Trumps Structure by Steven James. As an organic writer, I find outlines to be the destroyers of my creative joy. This book walks pantsers through non-plotted story creation and I’m excited to revisit it.
4. Plot and Structure by James Scott Bell. I know, I know, I just said I don’t plot/outline. And I don’t. But that doesn’t mean I don’t find it highly valuable to understand story structure. There are also sections in here about brainstorming that I put to good use years ago when I was pitching my first series. I always recommend this book to new writers – plotters and pantsers alike so it’s due for a re-read. (I own every JSB book on the craft. They are all excellent.)
5. The War of Art by Steven Pressfield. This book kicked my rear the first time I read it. It’s time to give it another opportunity to whip me into shape.
