From My Bookshelf to Yours: What Every Writer Needs to Polish Their Skills

No matter how long they've been in the writing and publishing industry, there's still a constant need for writers to look at and polish their skills. It's easy to miss a point here, forget a rule there and become sloppy. It's also possible to lose focus or let the "well run dry" when it comes to ideas and other areas of creativity.

Here's what's on my shelf right now:

1: The Pocket Size Writer's Companion, by Ronnie Sellers Productions. (2003) I keep this little book with me wherever I go so, when an idea hits me, I have a place to keep records. It's helpful tabbed off sections keep me organized and make it easer to flip through when using it as a reference for later work.

2: Words You Thought You Knew...1001 Commonly Misused and Misunderstood Words and Phrases, by Jenna Glatzer. (2004) I love this book! Too many times I've read works where the wrong word was used and thought, if only there was a "dictionary" available for this confused words. I was relieved when Glatzer wrote this book because now, when I find myself fumbling over which word is correct and which isn't, I have a quick reference guide to solve this problem.

3: The Writer's Little Helper: Everything You Need to Know to Write Better and Get Published, by James V. Smith, Jr. (2006) Geared toward fiction writers, this book takes a unique approach to teaching tips, techniques and activites with vivid and dynamic page designs and organization. Not only is the little book chuck-full of very important and beneficial instruction, it's also very visually appealing (sparks my creative juices just by flipping through).

4: Fondling Your Muse: Infallable Advice From a Published Author to the Writerly Aspirant, by John Warner. (2005) If you're looking for a humorous approach to the writing and publishing industry, than this book is for you. I chose this book to break things up a bit because, let's face it, some of the resouce guides available (including this one) can get a bit dry.

5: The Little Red Riding Book: 20 Powerful Principles of Structure, Style and Readability, by Brandon Royal. (2004) I've found myself using this reference (and recommending it to those just starting out) again and again. It reminds me a lot of the books used in school (which are broken down and offer exercizes at the end of each chapter), though this one is much more visually appealing. I always feel very inspired when putting this book to use.

6: The Write-Brain Writer Workbook: 366 Exercizes to liberate your writing, by Bonnie Neubauer. (2006) I love, love, love this book - can't get enough of it! If you're an altered book artist or "outsider artist," you'll particularly appreciate the way this book has been designed with its vivid colors and unique graphics. This book is designed to be written in, but I can't bring myself to do that because I want to use it over and over again. So, I went out and bought a blank book to use specifically when working through this "exercize a day" type format. (even though there's on extra, but that's okay) HIGHLY recommended.

Each of the books I've listed here are good for both the seasoned and the newcomers to the field. In my opinion, a writer can't have "enough" of these kind of resources. I have a number of websites bookmarked, also, to keep myself sharp and my skills strong. (and to network with other writers and authors - this is a huge plus)