
This blog is rather lengthy, but I hope it helps anyone who is looking to get started in publishing a book. Traditional publishing or self-publishing, these books are what I consider being in the top of my list of the most helpful books. The exception is The Self-Publisher's Legal Handbook by Helen Sedwick, for obvious reasons that would be for anyone looking to self-publish.
The Anatomy of Genres: How Story Forms Explain the Way the World Works; and
The Anatomy of a Story: 22 Steps to Becoming a Master Storyteller by John Truby
These two gems hit the nail on the head when you are trying to figure how to structure your novel and where it fits as far as genre. I had a heck of a time trying to decipher what type of book I had with The Gangster's Daughter, until an editor pointed it out.
The Rural Setting Thesaurus: A Writer's Guide to Personal and Natural Places;
The Urban Setting Thesaurus: A Writer's Guide to City Spaces;
The Conflict Thesaurus: A Writer's Guide to Obstacles, Adversaries, and Inner Struggles Volume 1;
The Conflict Thesaurus: A Writer's Guide to Obstacles, Adversaries, and Inner Struggles Volume 2;
The Positive Trait Thesaurus: A Writer's Guide to Character Attributes;
The Negative Trait Thesaurus: A Writer's Guide to Character Flaws;
The Emotion Thesaurus: A Writer's Guide to Character Expression;
The Emotion Amplifier Thesaurus: A Writer's Guide to Character Stress and Volatility (A Companion to The Emotion Thesaurus);
The Emotional Wound Thesaurus: A Writer's Guide to Psychological Trauma;
The Occupation Thesaurus: A Writer's Guide to Jobs, Vocations, and Careers by Angela Ackerman & Becca Puglisi
All of these books are a lifesaver when you are fine-tuning details in your novel. Trying to figure out what your characters do for a living, take a look at The Occupation Thesaurus? Trying to find the fine details in a specific scene setting, take a look at the Urban or Rural Setting Thesaurus? I recommend ALL of these suckers.
Make a Scene: Crafting a Powerful Story One Scene at a Time by Jordan Rosenfeld
You should never have a scene in your novel just for the sake of having a scene. When editing and having to cut a scene that provokes specific emotions as a writing sometimes hurts, but scenes need a purpose. Jordan Rosenfeld helps spell it out with scene types, elements and architecture. A must-have.
Between The Lines: Master the Subtle Elements of Fiction Writing by Jessica Page Morrell
This is an all-around good one on all the elements of the novel, from backstory to foreshadowing to pacing to theme. Jessica Page Morrell touches on all of these in this book to turn your novel into a fantastic one.
Dynamic Characters: How to Create Personalities That Keep Readers Captivated by Nancy Kress
Anyone who knows me, and who has read my books, knows that I put a lot into my characters. This is just one of the many books I have used as a guide to breaking down my characters. Nancy Kress provides insight into what I need to know about each and everyone from basic statistics to physical descriptions to inner life.
Bullies, Bastards & Bitches: How to Writer The Bad Guys Of Fiction by Jessica Page Morrell
Again, characters. Everyone loves a villain. Don't they? Okay, maybe not. But we have to have them to make the story work. Sometimes, they don't need to be a person. It can be a character against the weather or society in general. But this is a good one to help shape your bully, bastard or bitch, likeable or not.
Self-Publisher's Legal Handbook by Helen Sedwick
If you are embarking on a self-publishing journey, I definitely recommend this one! Do not move forward with self-publishing without purchasing this book. There is some good advice in here. Copyrights, taxes, marketing, good advice, but don't think you have to follow it all. Not all of it will apply. Some of it is good to ask other published authors what they do!
Outlining Your Novel: Map Your Way to Success by K.M. Weiland
I'm a fan of outlining until it doesn't work for me. I did not outline the book I just finished. At all. It just didn't work that way. If you are a plotter, this is a good book to help guide you through a good outlining process. K.M. Weiland is a mastermind behind outlining, and she has some good tips.
The 38 Most Common Fiction Writing Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them) by Jack M. Bickham
We all make mistakes, and we're going to do it as writers! Jack M. Bickham gives practical advice in this book about how to avoid our most common writing mistakes.
Master Lists for Writers: Thesauruses, Plots, Character Traits, Names, and More by Bryn Donovan
Bryn Donovan has pulled together a master list of plots, character traits, names, emotional descriptions, physical descriptions, and more. A handy tool.
Which books I don't recommend and why:
The 5 Day Novel by Scott King
First Draft in 30 Days by Karen S. Wiesner
Book in a Month by Victoria Lynn Schmidt PhD
There are some good things to pull from each of thesem, but I don't recommend trying to write a book in 5-30 days. You want to write quality, not quantity. I mean, if you can do it – good for you. I just don't recommend it.
Happy writing, and if you ever need help or just a bit of advice, please send a message through my the contact me on my website. I'd be happy to help.
Jodie Leigh Murray