Write. Publish. Repeat. By Sean M. Platt and Johnny Truant
I read this book back in 2016, when I really settled in to the idea that I should just sit down and write. When you have never finished a book, it can get in your head that you can’t finish a book. When I read this book, I felt that I had the permission to make mistakes. They really stress to just start writing and write a lot and don’t care if it’s shit. That sentiment really changed things for me as a baby writer. If you’re getting ready for Nanowrimo and you’re stressing out about whether it’s going to be good or even if it is possible, I suggest you jump into the minds of Sean and Johnny and realize if those guys can do it then you absolutely can too.
Mastering Suspense, Structure, and Plot: How to Write Gripping Stories That Keep Readers on the Edge of Their Seats By Jane K. Cleland and Hallie Ephron
You just might be the type of writer than can sit down and “pants” their way through a novel. If you’re not, you might want help designing a wonderful plot. From the description of the book, it aims to help you:
“ • Implement thirteen no-fail techniques to construct an effective plot and structure for your story
• Use Cleland’s Plotting Road Map to add elements of suspense like twists, reversals, and moments of danger
• Write subplots with purpose
• Improve your descriptions, character development, sentence structure, and more
Packed with case studies, exercises, and dozens of examples from best-selling authors, Mastering Suspense, Structure, & Plot is the key to writing suspenseful, engaging stories that leave your readers wanting more.”
The Guide to Writing Fantasy and Science Fiction: 6 Steps to Writing and Publishing Your Bestseller! By Philip Athans
I recently discovered Philip Athans when he was on Joanna Penn’s podcast, The Creative Penn (You can click here to listen to that fantastic episode). Phil is a wealth of information and I really have enjoyed his perspective on writing (and on writing monsters!)
How To Write Non-Fiction: Turn Your Knowledge Into Words By Joanna Penn
I wanted to include this particular book because I am constantly meeting people that, when I tell them I’m an author, they respond that they’ve always wanted to write a (insert: memoir, self-help, life story, business related) book. I think most people believe they have at least one book in them and I think that’s true.
But it can be hard to learn how to put those words into action and create something that gets your message across. Joanna can help you answer some questions you might have about non-fiction and help you write that non-fiction book that you’ve always wanted to write!
Great Stories Don’t Write Themselves By Larry Brooks
Larry Brooks is another author that I found through Joanna Penn’s podcast.
Personally, there’s nothing more frustrating than getting halfway through your novel and realizing that you’ve run out of ideas. What’s next? Can be a question that keeps you stuck there for months. Trust me. But a little bit of preplanning can help you prevent that feeling altogether and when you’re writing during Nanowrimo, you don’t have time to get stuck!
I hope that one or all of these books give you some more tools to add to your belt as you think ahead to writing this November.
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