Here’s the last of the promised “best of” posts. I read several writing books and books for research this year. These are the ones you might want to check out.
Writing Fiction for All You’re Worth by James Scott Bell. In the tradition of writers talking about writing, Bell is inspiring without being insipid, salty, or woo woo.
The Poisoner’s Handbook: Murder and the Birth of Forensics in America’s Jazz Age New York by Deborah Blum. This incredible book talks about famous poisoning cases and the science that was invented to combat them. It’s couched in a great deal of history.
Why We Tell Stories by Christopher Booker. Though the book is hippo-stunning (yes, Mark, every time I use this word, I owe you a quarter), it is full of an intelligent discussion about basic types of stories and archetypes.
Characters and Viewpoint by Orson Scott Card. A book about character development by a guy who knows what he’s talking about.
Dynamic Characters: How to Create Personalities that Keep Readers Captivated by Nancy Kress. The only author to be on both my list this year. Kress has several solid strategies for authoring interesting characters.
Bird by Bird by Ann Lamont. Funny and engaging advice about writing.
The Breakout Novelist and Writing the Breakout Novel Workbook by Donald Maass. Lots of exercises to get you to expand your plot and make it better.
Bullies, Bastards, and Bitches: How to Write the Bad Guys of Fiction by Jessica Page Morell. Engaging prose focuses on the dysfunctional and roguish world of the villain. A fair dose of psychology is thrown in.
