Have you always wanted to write a novel? Or are you feeling stuck with your current draft? Wherever you are in your writing project, the library carries many books that can help with inspiration and next steps. Here are some that I have found to be especially useful:
For Getting Inspired:
1,000 Words by Jami Attenberg
New Orleans-based author Jami Attenberg started the 1,000 words a day writing challenge, then published this lovely book for year-round inspiration. It provides daily advice and motivation from various authors to encourage you to keep going.
Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott
A go-to for writers, this memoir-meets-writing book discusses craft and fiction, while also providing an honest portrayal of Lamott’s personal journey as a writer (self-doubt, professional jealousy, and all). Most importantly, she gives writers permission to silence the self doubt and just get words on the page.
On Writing by Stephen King
Stephen King’s book includes advice and tools for writers at any place in their journey. He also shares riveting life stories and how these experiences have shaped him as a writer.
The Book of Alchemy by Suleika Jaouad
Author Suleika Jaouad believes that journaling is an essential life tool. This book helped me get past the idea of what I thought I should be writing and just get back into the habit of actually sitting down and putting pen to paper. Various authors provide prompts to help you get into a writing routine and keep going, making space for inspiration.
For Drafting and Revising:
You: A Writer’s Guide Through Craft and Memory by Ruta Sepetys
In this personal take on writing fiction, author Ruta Sepetys encourages writers to look within and use our own memories to find voice and inspiration, while also providing useful tools for crafting your plot, dialogue, and more.
Story Genius by Lisa Cron
Lisa Cron provides a writer’s guide to story structure based on brain science. She takes you step by step through building your novel, from idea to outline to draft, in a way that is specific and useful.
Save the Cat! Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody
This book breaks down plotting into 15 essential story beats, giving examples and guidelines for how to structure your plot points in a way that is designed to keep your readers hooked.
The Emotion Thesaurus by Angela Ackerman
This thesaurus helps add variety to the way your characters express emotions, giving useful guidance for dialogue, setting and more in order to bring your characters to life.
For upcoming writing classes, open mics, and writing circles (both in person and virtual), keep an eye on the library’s Writing Calendar! You can also find additional writing resources, recorded events, local writing organizations and more on the library’s Seattle Writes page.
Happy writing!
~Posted by Siri A.