Day 4’s prompt is:
Profile 3 to 5 top writing craft books
Ok, I’m going to talk about the ones I’ve read.
My favourite all time writing book is The Writers Book Of Days by Judy Reeves. What can I say about this book that I haven’t already said (see my prompt a day 2012 tab above). This book is an excellent companion for any writer, but especially for those just starting out who need practice. I’m a big believer in the the more you write the better you write. This book helped me improve my writing ten fold 🙂
The 5 Minute Writer by Margret Geraghty was the first writing book I ever read. I loved this because it showed me that there is no such thing as “I don’t have time to write” 😉 The exercises are thought provoking and can be done in 5 minutes.
And lastly, no writers collection would be complete without at least one book by Natalie Goldberg. I have read Writing Down The Bones and then recently Wild Mind which were both inspiring. Ms Goldberg is a huge believer in writing practice (as are the other 2 writers above) and her books tell of her personal writing journey interspersed with exercises.
I’m a journal writer, it’s what started me on my writing journey (thanks Julia Cameron), so at the moment I’m reading A Voice of Her Own (Women and the journal writing journey) by Marlene A. Schiwy which is absolutely fascinating, and includes extracts from famous female authors journals/diaries. I think it’s important to keep writing, even if you’re not in the mood to write fiction, even if you’re suffering from writers block. Forming the habit of writing every single day is the best piece of advice I’ve ever been given 🙂
So tell me, what is your favourite writing book? Do you tend to go for a certain type, like I do?
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The View Outside 
I prefer to read writing books written by successful authors, rather than someone who’s never had any success and has thought to make money out of a “How To Write” book. Also, writing books by publishers or agents are useful, as they’re the people we have to impress first and it’s good to know what they like and don’t like.
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Thanks Sarah 🙂
I must have over 100 writing books now, I’m slowly making my way through them lol
Xx
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agree wholeheartedly about Goldberg because I just love her attitude; the other books provide me with something to look for –thanks Vikki
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You’re welcome LouAnn 🙂
I’ve recently downloaded one of Natalie Goldberg’s audio books so I’m looking forward to that. She’s brilliant, so honest!
Xx
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I love On Writing. It just stirs me to write more. I might look up the ones you’ve suggested though.
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Love Natalie Goldberg’s books. I haven’t read Wild Mind yet…on my “To Read” list.
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The two are very similar Sabrina, so if you loved Bones you’ll love Wild Mind 🙂
Xx
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My fav is Stephen King’s ON WRITING … a sort of autobiography and writing book in one. Great stuff. You should try it 🙂
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Thanks Florence 🙂
I am so ashamed to say that I have this is book form and audio, but still haven’t read/listened to it lol
Xx
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I do own some writing books and they can be helpful, but I’m not a fan of writing exercises.
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That’s fair enough Patsy 🙂
I just find them very inspiring when the ideas won’t flow 😉
Xx
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I have the top two and have enjoyed them very much. I also read Natalie Goldberg’s books a couple of years ago. I don’t enjoy writing memoir type books so much but I did enjoy the look into Natalie’s life and the places she lived in. You’ve chosen some very different books than most through this post,so thanks for the originality, and reminding me of several good books I got a lot from.
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Thanks Hunter 🙂
I don’t tend to follow the norm in most things he he he!
Xx
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