I’ve been doing a lot of reading lately – A LOT of reading (when really I should have been doing a lot of writing). Well, I’ve been writing as well, but I got a bit stuck on the plot of my new novel – the one I’m writing for my MA – and I needed a bit of guidance. Here are the two books that helped me out of a massive hole:
What a marvelous manual this is! James Scott Bell is a bit of a hero of mine, and this is one of the best books on writing I’ve ever read. It’s not only for help with plotting – the technique James describes will help with character development too. And every other problem you might come up against while you’re writing 🙂 Truly awesome.
I’ve read all Roz Morris’s Nail Your Novel series, and this is just as helpful and thorough as the others. You can tell that Roz is a fantastically experienced editor, and having her books on your Kindle is like having access to your own personal editor all the time. I’ve learned so much from this book! I’d recommend it to any writer at any stage in their writing career – as with James’s book above.
So, back to the grind for me now I’ve absorbed a bit of help and direction. What writing books are inspiring you at the moment? Do you have an all-time fav? Share in the comments so we can all benefit 🙂
Joanne Phillips 
January 20, 2015 at 8:32 am
Ooh, what a lovely surprise to find this. And I’m in excellent company – James completely rocks, I love his books! Thanks, Joanne!
January 20, 2015 at 10:08 am
Ah, well deserved Roz 🙂 I know it’s a book I’ll read again and again, and I’m going to order the paperback too so I can stick little notes in it.
January 20, 2015 at 9:18 pm
After your recommendation, Jo, I bought Roz’s book about characterisation for my Kindle – simply the best guide I’ve read, so I bought it in paperback too!