Ingrid’s Monster List of Writing Craft Books

I love craft books. I collect them. I love reading different philosophies on writing craft. I also find them very inspirational. When I’m developing a new story, I’ve got John Truby’s 22 Steps in hand. When I’m revising for word choice, I review Mary Oliver’s Poetry Handbook. When I’m looking at story construction, Robert McKee is whispering in the back of my mind. There’s a craft book to help you with everything!

Slowly, I’ve been amassing a master list of my favorite craft books. You’ll find it below in it’s current form. I also promise to update the list as new craft gems cross my desk. In the meantime … happy crafting everyone! Books are listed alphabetically (not by preference) in each section.

Generally Awesome (On Writing Fiction):From where you dream

Inspiration:

If You’re New To Writing:

If You’re Looking For More Advanced Books on Writing Craft:

Plot, Story Structure, and Screenwriting:

Character Development:

Poetry and Language Development:

Editing and Revision:

Creativity and Imagination:

Creating Good Habits:

Writing Romance:

Writing Fantasy and Science Fiction:FAntasy

Writing For Children and Young Adults:

Writing Fight Scenes:

Book Marketing and Self Publishing:Book launch

What are your favorite writing craft books? Please share them in the comments!


This post contains affiliate links. By clicking on these links and making a purchase, you’ll be supporting our writing community, my blog, and the creation of future content. Yay, more content! This list was last updated 01/02/2016

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7 responses to “Ingrid’s Monster List of Writing Craft Books”

  1. Matt Randles says:

    Great list!
    I came across Mark Forsyth’s Elements of Eloquence this year and it’s been a fantastic inspiration in terms of focusing on crafting beautiful prose. His own writing is lovely, entertaining, and funny. Highly recommended! I blogged about it at:
    https://ayearwithmona.wordpress.com/2015/10/22/the-elements-of-eloquence/
    I especially love this line: “Shakespeare got better because he learnt. Now some people will tell you that great writing cannot be learnt. Such people should be hit repeatedly on the nose until they promise not to talk nonsense anymore.”

  2. Peter says:

    STEERING THE CRAFT by Ursula Le Guin

  3. Stacy Piper says:

    I always enjoy reading what you have written and I wanted to take a moment to tell you how much I admire you. Thank you for all you do!

    Stacy Piper
    Author
    Sugar Bugz, They Live On Your Teeth

  4. leslie lehr says:

    Great list! I’d also add:
    Prose: Syn & Syntax, Constance Hale
    Editing: Forest For the Trees, Betsy Lerner
    New Writers: Making a Literary Life, Carolyn See

  5. Just Open a Vein William Brohaugh, Fiction is Folks Michael Peck, on writing fiction Lawrence Block.

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