Rachel’s Recommendations
Recommended Reads:
10 Fantastic Old and New Books You Should Read
I read a whole lot of books over many different genres. This year I’ve read 155 old books and new releases so far. This is my list of the best among the best. We'll do this countdown style. Number 10 The War that Saved My Life, by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley. The story...
2 Heartfelt Memoirs that Will Tear You Up Inside
Today I'd like to share with you two heartfelt memoirs that will make you feel every emotion humanly possible. The Glass Castle, by Jeannette Walls is sort of a classic in the memoir genre. It’s highly regarded on every list of best memoirs to read. I had never read...
2 Poets Who Stretch Poetry to the Limits
First, I have to say, I read poetry every single day. I’m a firm believer in how poetry can help its readers increase their grasp of language and metaphor and the simplicity of life made complex. I love reading poetry, and recently I picked up Multiple Choice, by...
Writing resources
On Story
- Story: Substance, Structure, Style and the Principles of Screenwriting, by Robert McKee
I know this is a screenwriting book, but it’s probably the most comprehensive book on storytelling. A great resource! Dense reading, but full of great information. - The Hero With a Thousand Faces, by Joseph Campbell
Another dense read, but Joseph Campbell is one of my favorite commentators on story and story structure. Every writer should read this one at least once. - The Power of Myth, by Joseph Campbell
This was actually a series of interviews Campbell did. It’s better to listen to the audio version or watch the DVD. He’s so passionate about story, and that’s contagious!
On Writing (general)
- Wired for Story, by Lisa Cron
Great book on the science of the brain and how to craft well-told stories that will appeal to the storytelling side of the brain. I got this book years ago but still pull it out every now and then to refresh my memory. - Steering the Craft, by Ursula Le Guin
This one’s not so much a technique kind of book as it is a book reminding writers of their obligation to their readers. Some of her ideas are a bit old-fashioned, but most of them are still valuable today. - The Fire in Fiction, by Donald Maass
Another great one on creating books that appeal to readers. Again, I always read these kinds with a grain of salt–because my goals are a bit different, but we all want readers, so I think we can always find value in the suggestions offered, even if we don’t become hardcore users of them.