Rachel’s Recommendations
Recommended Reads:
2 Historical Children’s Stories that Feel a Little Old
Today I want to introduce you to two middle grade reads that felt a bit old—but in entirely different ways. Wolf Hollow, by Lauren Wolk follows the story of Annabelle, who lives on a farm. Unlike many of her classmates, Annabelle’s family has done well after World War...
2 Intriguing Adult Novels that Will Disturb You
I recently finished two adult literary novels that will probably disturb you a bit---because that's exactly what they did to me. A God in Ruins, by Kate Atkinson, is the sequel to Atkinson’s 2014 masterpiece, Life After Life. A God in Ruins follows the story of Teddy,...
2 Magical MG Novels that Will Absolutely Intrigue You
Every now and then, I come upon middle grade stories that are so magical and adventurous I can't wait to share them with my boys---even if they have girl protagonists at their heart and center. Once Was a Time, by Leila Sales, is a story about time travel. Charlotte’s...
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.