Rachel’s Recommendations
Recommended Reads:
6 Nonfiction Picture Books You Should Read With Your Kids
I love it when I find phenomenal nonfiction picture books that tell the story of some amazing person who overcame obstacles and still achieved their dreams. We own a few of these, but recently I discovered more to add to the mix. 1. A Splash of Red: The Life and Art...
On Rainbow Rowell and Characterization
I’ve mentioned before that when I find an author I like, I will read everything in the world they have to offer. One of those authors is Rainbow Rowell. I found Rowell through Eleanor & Park, which I read after a friend of mine told me it was one of her favorite...
The Art of Memoir is Showcased in The Liars’ Club
I’ve begun studying the art of memoir writing and have a great long list of memoirs to read this year, since this is the nonfiction writing I feel the most drawn to write. Mary Karr’s The Liars’ Club was one of the first on my list of memoirs to study, and I’m glad I...
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.