Writing Books

[Archon]

For Christmas I am going to ask for some books on writing, and especially worldbuilding. Any suggestions?

[Gemm: Rock & Roll Star; Born to Rock]

I know 42 will tell you the same thing, a book called "How to Write Science Fiction & Fantasy" by Orson Scott Card is a good one. As well there are probably 6 or 7 more in that series. It's called the "Elements of Fiction Writing." You should go to your local library (if they are being threatened to being closed like some libraries in a county called Erie) and see if they've got them.

There's also Stephen L. Gillett's "World-Building" book. If you want to make sure your planets are the correct circumference, have the right gases, and are close enough to a star to have any viable lifeforms, then this book is for you. There's also plenty of formulas to be used, and understood. Have fun with that...

[The Holy Saint, Grand High Poobah, Master of Monkeys, Ehlers]

Anne Lamott's Bird by Bird is a common suggestion. I found it had a couple good ideas but it was less than spectacularly helpful

[42]

You may also want to get some books that are just helpful as you write. The Chicago Manual of Style and Elements of Style are useful.

[stacer]

Anne Lamott's Bird by Bird is a common suggestion. I found it had a couple good ideas but it was less than spectacularly helpful

I agree. I never really got more than halfway through it.

And I second 42 on the style guides. Elements is a nice, short little book that reads well.

I also sometimes use A Writer's Book of Days because it has some good rushwrite prompts that have spurred good writing sessions. It's got a lot of good beginner advice, plus inspirational writing quotes, but the best part is the prompts.