"Books for Writers"
Believe it or not, I actually earn money by writing. These are just a few of the books that are always kept close at hand:
Strunk and White: The Elements of Style.
Writing that Works. How to Communicate Effectively on the Job. Pricey, but that is because it is used as a college text. It’s worth it, but you may want to look for a used copy.
How to write and publish articles in Nursing. Gives you that "you can do it" feeling. (And, you can) Adaptable to other areas besides nursing. A little on the expensive side, but useful for beginners.
The Associated Press Stylebook and Libel Manual. Under $5 used
The New York Public Library Desk Reference. Under $7 used
100 Ways to Improve Your Writing. Under $5 used
The Art of Non Fiction-Ayn Rand. This book and the Art of Fiction are complied from a series of lectures that Rand gave to a group of potential writers in the late 60’s. Rand’s writing is valuable for it’s precision and clarity of thought. These two commodities are often in short supply these days. Not only will you gain valuable information as to the writing process, you will be introduced to a little concept that I like to call "capitalism," a sorely misunderstood subject among many "creative" types.
Roget’s International Thesaurus. You don’t own one already? Oh, my. Used versions (like the Dictionary Form) available for Under $4 used.
Copyediting: A practical guide
The Craft of Interviewing. I think this is useful for beginners. I didn’t find it offensive at all.
English Through The Ages. An essential resource for finding the "write" word throughout history. Under $6 used.
How to Write and Sell Historical Fiction. Under $10 used
Shakespeare’s Insults. Under $3 used
Available on Amazon.com By yours truly:
Surgical Instruments -- Ranked 1,576,164 in sales!!! (and falling fast)
Other titles I recommend:
You Can Teach Someone to Read. Lorraine Peoples. All writers should teach at least one person how to read. Think of it as "job security."
Post modern Pooh. A wildly funny spoof of academia. Written by Professor Frederick Crews. Waiting for our review to appear on Amazon.com
Get Thee to a Nunnery : A Pair of Shakespearean Divertimentos Another slyly written book.
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Revised: August 23, 2005.