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Recommended Reading

Writing is a craft that has to be learned, just like any other. Yes, I agree that some people are born with an incredible imagination, but writing this down for others to read is far from easy. A writer is anyone who writes, an author someone who's been published. To become an author we need tools, and not just a laptop or pc. This isn't by far a definitive list, simply those books that I would recommend any writer invest in.

On Writing: A Memoir Of The Craft by Stephen King: ISBN 0340820462.

I can't recommend this book highly enough. It's available in hard copy, kindle and also audible. I've read this book numerous  times and often listen to it while driving or pottering about the house. 

 

 

 

 

 

Danse Macabre by Stephen King: ISBN: 9780340899090.

The only way I can describe this is that this book is an anatomy of horror. A superb book that doesn't get the great press it deserves.

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Celtx, Open Source Screen Writing Beginner’s Guide by Ralph Roberts: ISBN-13: 978-1419704420. 

A great guide to the oneline Celtx open source screenwriting software. The site itself is available here:  https://www.celtx.com/index.html

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How Novels Work by John Mullan: ISBN: 97-0-19-928177-0.

An engaging read for novel writers. The book explores the fundamentals of writing fiction and reflects on the work of produced by some of today's top writers.

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Cracking The Short Story Market by Iain Pattison: ISBN 1-903199-00-6.

I read this book first back in the mid-80's, while studying a creative writing course. It's tells the writer how to set about writing a short story, the pitfalls to look out for, and hope to market it.

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The King’s English by Kingsley Amis: ISBN: 0-00-638746-2.

A light-hearted look at the English language, by Sir Kingsley Amis who wrote 40 books, including the wonderful 'Lucky Jim'.

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501 Writer’s Questions Answered by Nancy Smith: ISBN 0-7499-1512-9.

A wonderful guide to questions commonly asked by writers. Laid out in a simple question and answer format it's easy to follow and is a great addition to any writer's bookshelf.

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Solutions For Writers by Sol Stein: ISBN: 0-285-63525-5.

Available in hardback and paper book this work is full of sage advice not only from a well-published author but also a deeply-respected editor.

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The Writer & Artist’s Yearbook from A & C Black, ISBN-13: 978-1472907073.

This is a must-have for any serious writer. Filled with detailed contacts at publishers for all kinds of fiction, non-fiction and poetry.  It also includes details of agents, copyright, societies, overseas markets and so many other areas that affect scribes on their paths to success.

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Wonderbook: The Illustrated Guide to Creating Imaginative Fiction: ISBN-13: 978-1419704420.

Superbly illustrated this step-by-step guidance for writers is required reading for many creative writing programs.

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How to Make a Living From Your Writing by Joanna Penn: ISBN-13: 978-1514756638.

Joanne has done a superb job with this guidance on how to make a living from your writing, with tips on income streams, mindset, publishing options and changes in the publishing industry. This is another book that I've read countless times and constantly dip into.

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Stein on Writing by Sol Stein: ISBN-13: 978-0312254216.

As the advert says, 'A Master Editor of Some of the Most Successful Writers of Our Century Shares His Craft Techniques and Strategies'. An excellent aid to writing and editing that writers will gain a lot from. I have this on audible and each time I listen I pick up something or others areas are drilled home.

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'The scribe' is a UK veterans writing group, dedicated to helping writers interested in all forms of creative writing. Completely free of charge the group is run by volunteers and is open to all serving members and ex-members of HM Armed Forces, dependants, and associated charities. If you're a veteran, interested in writing, why not drop 'The Scribe' a line?

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