Reading List

Here are some of my favorite books about writing.

1. The Art of Fiction by John Gardner

   A great analysis of the craft that leaves no stone unturned, from "authority" in fiction to sentence construction to advice on how not to interrupt "the fictional dream", and much more.
   
   

2. On Becoming a Novelist by John Gardner

   Focuses on the practical aspects of the writing career, including the much-neglected topic of what jobs work well for a part time writer.
   
   

3. Writing Down the Bones by Nathalie Goldberg

   A collection of small essays from Goldberg's Jewish/Zen Buddist perspective, plus exercises to "get your hand moving across the page," as Goldberg puts it.
   
   

4. Wild Mind by Nathalie Goldberg

   The sequel to Writing Down the Bones; more essays, more exercises. Not as good as Bones, but worth a look.
   
   

5. If You Want to Write by Brenda Ueland

   Are you waiting for someone to give you permission? This is the book for you. Ueland believes that anyone can write. You just need to unlearn what you think you know about writing--that it should involve big words, sound eriudite, etc.--and find your authentic voice. "Everyone is talented, and everyone has something to say." A compassionate book. I love it.
   
   

6. On Writer's Block by Victoria Nelson

   Writers tend to divide into two camps; those who boastfully proclaim they've never been blocked, and those who do get blocked, and at such times accuse themselves of laziness or of "not being a real writer". In such an atmosphere, Nelson's suggestion that writer's block can at times be a positive thing, is nothing short of revolutionary. A highly recommended read for writers of both camps.

Here's a great book for artistic people wondering how the h!#%? to make a living.

1. The Career Guide for Creative and Unconventional People by Carol Eikleberry, PhD