Here are some of my favorite books on writing. I hope you enjoy exploring them!
A Writer's Coach: An Editor's Guide to Words That Work
This book was written by the managing editor and writing coach at The Oregonian, the major daily newspaper in the state.
Hart is a wonderful teacher, editor and writer, with years of experience helping to train Pulitzer Prize winning journalists. He has synthesized his knowledge in this book, which is one of the best I have seen for training nonfiction writers how to write.
Nonfiction Book Proposals Anybody Can Write
If you want to write a nonfiction book, start here. By following Lyon's process for writing a book proposal, you will hone, test and justify your book idea, define your purpose and audience, flesh out your ideas by creating chapter summaries, and write three complete chapters.
At the end of the process, you will not only have an outstanding book proposal to send to agents and publishers, you will also be well on your way to finishing your book! (Whether you end up going the traditional publishing route or publish your book yourself.)
On Writing Well by William Zinsser
William Zinsser wrote a wonderful book in 1976 that has sold over one million copies and gone through numerous editions. Using a voice that is warm and approachable, he shows writers how to create prose that is clear, simple, unified—and effective.
Storycatcher: Making Sense of Our Lives through the Power and Practice of Story by Christina Baldwin
This is a beautifully-written, thoughtful and inspiring book about the power of story in our lives.
Journal to the Self by Kathleen Adams
This wonderful book is filled with journaling exercises that can change your life! It is written by a pioneer and leader in the field of Writing to Heal.
Opening Up: The Healing Power of Expressing Emotions by James Pennebaker
Dr. Pennebaker is the chair of the psychology department at the University of Texas in Austin. He has conducted numerous studies that support the power that writing has to heal. This fascinating book--written for the lay audience--shares the story of his research and findings.