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Writing: craft, reference & inspiration
19
items Books on the craft of writing, reference books and inspiration.
Sections
3
On Writing
To Inspire Writing
Writing Reference Books
On Writing
For a beginner who loves reading and hasn't yet tried to write a book. You may think you know what you're doing, but trust me - it's always better listening to those who have done it before.
The Writer's Compass: From Story Map to Finished Draft in 7 Stages
Hands down the best writing craft book I've ever read
On Writing
Fantastic book about writing style. Definitely one that will help you tighten up the proverbial cogs of your writing.
The Elements of Style
“Maps have a unique power to transport us to distant lands on wondrous travels. Put a map at the start of a book, and we know an adventure is going to follow.” A stunning book that's pretty useful.
The Writer's Map: An Atlas of Imaginary Lands
To Inspire Writing
Classical Mythology A to Z
Great guide on supernatural creatures. If you're writing a mythological retelling or a high-fantasy story swathed in legendary beasts, this is a book for you.
Supernatural Creatures
Why is this book in this list? Writers need to know good, classic works of fiction. That's why so many English university papers will look at works by writers like Shakespeare or Dickens etc… because they had such a wide influence on writing. Because...
The Odyssey: Translated by Emily Wilson
This one is essential - because while Irish fairy and folk tales are lesser known, they are a wealth of inspiration.
Fairy and Folk Tales of the Irish Peasantry, Edited by W.B.Yeats, Social Science, Folklore & Mythology
A work commonly found on the under graduate syllabus of any Greek Mythology paper. Not necessarily ‘easy reading’, but certainly informative.
The Complete World of Greek Mythology / Edition 1
Another book for inspiration. Although its relevance depends on the type of story you're writing. These tales are based on animals and have a moral. Ever heard of the tortoise and the hare and their famous race? Aesop invented that one.
Aesop's Illustrated Fables (Barnes & Noble Collectible Editions)
Many know of Tolkien, few knew he studied Norse mythology and fewer are familiar with the Poetic Edda, a work of poetry about the Norse gods that he would have been familiar with.
The Poetic Edda
He's supposed to have invented comedy. Lysistrata is a hilarious play about women who try to stop the Peloponnesian War by withholding a man's marital… rights.
Lysistrata and Other Plays
The original inspiration of the film, A Knight's Tale. This volume has multiple stories that have inspired writers. A colourful band of pilgrims tell tales as part of a storytelling competition. From Arthurian legend to hypocritical moralising, the p...
The Canterbury Tales: A Selection
It's in the title - stunning illustrations to inspire full of whimsy and wonder.
The Storyteller's Handbook: 52 Illustrations to Inspire Your Own Tales and Adventures
Writing Reference Books
A dictionary that has literary references, mythological creatures and famous phrases. A fantastic resource for fantasy writers. After all, if it's good enough for J.K. Rowling, it's good enough for all of us.
Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (20th edition)
A somewhat bland, yet essential part of a writer's tool box. But hey, most dictionaries are digitised now. Why would you need to buy one? Well… You never know when the inevitable apocalypse will knock out the internet and then you'll kick yourself fo...
Compact Oxford Dictionary & Thesaurus
If you love fantasy, you'll already probably know something about mythology. However, having a reference book to get the facts right can be helpful.
The Book of Mythical Beasts and Magical Creatures
This book is the basis of The Hero's Journey - a common story structure used in fantasy, dystopian and many other novels. It's been adapted, changed, turned on it's head but it is a useful structure to know.
The Hero with a Thousand Faces
Whilst this is meant for DM's planning their next grand campaign, many a fantasy writer has delved into DMing or playing DnD which has developed their world-building skills. However, if in doubt, Patricia C. Wrede's blog on worldbuilding on SFWA is e...
The Worldbuilder's Journal of Legendary Adventures (Dungeons & Dragons): 365 Questions to Help You Create Mythical Characters, Storied Worlds, and Unique Campaigns