BOOKS I RECOMMEND:

STORY STRUCTURE

The Hero with A Thousand Faces – Joseph Campbell
Campbell was able to construct the steps, across all cultures, that exist in classic stories.

The Writer’s Journey – Christopher Vogler
Vogler was the first to use Campbell’s idea in such a way that writers might intentionally include these steps in their stories. This is the book I’ve used to structure my novels.

STYLE

On Writing Well – William Zinsser
Although this book is for non-fiction, I learned an incredible amount from it that helped my fiction. I call this a must read.

The Elements of Style – Strunk & White
Another must read!

COURAGE AND INSPIRATION

Bird by Bird – Anne Lamott
A fun and inspiring book for those wishing to become writers.    

The Artist’s Way – Julia Cameron
Great creativity exercises. This is the single book that actually helped bring Dark Enough to See the Stars to fruition.

The Right to Write – Julia Cameron
Another push for those needing it get started.

Writing Down the Bones – Natalie Goldberg
Push, push, push…WRITE!