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Bruce Hale is a man of many hats
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"It is with great enthusiasm that I
recommend Bruce Hale as a speaker,
workshop leader, visiting writer, or any
role remotely related!"
— Diane Mark, Creative Writing
Program Coordinator, University
of Hawaii at Manoa
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MY FAVORITE BOOKS ON WRITING
Writers love to write about writing. (We find it fascinating.) Consequently, there are tons of books out there telling you how to be a better writer. Below, I've listed some of my favorites.
GENERAL
On Writing
Stephen King
Uncle Stevie explains it all. Highly readable, inspirational, and full of great stuff. (Although, when I tried his technique when writing a mystery, I got all fouled up. My fault, not his.)
Bird by Bird
Anne Lamott
Funny, wry, pithy. Anne Lamott is someone who's been to the dark side of writing and returned with helpful advice for all of us. I especially like her chapter on "Shitty First Drafts."
Writing Down the Bones
Natalie Goldberg
One of the best for getting you to loosen up and write instinctively. She's got a spiritual approach to writing, but isn't too airy-fairy.
TECHNIQUE & GENRE
On Writing Well
William Zinsser
A great nonfiction craftsman. Zinsser came up with one of my all-time favorite opening lines for an article: "I've often wondered what goes into a hot dog. Now I know and I wish I didn't." If you're writing nonfiction, Zinsser is your man.
The Elements of Style
Strunk and White
Every writer's bible. Although I suffered through it in high school English, as a professional writer, I've found it holds much wisdom. A bit fuddy-duddyish at times, but don't let that throw you.
The First Five Pages
Noah Lukeman
A handy, nuts-and-bolts guide to making sure the first five pages of your story turn an editor on. Identifies many common early-pages mistakes that can torpedo your chances of publication.
How to Write a Mystery
Larry Beinhart
After I'd written several mysteries, I turned to this book. I found plenty of handy information, especially on the subject of narrative drive, the "engine" of a story.
Writing with Pictures
Uri Shulevitz
Although there are many excellent books on writing and illustrating for children, this is one of my favorites in the picture book category. Shulevitz shows how writing an illustrated book is a whole ‘nother ball of wax.
INSPIRATIONAL
Zen in the Art of Writing
Ray Bradbury
Such a great writer. And the book is not only brimming with tales to inspire any writer, it's beautifully written. Read it and see why Ray is a master.
The Writer's Journey
Christopher Vogler
Inspired by Joseph Campbell's Hero's Journey, screenwriter Vogler has come up with a mythically-themed book that is half about the writer, half about the story.
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