Money is short, time precious. You like to write and want to get better, but how? Reach for the bookshelf and lead your own course!
There's no shortage of how-to-write guides. To help navigate the plethora, I've culled a list of suggestions that combine my own favorites with those of respected writing colleagues — novelists, essayists, poets, and more. With detailed instructions and concrete examples, the following books serve as valuable guides to improve your writing.
Story Engineering
by Larry Brooks
see also www.storyfix.com
MFA in a Box: A Why to Write Book
by John Rember
Naked, Drunk, and Writing: Shed Your Inhibitions and Craft a Compelling Memoir or Personal Essay
by Adair Lara
In the Palm of Your Hand: The Poet's Portable Workshop
by Steve Kowit
The Poetry Home Repair Manual: Practical Advice for Beginning Poets
by Ted Kooser
Tangible tools are important, but be sure to also ponder and reflect:
The Triggering Town: Lectures and Essays on Poetry and Writing
by Richard Hugo
Every Writer Has a Thousand Faces
by David Biespel
The Writing Life
by Annie Dillard
Have I included your favorites? What have I missed?