Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Christmas Gift Ideas for Writers

I love books. Step into my house, and it's obvious, because they are everywhere! And my office--oh, my! Every inch of wall not covered by windows, doors, or the huge bulletin board above my desk is filled with overflowing bookshelves. Fiction of all kinds, of course, and also evidence of my passion for books on writing. I really, really need to stop collecting every book on writing that I see! I could probably weed all of them down to a dozen favorites...though I'm always on the prowl for new titles that offer something special. And boy, have I found some great titles lately!

I recently came across two new ones that are truly excellent--both by members of ACFW.

I've come to realize that if James Scott Bell pens a book on writing, I want to be first in line at the store. His Plot & Structure and Revision & Self Editing are two titles that I'd pack if I knew I was going to be stranded on a desert isle. I can't recommend them highly enough. And now, he has come out with a third-- The Art of War for Writers: Fiction Writing Strategies, Tactics and Exercises with perhaps the most unique approach ever--and packed with excellent information and advice. I love this book! And it's just the right size and price to be a perfect gift for my critique buddies. But shhhhh....don't tell!

The other new title that I love is The Art & Craft of Writing Christian Fiction by Jeff Gerke, and it is absolutely packed with wonderful information for anyone who hopes to write Christian fiction, or even if s/he has a dozen books written. Reading it was like sitting down with the author and receiving an in-depth workshop in my home.

So now...I would just love to hear about your favorites!

Wishing you a blessed Christmas filled with joy for the true reason for the season, and a wonderful coming year,

Roxanne

3 comments:

Project Journal said...

I really don't know about fave nonfiction/writing books??? Lol...sorry, if that's what you're looking for.

However, fiction! My room sounds about like yours! I may only be 17, BUT I have ohhhhhh 4 (very) tall bookcases filled in my room. Plus, books on the floor and on my nightstand! It's crazy! One of my favorite series is Cheryl Wyatt's Wings of Refuge. One of my favorite authors is definitely (Cheryl, obviously) Mae Nunn!! One of my fave LIS books was Final Warning by Sandra Robbins...it was fantastic and my first LIS book. I have one of your books, but I have not read it quite yet. It's on the top of my list : )
Hannah

Debby Giusti said...

Roxanne,
Thanks for the info about James Scott Bell's new book.

Today Cheryl Wyatt blogged about Jeff's book on Seekerville (www.seekerville.blogspot.com). When I hear something twice in one day, I know I need to sit up and take notice.

I'm asking Santa for both books!

My favorites? I love Michael Hauge's, Writing Screenplays That Sell! He's fantastic. Plus, he's coming to Georgia Romance Writers' Moonlight and Magnolias Conference next year. That's my chapter so I'll be hanging on every word Michael says.

Merry Christmas. Hope you find books under your Christmas tree! :)

RoxanneRustand said...

Project Journal---how very cool! You are a gal after my own heart. Overflowing bookcases sound perfect to me!

Debby, Hauge came to Minneapolis last fall and he was incredible. I think I wrote down every single word he said, and he offered insights that I hadn't heard elsewhere. He is AMAZING...and offers so much more than what is in his book, which I have on my shelf, too. I'm trying hard to incorporate his writing theories on my MIP. Rox