The Hopeful Writer's Bookshelf
General Writing
On Writing by Stephen King.
I found this book very interesting and easy to read and I'm not just saying that because Stephen King is one of my favourite authors! It covers not only his thoughts and ideas on writing, but also gives us an insight into the man. If you're not interested in Stephen King this book is still worth buying. WH smith link.
Good Grammar by Graham King.
As you may know I have a mental block when it comes to grammar, but this book is helping ease the way a little and I need the help! Try it if you want to learn the proper use of speech marks and punctuation, it changed my life - unfortunately not really, but it's the least complicated book on grammar I've seen so far. NB: Any grammatical mistakes on this site are due to my incompetence and not in any way related to the above book or author :¬) WH smith link - not available, but lots of other useful titles to choose from by Graham King. Use the search function and the author name.
The 38 Most Common Fiction Writing Mistakes by Jack M. Bickham.
I enjoyed this book and found most of it useful, it's easy to read and find what you're looking for too. You needn't take to heart all the info between the covers, but we all need help at some point and you can always refer back to it if you're having some trouble with your writing. He has also written 'Writing and Selling your Novel' which I don't own. WH smith link.
Writer's Handbook: 2000 by Barry Turner
(Editor).
This tome is chock full of information. There are more publishers,
agents and markets than you'll ever need - probably! There are even
a few interesting articles about writing. A useful resource for all
writers that holds information relevant to the UK, Ireland and the
USA. There are web addresses too, in fact I can barely lift the
thing! (NB: I have the 2000 edition) WH smith Link.
Magazine Writer's Handbook (Allison
& Busby Writers' Guides) by Gordon Wells
This useful
little book isn't only for writers of magazine articles, it
includes lots of market and payment information, competition
addresses, and some tips on what books to buy and more. (UK
information). WH smith Link.
Poetry
The Nation's Favourite Comic Poems by
Griff Rhys Jones (Editor)
A selection of humorous verse
selected by the UK public. There are poems from Spike Milligan to
Keats to Victoria Wood and with such diversity there's got to be
something in this book you'll like! My favourite so far is 'Little
Red Riding Hood and the Wolf' by Roald Dahl. WH smith Link.
101 Poems that could save your life by
Daisy Goodwin (Editor)
I have to admit that this is not one of my favourite books, but it
has some nice poetry in it and even a couple to make you smile.
It's a good idea too, the poems are listed under an emotional index
with headings such as: Grief, Friendship, Illness, First Date and
more. Whatever's happening in your life, you'll more than likely
find a poem to suit in this little book.
A-haunting We Will Go" and Other Spooky
Rhymes by Nicholas Tulloch, Chris Mould (Illustrator)
A fun collection of spooky poems about
monsters, ghouls and ogres. More for the kids really, but I like
pretty much anything to do with ghosts and spooky things! WH smith Link.
A Night Without Armour by Mark
Hughes
Naturally enough I enjoyed some poems more than others, but if you
asked me to choose a favourite I'd be stumped, they're all good!
Which is something of a relief as I put off buying a Star Trek NG
novel to get it. All right, calm down in the gallery! I don't want
to hear any more shouts of Philistine! Did I not buy the poetry?
Thank you! Anyway, give Star Trek NG a try you might enjoy it.
Now that poetry lovers have stopped throwing things I'll get on! I couldn't have had a better introduction to modern poetry and will definitely be keeping an eye open for more of Mark Hughes work. The poems cover issues from love and rejection to death and war, there is something for everyone! If you want to read some poetry and don't know where to start give this collection a try. WH smith Link.
Other
The Bang Bang Club - Snapshots from a Hidden War. by Greg Marinovich and Joao SilvaMoving and interesting book about four South African War photographers and their lives during Apartheid. True story. WH smith link.
Whoever Fights Monsters by Robert K
Ressler and Tom ShachtmanPartly written and based on Robert K Ressler's experiences in the FBI when the profiling of serial killers was in its infancy. It is fascinating to read the titbits of information about some of the most notorious serial killers of the 20th centaury. The writing is a bit stilted, but don't let that put you off, it's not a hard read and you get some insight into what it was like for those first agents trying to interview what some would claim is pure evil! There is even a reference to time spent in England during the Yorkshire Ripper case. WH smith Link.
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