What’s On My Bookshelf?
I wanted my first post in the Writer’s Hub to offer something genuinely valuable to fellow writers. With so many possible places to begin, I found myself drawn to the well-loved craft books lining my bookshelf—trusted companions that have shaped and strengthened my own writing journey. It felt only fitting to start here, by sharing the insights and inspiration I’ve gathered from them, in the hope that they might encourage and support you as well. I’ve listed them loosely in order, beginning with my favourite titles, which have resonated most deeply and offered me the greatest guidance.
On Writing Craft and Process
Daily Rituals: how great minds make time, find inspiration, and get to work by Mason Currey (2013) - This is probably my favourite book on my writing shelf. It details the daily processes, habits, and working routines of the greatest writers, philosophers, composers, and artists ever to have lived, each one receiving a dedicated entry expounding on their day-to-day practices. There are 161 entries, including writers: Jane Austen, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Toni Morrison, James Joyce, Agatha Christie, W. B. Yeats, Maya Angelou, Victor Hugo, Charles Dickens, Herman Melville, Leo Tolstoy, Mark Twain, George Orwell, Stephen King, and many others. While I certainly don’t condone some practices, the book makes for very interesting reading and helps to inspire one’s own daily routine for supporting creative output.
Save the Cat! Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody (2018) - The is the cult favourite from the Save the Cat franchise of books that focuses on the story beats that make up a riveting plot structure, based on the same fifteen essential plot points that can be found in almost every movie and book ever created. The book is chock-full of examples of famous novels/movies broken down into the fifteen beats which is exceptionally helpful. This is my go-to for the planning stage of every story I write.
Method Acting for Writers: learn deep point of view using emotional layers by Lisa Hall-Wilson (2018) - Lisa Hall-Wilson is the Canadian queen of Deep POV writing style. Deep POV is a trending style of writing that removes the distance between the character and the reader. I had the immense privilege of doing her 12-week masterclass online years ago, where I got to do a Zoom call with her. Anyone interested in Deep Point of View needs to get this small but invaluable book, which includes examples for guidance. Whenever I teach on Deep POV, I recommend this book. Lisa’s masterclass will take you even deeper! Check out her website: www.lisahallwilson.com.
Manuscript Makeover: revision techniques no fiction writer can afford to ignore by Elizabeth Lyon (2008) - This very helpful, refreshing, and practical take on the editing process has four parts: style speaks, craft works, characterisation endures, and marketing pays. It focuses on enhancing style, clarifying structure, deepening characterisation, and cleaning up punctuation and syntax. This book is a deep dive into the craft of writing and details the nitty-gritty of editing, of how to make your sentences and paragraphs effective and your whole story compelling. I’ve had a lot of a-ha moments reading this one!
The Forest for the Trees: an editor’s advice to writers (revised and updated) by Betsy Lerner (2010) - This book includes two parts: writing and publishing. The writing section involves a detailed look at the different kinds of writers in the world and how they perceive writing and how that informs their purpose and process—fascinating! The publishing section discusses how to make contact with editors and deal with rejection, and focuses on what editors want and what authors want—equally fascinating! This is one of my favourite books on writing craft. It is like sitting down with an experienced editor over a coffee and having an all-access pass to the world of publishing.
Show, Don’t Tell by Sandra Gerth (2016) - A small, power-packed book on the practicalities of showing and not telling, with a focus on writing vivid descriptions, handling backstory, and describing character emotions. This book is a must for the basics of writing craft and is a wonderful side companion for any resources on the Deep Point of View writing style. I always recommend this book in my writing workshops.
Great Stories Don’t Write Themselves: Criteria-driven strategies for more effective fiction by Larry Brooks (2019) - Regardless of your writing process, this book hones in on the essential criteria that make up great stories. The book is broken into five parts: It’s all in your head, navigating the leap from story idea to premise, criteria for the parts and parcel of story development, and the sum of the parts. I underlined almost every line in this book and drew stars in most margins! It’s a keeper!
The Elements of Style (4th edition) by William Strunk Jr. and E. B. White (1979/2000) - This book, likely the most revered and discussed book on style, is a classic. Co-written by E.B. White, the author of Charlotte’s Web, it is a pocket-sized book full to the brim with dos and don’ts of writing. It includes sections on elementary rules of usage, elementary principles of composition, matters of form, words and expressions commonly misused, and an approach to style. Years ago, I asked a writing teacher what would be the best way for me to improve my writing. His response was to get a copy of this book. This review sums the book up perfectly: ‘No book in shorter space, with fewer words, will help any writer more than this persistent little volume.’
On Writing: a memoir of the craft by Stephen King (2000) - This book, part memoir, part masterclass, is an absolute classic and likely the most revered book on the craft of writing. I’d even go so far as to say you are not a writer if this book is not on your bookshelf. Nah, but seriously, this IS the one book you should have on your shelf. I am not a reader of King’s work, but this book is about craft and the writing life—his life. Included is his advice on writing and the basic tools of the trade that every writer must have. His memoir about being a struggling writer and his near-fatal accident is fascinating, thought-provoking, and inspiring. This one stays with you for all the right reasons.
Bird by Bird: some instructions on writing and life by Anne Lamott (1994) - This is an absolute classic and likely on the shelf of every serious writer. It is an honest and down-to-earth conversation on writing life and writing craft. There are five parts in this book: writing, the writing frame of mind, help along the way, publication and other reasons to write, and the last class. This is a unique and creative look at the psychological journey of the writing life, with encouragement for those who struggle with resistance to writing, perfectionism, and writer’s block.
Making Shapely Fiction by Jerome Stern (1991) - This book includes three parts. The first is titled ‘The Shapes of Fiction’ and encourages the author to write stories that are shaped by a list of techniques such as facade, juggling, iceberg, onion, journey, etc. The second part includes two essays: one titled ‘Write What You Know’ and the other titled ‘Don’t Do This: A Short Guide to What Not to Do’. The third part is a very helpful alphabetised list of terms and techniques for fiction writing, with descriptions of each and often including examples from texts. Some of the techniques mentioned are taught in the Master of Creative Writing I am undertaking, where this book is a required text. It definitely deserves a place on the bookshelf of any serious writer.
Just Write: creating unforgettable fiction and a rewarding writing life by James Scott Bell (2016) - This book is broken into two parts. The first, labeled ‘Unforgettable Fiction’, contains four chapters on: what readers want; develop your ideas, prepare to write; write memorable characters; and write your story. The second part, labelled ‘A Rewarding Writing Life’, contains four chapters on: brave the writing life; study the craft; write with efficiency; and understand publishing and marketing. I personally love James Scott Bell as a writing instructor, as will you if you ever listen to Audible’s exclusive The Great Courses Audiobook: How to Write Best-selling Fiction, written and narrated by James Scott Bell. Do yourself a favour and get that Audible book!
Super Structure: the key to unleashing the power of story by James Scott Bell (2015) - Another practical book by novelist and writing instructor James Scott Bell. This book is based on over two decades of research on what makes a novel or screenplay entertaining, commercial, original, and irresistible. It is a thin book, but it’s packed with great information. What I love about James Scott Bell is that he uses commonly known movies as examples of how to structure great stories.
The 90-day Novel (3rd edition) by Alan Watt (2017) - A day-to-day guide for outlining and writing the first draft of your novel. For every day and week of the three months, there is encouragement, exercises, homework, and reminders. This is all structured to create a linear writing course that takes writers through acts one to three of their work in progress and on to the story resolution. This book was listed as a required text for my Master of Creative Writing.
Writing Fiction: a guide to narrative craft (10th edition)by Janet Burroway (2019) - A deep and refreshing dive into: the writing process, showing and telling, characterisation, setting, plot and structure, point of view, comparison, and revision and theme. Each chapter includes tips and multiple examples from texts. I particularly love the fresh take on topics and the author’s no-nonsense, friendly approach to the ins and outs of writing craft: See! This is how you do it, and here’s an example!
Story Genius: how to use brain science to go beyond outlining and write a riveting novel by Lisa Cron (2016) - The story is broken into three parts, each with multiple chapters. The three parts are: What a story is and what it isn’t, creating the inside story, and creating an external gauntlet to spur your protagonist’s internal struggle. Each chapter ends with a ‘What to do’ section that provides an encouraging handhold to writers as they apply the knowledge. I love the tagline on the front cover of this book: ‘Before you waste three years writing 327 pages that go nowhere.’ Most authors have been there!
25 Great Sentences and How They Got That Way by Geraldine Woods (2020) - The information in this book is at the syntax level, dealing directly with words and sentences. This guide examines the sentences spoken or penned by some of the world’s greatest speakers and writers, including Virginia Woolf, Maya Angelou, James Joyce, John F. Kennedy, and Martin Luther King Jr. The book includes five parts: structure, diction, sound, connection/comparison, and extremes. Each part includes numerous chapters, each focusing on a different text or speech. There are practical exercises listed in each chapter titled ‘For the Writer’.
Write to the Point: how to be clear, correct and persuasive on the page by Sam Leith (2018) - This style guide is a deep dive into syntax and line editing to create persuasive and effective writing. There are chapters on: audience awareness, the nuts and bolts of using the parts of speech (nouns, pronouns, adjectives, adverbs, verbs), punctuation, sentence surgery, cadence in writing, the perils and pitfalls (such as the loathed comma splices and dangling modifiers), and genres for getting your writing out into the world: long form structure, letters, and writing for the screen. If you are a grammar nerd like me, you’ll love this one!
The Writing Book: a practical guide for fiction writers by Kate Grenville (1990/2010) - This writing guide, written by the best-selling Australian author of The Secret River, takes the writer step-by-step through activities on writing. This is a ‘doing’ workbook. As writers work through the book, they gradually craft a piece of fiction. Writing prompts help to evoke original ideas, and there are numerous contemporary Australian writing examples to guide the writer as they work with the concepts. There are ten chapters: getting started, sorting through, character, point of view, voice, dialogue, description, design, revision, and submitting a manuscript. This is a refreshing book on craft, and it lives up to the tagline on the cover: Australia’s favourite writing book.
Eats, Shoots, and Leaves: the zero tolerance approach to punctuation (4th edition) by Lynne Truss (2009) - With over three million copies sold worldwide, this book sits on many bookshelves, including mine. It is an ‘impassioned and hilarious tour through the rules of punctuation’. This book is full of humorous anecdotes that delight the reader as they learn about the practicalities and rules of punctuation, which every writer should know. It is a delight for grammar nerds and serious writers alike.
The Writing Life (4th edition) by Anne Dillard (2013) - Anne Dillard is a non-fiction writer and winner of the Pulitzer Prize. In this small book of short essays, Dillard uses artistry and imagery to expound on her life as a writer. First published in 1989, the book is a feast for those who love stylised words and lyrical prose. This book stayed with me for a long time, especially her real-life experience of flying with a stunt pilot (if you know, you know). I love this review of the book: ’For non writers, it is a glimpse into the trials and satisfactions of a life spent with words. For writers, it is a warm, rambling conversation with a stimulating and extraordinarily talented colleague.’
Searching for the Secret River by Kate Grenville (2006) - This book is a memoir of Grenville’s writing process as she documents her great-great-great-grandfather’s transportation as a convict to Australia in 1806. This historical deep dive resulted in her much-acclaimed novel The Secret River, which is an absolute masterpiece about Australia’s convict past and the violent confrontations between settlers and the Indigenous population. This memoir is a fascinating read for all, but especially for writers who are interested in how an author takes ideas and translates them into an award-winning novel.
Self-Editing for Fiction Writers: how to edit yourself into print (2nd edition) by Renni Browne and Dave King (2004) - This book is a practical guide to self-editing your book. It includes eleven chapters titled: show and tell, characterisation and exposition, point of view, proportion, dialogue mechanics, see how it sounds, interior monologue, easy beats, breaking up is easy to do, once is usually enough, sophistication, and voice. The book is full of helpful techniques and examples, and each chapter ends with a checklist and exercises. This is a commonly recommended book on the self-editing process.
The Little Red Writing Book by Mark Tredinnick (2006) - This book is a must for any writer who wants to understand the nuts and bolts of the English language and style. It deals with a plethora of rules and techniques that ensure an author doesn’t trip on common mistakes and that they understand best practices for the craft, all delivered in a friendly, conversational manner. There is not much you won’t know about the dos and don’ts of writing once you get to the end of this book.
The Little Green Grammar Book by Mark Tredinnick (2008) - Another great book by Tredinnick on syntax, and in this case, on grammar. The book is divided into four parts, covering topics such as sentence grammar, parts of speech, clauses, the taxonomy of verbs, nouns, and pronouns, punctuation usage, common grammar problems, and much more. Authors will be well-equipped to avoid all kinds of mistakes and stylistic offences after reading and applying the content in this book. It is definitely a contender for pride of place on any writer’s bookshelf.
On Editing and/or Publishing
ASA’s Guide to Getting Published: understanding and navigating Australia’s book industry by Juliet Rogers (2022) - This book, published by the Australian Society of Authors, is an exceptionally helpful and practical guide for Australian writers, providing a wealth of information to both traditionally published authors and independent, self-published authors. The book includes five parts, titled: So you want to be an author, traditional publishing, author-funded publishing, supplementing your income, and industry organisations. The book gives practical advice on topics such as literary agents, author rights, contracts and negotiations, marketing, self-publishing and associated costs, dealing with booksellers, and a lot more. This book takes all the guesswork and fear out of publishing. And you can become a member of the Australian Society of Authors for a reasonable yearly fee, which gives you access to informative documents, organised writerly meet-ups, and legal advice when navigating contracts etc.
How to be an Author: the business of being a writer in Australia by Georgia Richter and Deborah Hunn (2021) - A very practical and helpful guide on navigating the publishing industry in Australia with a focus on eleven key areas: creativity and the writing journey, the process of creating a manuscript, readers and audience, approaching submission, finding a publisher, the contract, the publication process, branding and self-promotion, your publisher and the business of promotion, writing as a career, and resources for writers. It’s not often one finds a great writing handbook written with the Australian author in mind.
Writers’ and Artists’ Yearbook 2026 by Naomi Alderman (2026) - This yearbook, which comes out annually, is a writer’s guide to writing craft and the publishing industry. Authors and industry professionals share their knowledge regarding various genres, including books, newspapers, magazines, and poetry. The standout feature is the current listings of publishers and literary agents and their contact details worldwide. While it is a UK-published book, there are overseas listings, including three pages of listings for Australian publishers.
Style Manual: for authors, editors and printers (6th edition) published by the Commonwealth of Australia (2002) - This style manual, first published in 1966, is the ultimate guide for preparing material for publication, especially Australian Government content, and is the book most likely to be on the desk of every professional editor, proofreader, printer, and publisher in Australia. This book has the final say on topics such as writing and editing (such as grammar, spelling, word punctuation, capital letters, numbers and measurements, methods of citation, editing and proofreading etc), designing and illustrating, legal and compliance aspects of publishing, and producing and evaluating the product. This is a pricey book, but you can go to the government’s website for free content: stylemanual.gov.au.
The Australian Editing Handbook (3rd edition) by Elizabeth Flann, Beryl Hill, and Lan Wang - This book is the second most likely book seen on the desk of every professional editor and proofreader in Australia. This is a deep, deep dive into all things editorial. It is a practical manual on topics such as publishing roles and responsibilities, on-screen editing, managing illustrations, permissions, prelims and end matter in books, print production, proofreading, writing cover blurbs, and much, much more. This book is more for the editor than the author, but for those interested in the editing process or interested in a career in editing or publishing, this highly respected manual is the one to get.