Here are a few books that have been well received by a number of my clients. Click on the book cover to connect with Amazon. Click on the button marked 'Questions' at the bottom of the page if you'd like to make a comment or have an inquiry.
Stein is arguably one of the best editors in the world. This book is a must-have for serious fiction writers. His narrative style is easy and conversational, but there is enough valuable content to keep you learning for years.



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How to Write a Damn Good Novel II is a refreshing next step for writers who have maxed out on rules and regulations in an attempt to become a good writer. Frey has the ability to dig under the surface of common writing strategies to reveal how they affect readers. His insights are clearly presented in a warm and readable writing style.

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Maass takes a cold, hard look into what makes novels sell.  He has a practical flair for finding ways to help your writing develop a strong sense of time and place, create characters who are bigger than life and craft the kind of tension and sense of timing that will push your story into hyper-drive.



​One of the strongest tools in the writer's toolbox is the ability to sear vivid images in the readers' minds with a minimum of verbiage. McClanahan's book provides writers with a huge amount of material on the subject. I'd suggest reading it cover to cover before working through it with the exercises. Mastering the content of this book will make a significant impact on your quality of writing.

Some writers do best with clear and concise guidance on how to build story structure and do it well. Alderson does a great job of breaking things down into understandable parts. What I really like about her work, though, is that she is also able to help writers put everything together at the end. She does get a little cerebral and proscriptive in parts, but she can't be beat for laying out the nuts and bolts of good writing. (There is an optional workbook that goes with the text if you are in the mood for a really rigorous workout.)
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Many of the books I recommend have to do with the expressive side of writing. Ursula LeGuin, on the other hand, provides writers with solid inspiration and insight about what it means to be a writer. This is a wonderful book to fill in those moments when you have stepped back from writing and are looking for a reassuring reminder to remember who you are.