Seattle Writes: Our Favorite Writing Books
Librarians at The Seattle Public Library created this list of our favorite books about the craft of writing. (September 2022)
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What About the Baby?
In 14 essays, National Book Award winner McDermott dissects what makes a story worth reading, covering everything from the nitty-gritty of a good sentence to writer's block.
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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Story
A foundational examination of the structure of narrative writing. Other books in McKee's series include Dialogue; Character; and Action.
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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Elements of Fiction
“Multi-award-winner Mosley … best known for his "Easy Rawlins" mystery series, explores life with genre-defying mastery. With conversational bounce, this guide provides writers with methods and tips to find clarity and emotion.” – Library Journal
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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Write for your Life
"Novelist Quindlen maintains that everyone should write, no matter how informally, because "writing is power" and it connects us with ourselves and those we care about." - Library Journal
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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Craft in the Real World
“The world has changed, and the writing workshop must catch up. An essential addition to the bookshelf of anyone interested in creative writing, Salesses’ text provides a compassionate approach sure to bring a new generation of authentic voices to the page.” —BookPage
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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The Last Draft
"Scofield provides a roadmap that includes how to read and deconstruct a finished manuscript critically, how to get to the heart of the story, and how to develop a plan and process for revision. This title stands out from the crowd of others on the subject." - Library Journal
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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Wonderbook
“VanderMeer has done something new here. His guide hits all the topics a how-to book should cover... Where it differs is that VanderMeer aims to engage the imagination that is core to the work of [science fiction] and fantasy writers.” – Library Journal
Format: Book
Availability: All copies in use
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The Writer's Journey
Based on “The Hero’s Journey” by Joseph Campbell, Vogler presents a step-by-step guide for storytelling structure.
Format: Book
Availability: All copies in use
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Who Says?
"Poet and novelist Zeidner argues persuasively that point-of-view decisions 'are the very heart of fiction, more central and crucial than plot.' A thorough, practical guide for writers focused on the problem of point of view." - Kirkus
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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Seattle Writes: Publishing
Librarians at The Seattle Public Library present a selection of books, online resources, and Seattle Writes podcasts for writers ready to publish their work via either traditional publishing or self publishing.
View Seattle Writes: Publishing