Recommended Reading for the Writing Junkie Who Needs a Fix

I admit it. I’m addicted.  I need a 12 step program—for books—especially books on writing. Books are my diamonds. Mention a book to me and I’m off, running off to the book store and ordering a double—one for me and one for a friend.  Sometimes I’ve bought a book. When I finished reading it and placed it on a shelf, I noticed I already had a copy. Now that’s addiction. Here are few of my favorites:

If You Want to Write by Brenda Ueland - This is a must read - Carl Sandburg called it “the best book ever written about how to write.”

The Right to Write—The Sound of Paper by Julia Cameron

Six-figure Freelancing—Ready, Aim Specializing—Good-bye Byline, Hello Big Bucks by Kelly James Enger

One Writer's Beginning by Eudora Welty

Writing out the Storm by Jessica Page Morrel

Writing as a Sacred Path by Jill Jepson

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I've been offering my W R I T E R S tips to writing every week. We’ve covered W,R and I. The next tip is "T" for Tools.

Carpenters, mechanics and plumbers have their tools.  So does the writer. Pen, paper, word processor, lined paper, unlined paper, index cards, all sizes, colors, napkins, journals, dictionary, thesaurus.

I discovered the Exacompta index cards while in Paris and I love them. Find what works for you. When I was a kid, I loved my school bag.  Get your writer’s bag but don’t overload it. Keep it light, so you can carry your tools with you everywhere—restaurants, parks, waiting rooms. 

Suggestion:  Always put dates on what you write.  Ideas come all the  time. Be ready for them, and have your writing tools by your side at all times.

Brian Aldiss said: "There are two kinds of writers. Those that make you think, and those that make you wonder."

I hope my writing makes you think, and I hope it makes you write.

 Happy Reading – Happy Writing

 Gloria Valentino  - C E O  - Challenger – Encourager – Optimist

NOTE:  I will be hosting a NEW WRITERS' GROUP on Sunday, March 11 from 2 to 4 pm at Barnes & Noble in Oak Brook.  Join us for open discussions and opportunities to network with other writers.  This group will meet on a montly basis at Barnes & Noble.  Will keep you posted on dates.