National Novel Writing Month

Books on the craft of writing to help those participating in National Novel Writing Month.

Updated November 1, 2023
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No plot? no problem! : a low-stress, high-velocity guide to writing a novel in 30 days
Baty, Chris.
Paper Book
Chris Baty, motivator extraordinaire and instigator of a wildly successful writing revolution, spells out the secrets of writingand finishinga novel. Every fall, thousands of people sign up for National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), which Baty founded, determined to (a) write that novel or (b)...
Mastering the process : from idea to novel
George, Elizabeth
Paper Book
As the author of twenty-four novels, Elizabeth George is one of the most successful--and prolific--novelists today. In Mastering the Process, George offers readers a master class in the art and science of crafting a novel. This is a subject she knows well, having taught creative writing...
Elements of fiction
Mosley, Walter
Paper Book
In his essential writing guide, This Year You Write Your Novel, Walter Mosley supplied aspiring writers with the basic tools to write a novel in one year. In this com-plementary follow up, Mosley guides the writer through the elements of not just any fiction writing, but the kind of...
Story genius : how to use brain science to go beyond outlining and write a riveting novel (before you waste three years writing 327 pages that go nowhere)
Cron, Lisa
Paper Book
Following on the heels of Lisa Cron's breakout first book, Wired for Story, this writing guide reveals how to use cognitive storytelling strategies to build a scene-by-scene blueprint for a riveting story. It's every novelist's greatest fear- pouring their blood, sweat,...
Gentle Writing Advice : How to Be a Writer Without Destroying Yourself
Wendig, Chuck
Paper Book
Finally--a book of writing advice that accounts for all of the messy, perverse, practical, and inexplicable parts of being a human who writes The truth is that all of the "writing rules" you've learned are bullshit. Sure, they work for some people, but the likelihood that they'll...
Putting the Fact in Fantasy: Expert Advice to Bring Authenticity to Your Fantasy Writing
Koboldt, Dan.
Paper Book
A collection of essays from historians, linguists, martial artists, and other experts to help you write more compelling fantasy by getting the facts right Whether it's correctly naming the parts of a horse, knowing how lords and ladies address one another, or building a realistic...
The story cure : a book doctor's pain-free guide to finishing your novel or memoir
Moore, Dinty W.
Paper Book
A collection of cures for writer's block, plotting and characterization issues, and other ailments writers face when completing a novel or memoir, prescribed by the director of creative writing at Ohio University. People want to write the book they know is inside of them, but...
Story fix : transform your novel from broken to brilliant
Brooks, Larry
Paper Book
Reinvigorate Your Fiction! You've written the first draft of your novel or screenplay, and you've released it into the world- to your critique group, to your most trusted beta readers, or even to an agent or an editor. But something's wrong. You're not getting the glowing response you...
Plot & structure : techniques and exercises for crafting a plot that grips readers from start to finish
Bell, James Scott.
Paper Book
Craft an Engaging Plot How does plot influence story structure? What's the difference between plotting for commercial and literary fiction? How do you revise a plot or structure that's gone off course? With Write Great Fiction- Plot & Structure, you'll...
The magic words : writing great books for children and young adults
Klein, Cheryl B.
Paper Book
This master class in writing children's and young adult novels will teach you everything you need to know to write and publish a great book. The best children's and young adult novels take readers on wonderful outward adventures and stirring inward journeys. In The Magic Words...
Novel & short story writer's market 2020
Jones, Amy
Paper Book
The best resource for getting your fiction published! Novel & Short Story Writer's Market 2020 is the go-to resource you need to get your short stories, novellas, and novels published. The 39th edition of NSSWM features hundreds of updated listings for book publishers,...
The last draft : a novelist's guide to revision
Scofield, Sandra Jean
Paper Book
The definitive handbook for the novelist who is ready to revise   This wise and friendly guide shows writers how to turn first-draft manuscripts into the novels of their dreams. A critic, longtime teacher, and award-winning novelist, Sandra Scofield illustrates how to...
Writing great books for young adults everything you need to know, from crafting the idea to getting published
Brooks, Regina
Paper Book
Break into the Bestselling Young Adult Market with this Indispensable Guide! Whether you're just getting started or are on the hunt for an agent or publisher, Writing Great Books for Young Adults is your complete insider source on how to succeed in the flourishing world of YA fiction...
Dialogue : the art of verbal action for page, stage, screen
McKee, Robert
Paper Book
The long-awaited follow-up to the perennially bestselling writers' guide Story, from the most sought-after expert in the art of storytelling. Robert McKee's popular writing workshops have earned him an international reputation. The list of alumni with Oscars runs off...
Writing & selling your mystery novel
Ephron, Hallie
Paper Book
A Mystery Writers of America Edgar Award Finalist for Best Critical/Biographical Work Discover the secrets to crafting an unforgettable mystery! To piece together the puzzle of your mystery novel, you need patience, resilience, a solid understanding of the craft, and...
Troubleshooting your novel : essential techniques for identifying and solving manuscript problems
James, Steven
Paper Book
Take your story to the next level of excellence! You've completed the first draft of your novel--now what? Chances are, it's not perfect...at least not yet. In order to increase your chances of getting a literary agent, selling your manuscript to a publisher, or garnering an audience...
DIY MFA
Pereira, Gabriela
Paper Book
Get the Knowledge Without the College! You are a writer. You dream of sharing your words with the world, and you're willing to put in the hard work to achieve success. You may have even considered earning your MFA, but for whatever reason--tuition costs, the time commitment, or...
How to write a mystery : a handbook from Mystery Writers of America
Child, Lee
Paper Book
From 70 of the most successful mystery writers in the business, an invaluable guide to crafting mysteries--from character development and plot to procedurals and thrillers--"this is a writing guide that readers and writers will turn to again and again" (Booklist, starred review). ...

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