A Writer’s Bookshelf

A Writer’s Bookshelf

Welcome to A Writer’s Bookshelf

This is a list of books for your physical and virtual bookshelves.  This is a Writer’s Bookshelf. Please consider making suggestions.

If you would like to add something to this list, contact Sally by email at sally@writerschatroom.com.

I am linking these books to their sales page at Amazon. Some of them may only be available through a 3rd party seller.

The Art and Craft of Novel Writing by Oakley Hall

The Art and Craft of Novel Writing  by Oakley Hall


The Art of Fiction: Notes on Craft for Young Writers

The Art of Fiction: Notes on Craft for Young Writers by John Gardner 


Writing Fiction: A Guide to Narrative Craft (8th Edition) 8th Edition by Janet Burroway

Writing Fiction: A Guide to Narrative Craft (8th Edition) 8th Edition by Janet Burroway


The Writer's Idea Book 10th Anniversary Edition: How to Develop Great Ideas for Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, and Screenplays 10th Anniversary ed. Edition

The Writer’s Idea Book 10th Anniversary Edition: How to Develop Great Ideas for Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, and Screenplays 10th Anniversary ed. Edition


The Weekend Novelist 1st (first) Printing./Foxi Edition by Ray, Robert published by Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing Group (1994) Paperback

This is my favorite book of all time. None other than the first printing with the yellow cover will do. Therefore, you may have to dig a little and buy your copy through a 3rd party.

The Weekend Novelist 1st (first) Printing./Foxi Edition by Ray, Robert published by Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing Group (1994) Paperback


Writing About Your Life: A Journey into the Past by William Zinsser

Writing About Your Life: A Journey into the Past by William Zinsser  


We all know about The Writer’s Market, it comes out yearly and if you smile and talk nice, your library may add it to their reference shelf.

Writers Digest/Writers Market


The Serial Killer Files: The Who, What, Where, How, and Why of the World's Most Terrifying Murderers Paperback – December 30, 2003 by Harold Schechter

The Serial Killer Files: The Who, What, Where, How, and Why of the World’s Most Terrifying Murderers Paperback – December 30, 2003 by Harold Schechter


Police Procedure & Investigation: A Guide for Writers (Howdunit) 1st Edition by Lee Lofland

Police Procedure & Investigation: A Guide for Writers (Howdunit) 1st Edition by Lee Lofland


Howdunit Series


The Criminal Mind Paperback – June 22, 2002 by Katherine Ramsland

The Criminal Mind Paperback – June 22, 2002 by Katherine Ramsland  


Scene of the Crime: A Writer's Guide to Crime Scene Investigation (Howdunit Series) Paperback – September 15, 1992

Scene of the Crime: A Writer’s Guide to Crime Scene Investigation (Howdunit Series) Paperback – September 15, 1992


Reading People: How to Understand People and Predict Their Behavior--Anytime, Anyplace Paperback – September 2, 2008 by Jo-Ellan Dimitrius  (Author), Wendy Patrick Mazzarella (Author)

Reading people, observing people in their native habitat will help you when it is time to let your main character become active.

Reading People: How to Understand People and Predict Their Behavior–Anytime, Anyplace Paperback – September 2, 2008 by Jo-Ellan Dimitrius  (Author), Wendy Patrick Mazzarella (Author)


The Writer's Complete Crime Reference Book Hardcover – June 1, 1993 by Martin Roth

The Writer’s Complete Crime Reference Book Hardcover – June 1, 1993 by Martin Roth


The following book is a bit expensive and a door-stopper and it may become one of your most dogeared books.

The Chicago Manual of Style, 17th Edition Seventeenth Editio by The University of Chicago Press Editorial Staff

The Chicago Manual of Style, 17th Edition Seventeenth Edition by The University of Chicago Press Editorial Staff 


Best of Series Books

Pushcart Prize Series


Writing Subtext: What Lies Beneath 2nd Edition by Linda Seger

And finally we are at the end of the list. When you have a moment, go to your own bookshelves and see what titles you’d like to add to this list.


This Marks the End of A Writer’s Bookshelf.

Remember, you are welcome to suggest books to be added to the list.