I love books on writing. I really do. I just also love a book that helps me to realize no matter what field you are in, it takes hard work, determination, and time to be proficient at it much less successful.
Here are some books that may or may not have anything to do with writing, but are the ones I turn to when I need to remind myself that I am the CEO of this journey and I am the janitor. So from top to bottom, good or bad, clean or messy, this is my writing life and I am the only one responsible for how it plays out. And that is all okay!
10. Dear Indie Author, by Tonya Nagle, PhD. Yeah, that's right. I put my own book on this list. I put it last! But you see it first. LOL. Still, there is some practical information that is useful. Advice I have started to not only dish out but take. Hence this blog becoming more consistent as a resource.
9. Empowering Women to Succeed A Collaboration by Pat Gillum. I am a spiritual person, not a religious one, so you need to know this is a bit faith leaning. I read all sorts of faith-based books because they still have good information and I write characters who sometimes have a religion established in their life (Diverse characters and all--not everyone can be like me). Still, if you are looking for multiple short stories of overcoming a tragic experience, this is a great read and reminder that you have and will survive worse things than a one-star review. It is also a great reference if you have women in your life, or need some first-hand accounts or a woman's perspective for your writing.
8. The Girls Guide to Starting Your Own Business by Caitlin Friedman & Kimberly Yorio is not about starting a business as an author, but with some of this information in mind you can consider what elements of your writing you need to be treating it like a business. If you are planning to sell your work, then it is a small business so you need to think like one.
7. Any Cookbook! Seriously, just grab any cookbook and go through it. Pay attention to the subtle story within. Are the directions clear or confusing? It seems weird. I know this. Still, you will have some ideas about putting together a lot of information in a small amount of space and possibly something to make for dinner.
6. The War of Art by Steven Pressfield. There are many times it is a battle to deal with your art and writing is an art, no doubt about it! We sometimes wage this war on ourselves and it is important to remember that art is subjective and we can only be us, not someone else, so fighting your artistic nature to fit in elsewhere is not a healthy approach.
5. Brave Not Perfect by Reshma Saujani is all about acceptance and overcoming other people's expectations. Sometimes overcoming your OWN expectations. There are some good strategies in this book and anyone dealing with imposter syndrome, the need to be perfect, etc. will find some good stuff in here.
4. The Actor's Life: A Survival Guide by Jenna Fischer. I listened to this audiobook while driving to and from work when I had a two-hour drive. While most of the advice is directed toward actors, it stands true for any artist. You have to have a side job or job that pays the bills while you pursue your dreams. You have to make sacrifices and be uncomfortable at times.
3. Is Everyone Hanging Out With Me? by Mindy Kahling. Another audiobook, but if Jenna's story gets you grounded and ready to work, Mindy's reminds you that the odds are against you but you gotta bust through and take charge of that ish anyway!
2. Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott is used in creative writing classes repeatedly because wisdom holds true no matter what generation you belong to. It gives excellent tips for navigating creative non-fiction which also helps if you are creating fictional characters from multiple people, places, etc. you have experienced.
On Writing by Stephen King. It is honestly the only SK book I have ever read because the majority of his stories are scary AF and I am not about the nightmares. This book does remind me that authors are people just like me, just like you, and any day any one of us could become the next King.