Catherine Assheton-Stones
Writers' Resources: Books
For those keen to pursue their own writing, here are some of the resources I've found most helpful and inspiring - check 'em out!
'On Writing' by Stephen King
The first half tells the story of Stephen King's life and journey in becoming a writer. The second half contains all his wisdom and tips on the art of writing. Stephen King is fantastically successful while also being a fine writer by literary standards. He covers such topic as how you decide what things to write about, what's behind most bad writing and what writing is and isn't for, as well as numerous gems on technique. I held off this book for some time as am not a huge horror fan. Don't let that put you off. This has got to be one of the most inspiring books on writing I've ever read, for any new writer. I've read it at least four times, and I'd go so far as to say it gave me the courage to continue to write at times when I didn't think I could. To finish with a closing quote from the master: “Writing is magic, as much the water of life as any other creative art. The water is free. So drink. Drink and be filled up.”
“...you can, you should, and if you’re brave enough to start, you will.”
STEPHEN KING, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft
Click on the cover to view in Amazon
'Big Magic' by Elizabeth Gilbert
Elizabeth Gilbert is best known for 'Eat, Pray, Love', yes, the book that got made into the Julia Roberts film... But she's written many other fine books, both fiction and non fiction as well as that one. In 'Big Magic' she shares all her writerly wisdom and discusses what it really means to live a creative life. In chapters with names like 'Courage', 'Enchantment', 'Permission' and Persistence, Gilbert covers fears and misconceptions around creativity. I found her anecdotes and insights most enlightening, and she's also extremely funny. She helps the creative reader lose some of the pain and ego they may have felt around their art (of whatever form that is) and points the way to embracing creativity with humility, gratitude and humour. (And, this book has more stars on Amazon than Eat Pray Love, so that's got to say something!)
Click on the cover to view in Amazon