By Larry Leech @LarryJLeechII

Sun. Sand. If not sand, maybe a pool instead. Or maybe a nice, quiet cabin in the woods. Whatever your pleasure, a good book, or books, is necessary.

With summertime right around the corner, compiling a summer reading list might be near the top of your priority list.

Of course, we have a plethora of great stories from Tosca Lee, DiAnn Mills, Lynette Eason, Steven James, Edie Melson, and many, many others who I haven’t listed to get us through the lazy, hazy days of summer. 

But, have you considered adding a book or two or three or ten on the craft of writing to your summer reading list?

This is by no means an exhaustive list, but books that others in the writing community and I have suggested over the years.

Articles, Articles, Articles by Linda Gilden

A must-have for anyone who wants to write articles. Gilden covers a wide range of topics to help writers break into the article-writing market to earn money or help build a platform.

A Writer’s Survival Guide to Getting Published by Terry Burns

Burns gives valuable tips for writing an eye-catching query letter, pitching effectively to an agent or editor, developing a broad platform and writing winning proposals and market plans.

Called to Write by Edna Ellison and Linda Gilden

Written by two award-winning and widely published authors and writing coaches, this book is filled with wisdom about how to keep your writing in line with the heart of God.

Common Mistakes Writers Make by Eva Marie Everson

Pretty simple here. For nonfiction writers and novelists, Everson helps writers fix several common mistakes.

Connections by Edie Melson

Considered by many to be the social media expert in the industry, Melson will guide you through the murky water of social media without the fear of being drowned by all the options.

Elements of Style by Strunk and White

One of the most recommended books by anyone who has been in the industry for any length of time. 

On Writing by Stephen King

Unless you sheltered in place before the COVID-19 orders, I’m sure you’ve heard of this guy. One of the best books on writing.

Plot and Structure by James Scott Bell

The highest selling book in Writer’s Digest’s line of book on the craft. Bell unlocks a four-step process that will help a novelist write a great story.

Revision & Self-Editing by James Scott Bell

Another book in the Writer’s Digest line and another of Bell’s great books on the craft. He has written a number of them and all are worth adding to your collection.

Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Browne and King (2^nd ed.)

Again, not just for novelists. Chapters on dialogue, exposition, point of view, interior monologue, and other techniques will help make your work shine for editors and agents.

Soul Care When You’re Weary by Edie Melson

Full of devotions and prayers and opportunities for creative expression, Melson will help you find the creativity you need to deepen your relationship with our Heavenly Father.

The Christian Writers Market Guide 2020

Also recommended by veterans in the industry. Updated every year and a must-have for your collection.

The Dance of Character and Plot by DiAnn Mills

This step-by-step instructional guide is packed with examples of techniques and exercises to take your novel from idea through self-editing.

The Write to Happiness by Samantha Shad

Shad has penned an incredible book on what happens when a writer writes. Of course, the goal is to write a great story, but she also dives into how writing will change a writer’s life. 

Understanding Show, Don’t Tell by Janice Hardy

Although this may sound like a book for novelists, nonfiction writers can benefit as well when using story in their work. Hardy will help you spot the difference between show and tell and how to fix any tell issues.

Unleash the Writer Within by Cecil Murphey

After years of being asked for years to write a book on the craft, Murphey penned this to help writers tap into their innermost self to write authentically.

Writer to Writer by Cecil Murphey

A writer for nearly 40 years, Murphey is known for his commitment to help writers. In this book, he covers a variety of topics ranging from dialogue to how to get beyond the amateur look to making a living as a writer.

Writing for the Soul by Jerry B. Jenkins

Jenkins will take you on a personal and inspiring journey, sharing experience and wisdom from decades of writing best-selling books.

Writing the Breakout Novel by Donald Maas

An oldie, but still a goodie. Written by one of the top agents in the country, this book has been read by millions of would-be novelist and veterans alike.

Your Guide to Marketing Christian Books by Sarah Bolme

The fourth edition of this book was released in 2019 with updated info on resources to launching your book, as well as obtaining media coverage, and other promotional resources.

What are some of your favorite writing resources?

Writing coach of award-winning novelists, Larry J. Leech II has spent nearly 40 years working with words. After a 23-year journalism career that began in 1981, Larry moved into freelance writing and editing in 2004. He has ghostwritten nearly 30 books and edited more than 250 manuscripts. Larry teaches at numerous conferences nationwide and can be found online on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and his website, www.larryleech.com.