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Recommended Reads

Tip: When searching to buy these books, I highly recommend looking on thriftbooks or bookoutlet first, as you can get them for a few dollars each if available. Also check out AbeBooks. 

Writing Craft:

GMC by Debra Dixon (Currently out of print, so you'll have to hunt down a used copy or buy the ebook.)

-This book is essential for the new writer who is floundering around with no direction like I was. It will teach you how to plot, write, and finish a book, and it is all based on character driven books. It's quick and easy to read and was a game changer for me. 

The Elements of Style by Strunk and White 

- This little 100 page pocket book is all you need to reference for grammar and writing rules. If you are new to writing, it’s a good refresher. If you have been writing, it will still help you make a better sentence and cut out any unnecessary words! 

How to Write Dazzling Dialogue by James Scott Bell

- A perfect short and quick guide on dialogue and how to write it. Chapter 7 in particular is fantastic for the new writer as it has all the rules on writing dialogue. 


Writing Craft for Erotic Romance & Sex Scenes:

-Sadly, this is out of print and not available as an ebook. Hunt down a used copy. Try AbeBooks. It’s where I found mine. It’s totally worth the effort. This is romance writer gold! 
- UPDATE: New Edition now available on Ebook and Paperback. CLICK HERE.

-Also the bible on writing sex scenes in romance. A must have for me.

The Complete Writer's Guide to Heroes & Heroines: Sixteen Master Archetypes

-I really found this so helpful for character development. It breaks down the types of main characters you will see in fiction and how they interact together and also evolve. It's not something you have to use as a strict guide but it's a good place to start with building your character.

Thesaurus’s & Reference:

All of the Writers Helping Writers Thesaurus’s 

The Romance Writer's Phrase Book: The Essential Sourcebook for Every Romance Novelist

Thinking Like a Romance Writer by Dahlia Evans 

-sourcebook of words and phrases used in romance books

Writing Process:

-This is a fantastic book if you are new to writing, have no clue what you are doing, and want to write a book. It is also a fantastic book if you’ve been writing for a while, or are a seasoned writer as it has wisdom for all stages of the process from newbie to burnout.  The layout of this book is so organized and Meghan really takes you step by step in order from Book Idea to Hitting Publish. It’s easy to follow and her advice is gold. It helped me so much in figuring out why I was stumbling around in my draft with no direction and she recommends key writing craft books, and personal tips to help you navigate the writing journey! Even better, she dives into the mental side that comes with being a writer. The self doubt, fear, and struggles that cause most people to not finish their book and gives excellent advice on how to navigate these things and how to keep a positive mindset on the author journey. She gives you all her keys to success in this book, and everyone who reads this will likely find something they needed to know!


-I really enjoyed this short read. It helped me a lot at understanding how to be a more productive writer in the same amount of time, and Rachel also walks you through her writing process of plotting, drafting, and editing which is a great bonus! 

Creative Living:

-essential on learning how to write with fear


Self Sabotage:

-This whole series is fantastic and finally helped me figure out why I wasn’t writing. 


Self Publishing:

The Naked Truth About Self Publishing by The Indie Voice (Currently out of print, so you'll have to hunt down a used copy or buy the ebook.)
 *NOTE: I can no longer find the ebook on Amazon but it is listed for FREE on B&N and Kobo Here. 

-This book hasn't been revised since 2015. While some of the information in here is no longer relevant or obsolete, most of it is fantastic. Especially at diving into the business side of writing. This book showed me how to develop a business plan, all of the legal, tax, and money things that go along with self publishing, and much more.  

Personal Growth:


Law of Attraction:

-I highly recommend reading the entire secret series to cultivate a positive mindset and belief in yourself. 

Money:

- A practical approach to applying the law of attraction to money. 

Time Management:


Goal Setting: 


Marketing:


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