Ah, the never-ending world of writing advice... there are so many options of things to read and learn from. As always, advice is very selective with what matches your own experiences and what clicks best in your brain. So, I thought I'd share my favorite writing books!
This book didn't take me to 10k a day writing (I mean, to be honest, I rarely hit 2k days lately) BUT it did give me a better plan on what matters for me to have ready when I start writing. Instead of just thinking about how I'm going to write so much when I have time, I can focus on the specifics: next plot points, dialogue, and plan actions.
If you're looking for a way to get more laser-focused during your writing time, this short book is a huge help.
2. Take Off Your Pants!: Outline Your Books for Faster, Better Writing: Revised Edition 2nd Edition, by Libbie Hawker
The fun title caught my eye but the contents really solidified what I was looking for. If you're noticing a theme with these first books, you're right. These books are to focus on what you really need for an outline, the bare bones of what a story requires.
I have a bad habit of getting into the weeds of my story and writing out a history lasting 1000 years but not my actual story. This book helped me narrow down and create outlines that give me the information and guides I need to actually do the writing work.
3. Writing with Chronic Illness: Improve Outlook and Productivity (WMG Writer's Guides) by Kristine Kathryn Rusch
Now this book surprised me. I started it to see about if it was any good to recommend a friend dealing with a new diagnosis. I was amazed at how much this book helped me (and her!) with managing of energy.
Even in someone not dealing with a chronic condition (though honestly I could see everyone calling the past few years a condition to struggle with) can learn a lot about what is going on.
The ideas here of figuring out high, medium and low-level tasks is a great way to navigate fluctuating abilities day by day. I learned a lot about figuring out what tasks I can do when my energy is low and what tasks can really help me make the most of a high energy day.
Honestly, Rusch has a ton of books out and a great blog that provides a lot of resources and advice.
4. Business Essentials for Writers: How to make money in an ever-changing industry by James Nettles
I had the pleasure of beta-reading for this book and it is everything I could have hoped for when I was starting out as a writer. There are so many questions when you start seeking publication... and a lot of contracts to worry about! This easy to use guide provides a clear guide on things to be aware of: from scams, publishing paths, social media, contracts and networking.
I keep a physical copy of this book right by my desk and reference it fairly often.
5. The Successful Author Mindset Companion Workbook: A Handbook for Surviving the Writer's Journey by Joanna Penn
This one is a bit of a cheat since it's technically a workbook that you complete yourself. However, there are good bits of text along the workbook to explain what to do and to guide you through your own hangups around writing. I was really surprised by how much writing out my own ideas, goals and hangups helped me visualize WHY I was writing.
I know we hear it a lot but the why behind what we're doing really makes a huge difference in keeping motivated. Finding and really honing in on that answer makes me feel so much more inspired to keep working towards my goals.
Those are my top five writing books for the moment. As always, take what works for you and leave the rest! Writing is a really individual task and you'll find the method that works for you with trial and error.