With National Novel Writing Month coming up in a month and a half, we need to start preparing ourselves for the writing adventure. There are several books on the market aimed at folks who would like to write a novel in 30 days or less. Here are some I have read and recommend.


Of course with National Novel Writing Month, your first must have book is by the guy who started the madness, Chris Baty. What I really love about this book and Chris' motivational "chats" he gives the writers is that he writes like he is right there next to you being your personal cheerleader. Chris participates every year so he can relate to the frustration of his fellow writers. He starts with some light hearted advise. The second part of the book, he breaks it down, week to week with exercises, tips, and pep talk.



I adore books published by Writer's Digest. This one appealed to me because it is layed out in the style of a workbook. It is even spiral bound which helps turning pages and writing directly into the book if you wish. I am not an outline writing type writer but I really like how the author helps you quickly outline your ideas. The daily tasks are easily done even if you have a limited amount of time that you can spend in a day writing. This book would be especially useful at the time you feel stuck in a scene or like you hit a block.



This book is geared more towards people who are just starting the writing process in my opinion. I was bored at times with this because there were things I already knew or seemed like common sense. Also you won't necessarily have a complete 1st draft but you will have a great head start and a nice outline. It really helps you become a more organized writer.



Now this isn't a 30 day writing book BUT I think every first time writer needs to have a copy of this at hand to refer to. It is not a how to write book, it is a how to avoid mistakes to get you on the road of published author. This is a very useful tool. I like that he gives samples of what agents would reject and what an agent would except.

What are some of your favorite books about the writing process? Share with us in the forums!