There is definitely a nexus between good writers and a love of reading.
Why?
Because good writers recognize that reading is crucial to understanding the needs of an audience, firing the imagination, and enhancing communication skills.
With this in mind, here are a few books worth a look in 2016...
THE TITLE:
The Law of Success--by Paramahania Yogananda
THE TAKE-AWAY VALUE?
This tiny pocket book packs a big punch. It's a blueprint for better living through spiritual laws, self-analysis, and lessons for reflections. It imparts tips and techniques to help unleash health, prosperity and well-being. And the bonus here? It has less than fifty pages. It's a quick read with a lasting impact. Here's one of my favorite quotes: "He is the wisest who seeks God. He is the most successful who has found God." Deep stuff here.
THE TITLE:
A Step in the Write Direction--by Donna Clark Goodrich
Okay, so I admit that there may be a slight bias, in that I have a chapter I’ve authored included in this comprehensive guide. But, I’m convinced that you’ll love it too, because of its thorough treatment of an array of topics that will resonate with writers of all levels and genres.THE TAKE-AWAY VALUE?
Longevity in writing requires a systematic approach and a business mindset. Between the many chapters, you’ll learn how to prepare your manuscript, time management tips, Microsoft Word shortcuts, and income tax for writers. Reading this book is like taking a course; you’ll learn many valuable lessons without the fear of test-anxiety.
THE TITLE:
Don’t Worry, Make Money--by Richard Carlson, Ph.D.
Famous for his best-selling book, “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff,” Carlson does it again with this engaging and enlightening read. Although it’s not solely about the “craft” of writing, as some of my previous mentions, it’s just as crucial to your prosperity and success. What writer couldn’t benefit from wise counsel on how to stress less and make more money?
THE TAKE-AWAY VALUE?
Let's face it: Most writers are intimately familiar with the feast and famine cycle; so we worry.
But in this book, Carlson reminds us that fear and stress are counterproductive and can sabotage your clarity, focus, and peace of mind.
THE TITLE:
Practical Genius--by Gina Amaro Rudan
I'm pleased as punch, first off, because I scored this gem at my local Dollar Store!
Great lessons found on branding, building a business, the importance of identifying one's creative strengths and more.
We all have the "power" and duty to use our strengths and gifts to make a difference. Genius is not exclusively about being "book smart." It also contains tests and actionable tips that are interesting and useful. Learn more about your "Practical Genius" at Gina's site, Practical Genius.
To order a copy of these selections to add to your own personal library, visit Amazon.com.
Thoughts?
What book is keeping you up late at night? Do tell.
Scoring a great book at the $ store is awesome, Jen! And each of these looks like a gem. Thanks for the list. No writer is beyond learning or need of inspiration like this. Have a super weekend. =0)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Sue. Always lovely to hear from you. :-)
DeleteA friend recently mentioned she buys her books at a discount donation store. I will need to look into these new 'bookstores' for me. I just finally picked up Quiet by Susan Cain that has been on my to-read pile for over a year. The gem I am finding is the beginning of understanding of the tension I have felt in trying to be extroverted for others to understand me against the need to just be my introverted self. And the gift in being yourself.
ReplyDeleteHi Lynn,
DeleteSo glad you could stop by and share. :-) There is indeed a gift "in being yourself."
Thanks for sharing the books you mentioned in this blog post, in a book review I read about the book 'Zen in the Art of Writing' by Ray Bradbury. That book seems to have an interesting approach to writing, and it's a way of writing that I frequently experiment with.
ReplyDeleteAlso the Practical Genius book you mention has Interesting approaches that I like, that also seems to be somewhat in alignment with the book 'Do You!' by Russell Simmons.
Reminding me that I probably are mainly a graphic designer that also happens to use writing to design things like story ideas etc. etc.
H.P.,
DeleteYou really seem to have some reading library there; thanks for sharing these titles. :-) I'd really be interested in checking out the one by Russsell Simmons. I have followed him since his days with "Def Comedy Jam." His career is diverse.