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SJPL Picks: Helpful Writing Resources for #NaNoWriMo Writers

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SJPL_AdultPicks

San José Public Library

Staff-created list

Be inspired, find helpful tips, and receive guidance in these books and resources for the aspiring writer just in time for #NaNoWriMo selected by SJPL librarians.

By:

SJPL_AdultPicks

San José Public Library

25 items

25 items

No Plot? No Problem!

No Plot? No Problem!

A Low-stress, High-velocity Guide to Writing A Novel in 30 Days

by Baty, Chris

Book - 2004

Written by the writer who kickstarted National Novel Writing Month, Baty describes how to set up an ideal work space and mindset to get writing and seeing results in 30 days. Written by the writer who kickstarted National Novel Writing Month, Baty describes how to set up an ideal work space and mindset to get writing and seeing results in 30 days. Show less

Written by the writer who kickstarted National Novel Writing Month, Baty describes how to set up an ideal work space and mindset to get writing and seeing results in 30 days. Written by the writer who kickstarted National Novel Writing Month, Baty describes how to set up an ideal work space and mindset to get writing and seeing results in 30 days. Show less

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Mastering the Process

Mastering the Process

From Idea to Novel

by George, Elizabeth

Book - 2020

"As the author of twenty-four novels, Elizabeth George is one of the most successful—and prolific—novelists today. In Mastering the Process, George o...Show more "As the author of twenty-four novels, Elizabeth George is one of the most successful—and prolific—novelists today. In Mastering the Process, George offers readers a master class in the art and science of crafting a novel. This is a subject she knows well, having taught creative writing both nationally and internationally for over thirty years." -Publisher Provided Show less

"As the author of twenty-four novels, Elizabeth George is one of the most successful—and prolific—novelists today. In Mastering the Process, George o...Show more "As the author of twenty-four novels, Elizabeth George is one of the most successful—and prolific—novelists today. In Mastering the Process, George offers readers a master class in the art and science of crafting a novel. This is a subject she knows well, having taught creative writing both nationally and internationally for over thirty years." -Publisher Provided Show less

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Writing A Novel and Getting Published for Dummies

Writing A Novel and Getting Published for Dummies

by Green, George

Book - 2014

This title helps you learn to: craft a winning manuscript; troubleshoot and edit your work; prepare your manuscript for publication; find a good agent to ...Show more This title helps you learn to: craft a winning manuscript; troubleshoot and edit your work; prepare your manuscript for publication; find a good agent to represent you; negotiate the best possible deal; and turn your aspiration into reality with this completely updated guide. Show less

This title helps you learn to: craft a winning manuscript; troubleshoot and edit your work; prepare your manuscript for publication; find a good agent to ...Show more This title helps you learn to: craft a winning manuscript; troubleshoot and edit your work; prepare your manuscript for publication; find a good agent to represent you; negotiate the best possible deal; and turn your aspiration into reality with this completely updated guide. Show less

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Elements of Fiction

Elements of Fiction

by Mosley, Walter

Book - 2019

"In his essential writing guide, This Year You Write Your Novel, Walter Mosley supplied aspiring writers with the basic tools and practical advice ne...Show more "In his essential writing guide, This Year You Write Your Novel, Walter Mosley supplied aspiring writers with the basic tools and practical advice needed to write a novel in a single year. In this complementary follow up, Mosley guides the reader through the fundamental building blocks of fiction to deliver a master class on the writer's craft." -Publisher provided Show less

"In his essential writing guide, This Year You Write Your Novel, Walter Mosley supplied aspiring writers with the basic tools and practical advice ne...Show more "In his essential writing guide, This Year You Write Your Novel, Walter Mosley supplied aspiring writers with the basic tools and practical advice needed to write a novel in a single year. In this complementary follow up, Mosley guides the reader through the fundamental building blocks of fiction to deliver a master class on the writer's craft." -Publisher provided Show less

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The Way of the Writer

The Way of the Writer

Reflections on the Art and Craft of Storytelling

by Johnson, Charles

Book - 2016

The author of Middle Passage presents an inspiring guide to the craft and art of writing that examines the creative impulse while sharing lessons and exercises that reinforce the mechanical process of storytelling. The author of Middle Passage presents an inspiring guide to the craft and art of writing that examines the creative impulse while sharing lessons and exercises that reinforce the mechanical process of storytelling. Show less

The author of Middle Passage presents an inspiring guide to the craft and art of writing that examines the creative impulse while sharing lessons and exercises that reinforce the mechanical process of storytelling. The author of Middle Passage presents an inspiring guide to the craft and art of writing that examines the creative impulse while sharing lessons and exercises that reinforce the mechanical process of storytelling. Show less

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Art of Memoir

Art of Memoir

by Karr, Mary

Book - 2015

The best-selling author of The Liar's Club and renowned Syracuse University professor builds on her memoirs and literary anecdotes to outline her personal writing process while identifying the elements of a successful memoir. The best-selling author of The Liar's Club and renowned Syracuse University professor builds on her memoirs and literary anecdotes to outline her personal writing process while identifying the elements of a successful memoir. Show less

The best-selling author of The Liar's Club and renowned Syracuse University professor builds on her memoirs and literary anecdotes to outline her personal writing process while identifying the elements of a successful memoir. The best-selling author of The Liar's Club and renowned Syracuse University professor builds on her memoirs and literary anecdotes to outline her personal writing process while identifying the elements of a successful memoir. Show less

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On Writing

On Writing

A Memoir of the Craft

by King, Stephen

Book - 2000

King shares his insights into the craft of writing and offers a humorous perspective on his own experience as a writer. King shares his insights into the craft of writing and offers a humorous perspective on his own experience as a writer. Show less

King shares his insights into the craft of writing and offers a humorous perspective on his own experience as a writer. King shares his insights into the craft of writing and offers a humorous perspective on his own experience as a writer. Show less

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Several Short Sentences About Writing

Several Short Sentences About Writing

by Klinkenborg, Verlyn

Book - 2012

Counsels aspiring writers on how to move past conventional understandings about creativity, writer's block, and other literary challenges to develop a gre...Show more Counsels aspiring writers on how to move past conventional understandings about creativity, writer's block, and other literary challenges to develop a greater understanding of how thinking, noticing, and learning are integral parts of the writing process. Show less

Counsels aspiring writers on how to move past conventional understandings about creativity, writer's block, and other literary challenges to develop a gre...Show more Counsels aspiring writers on how to move past conventional understandings about creativity, writer's block, and other literary challenges to develop a greater understanding of how thinking, noticing, and learning are integral parts of the writing process. Show less

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Bird by Bird

Bird by Bird

Some Instructions on Writing and Life

by Lamott, Anne

Book - 1995

An insightful step-by-step guide to writing and managing the writer's life covers each portion of a written project, addresses such concerns as writer's b...Show more An insightful step-by-step guide to writing and managing the writer's life covers each portion of a written project, addresses such concerns as writer's block and getting published, and offers awareness and survival tips written with Lamott's brutal honesty. Show less

An insightful step-by-step guide to writing and managing the writer's life covers each portion of a written project, addresses such concerns as writer's b...Show more An insightful step-by-step guide to writing and managing the writer's life covers each portion of a written project, addresses such concerns as writer's block and getting published, and offers awareness and survival tips written with Lamott's brutal honesty. Show less

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Steering the Craft

Steering the Craft

A Twenty-first-century Guide to Sailing the Sea of Story

by Le Guin, Ursula K.

Book - 2015

Covers the basic elements of narrative, including what makes a story move and what slows it down with a friendly and patient style. Covers the basic elements of narrative, including what makes a story move and what slows it down with a friendly and patient style. Show less

Covers the basic elements of narrative, including what makes a story move and what slows it down with a friendly and patient style. Covers the basic elements of narrative, including what makes a story move and what slows it down with a friendly and patient style. Show less

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Draft No. 4

Draft No. 4

On the Writing Process

by McPhee, John

Book - 2017

A guide to writing long-form nonfiction, written by the legendary New Yorker author and teacher, is presented as a series of lighthearted essays that shar...Show more A guide to writing long-form nonfiction, written by the legendary New Yorker author and teacher, is presented as a series of lighthearted essays that share insights into the lessons he has learned on the writing process during his years at Princeton University. Show less

A guide to writing long-form nonfiction, written by the legendary New Yorker author and teacher, is presented as a series of lighthearted essays that shar...Show more A guide to writing long-form nonfiction, written by the legendary New Yorker author and teacher, is presented as a series of lighthearted essays that share insights into the lessons he has learned on the writing process during his years at Princeton University. Show less

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Just Write

Just Write

Here's How!

by Myers, Walter Dean

Book - 2012

An award-winning author guides readers through the writing process, and includes examples from his own works, outlines for writing fiction and nonfiction, and excerpted pages from the author's writing notebooks. An award-winning author guides readers through the writing process, and includes examples from his own works, outlines for writing fiction and nonfiction, and excerpted pages from the author's writing notebooks. Show less

An award-winning author guides readers through the writing process, and includes examples from his own works, outlines for writing fiction and nonfiction, and excerpted pages from the author's writing notebooks. An award-winning author guides readers through the writing process, and includes examples from his own works, outlines for writing fiction and nonfiction, and excerpted pages from the author's writing notebooks. Show less

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Consider This

Consider This

Moments in My Writing Life After Which Everything Was Different

by Palahniuk, Chuck

Book - 2020

With advice grounded in years of careful study and a keenly observed life, Palahniuk combines practical advice and concrete examples from beloved classics...Show more With advice grounded in years of careful study and a keenly observed life, Palahniuk combines practical advice and concrete examples from beloved classics, his own books, and a"kitchen-table MFA" culled from an evolving circle of beloved authors and artists, with anecdotes, postcards from the road, and much more. Show less

With advice grounded in years of careful study and a keenly observed life, Palahniuk combines practical advice and concrete examples from beloved classics...Show more With advice grounded in years of careful study and a keenly observed life, Palahniuk combines practical advice and concrete examples from beloved classics, his own books, and a"kitchen-table MFA" culled from an evolving circle of beloved authors and artists, with anecdotes, postcards from the road, and much more. Show less

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Murder your Darlings

Murder your Darlings

And Other Gentle Writing Advice From Aristotle to Zinsser

by Clark, Roy Peter

Book - 2020

" In Murder Your Darlings, Roy Peter Clark, who for more than forty years has been a beloved and revered writing teacher to children and Pulitzer Pri...Show more " In Murder Your Darlings, Roy Peter Clark, who for more than forty years has been a beloved and revered writing teacher to children and Pulitzer Prize-winners alike, has compiled a remarkable collection of more than a hundred of the best writing tips from fifty of the best writing books of all time. With a chapter devoted to each key strategy, Clark expands on and contextualizes the original author's suggestions and offers anecdotes about how each one helped him or other writers sharpen their skills. An invaluable resource for writers of all kinds, Murder Your Darlings is an inspiring and edifying ode to the craft of writing." -Publisher provided Show less

" In Murder Your Darlings, Roy Peter Clark, who for more than forty years has been a beloved and revered writing teacher to children and Pulitzer Pri...Show more " In Murder Your Darlings, Roy Peter Clark, who for more than forty years has been a beloved and revered writing teacher to children and Pulitzer Prize-winners alike, has compiled a remarkable collection of more than a hundred of the best writing tips from fifty of the best writing books of all time. With a chapter devoted to each key strategy, Clark expands on and contextualizes the original author's suggestions and offers anecdotes about how each one helped him or other writers sharpen their skills. An invaluable resource for writers of all kinds, Murder Your Darlings is an inspiring and edifying ode to the craft of writing." -Publisher provided Show less

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Still Writing

Still Writing

The Pleasures and Perils of A Creative Life

by Shapiro, Dani

Book - 2013

The best-selling author of Devotion examines the process of creative writing and storytelling through her personal stories and experiences while living a writer's life and offers lessons learned and insights to aspiring authors everywhere. The best-selling author of Devotion examines the process of creative writing and storytelling through her personal stories and experiences while living a writer's life and offers lessons learned and insights to aspiring authors everywhere. Show less

The best-selling author of Devotion examines the process of creative writing and storytelling through her personal stories and experiences while living a writer's life and offers lessons learned and insights to aspiring authors everywhere. The best-selling author of Devotion examines the process of creative writing and storytelling through her personal stories and experiences while living a writer's life and offers lessons learned and insights to aspiring authors everywhere. Show less

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The Poets & Writers

The Poets & Writers

Complete Guide to Being A Writer : Everything You Need to Know About Craft, Inspiration, Agents, Editors, Publishing, and the Business of Building A Sustainable Writing Career

by Larimer, Kevin

Book - 2020

"The definitive source of information, insight, and advice for creative writers, from the nation’s largest and most trusted organization for writers, Poets & Writers." -Publisher provided "The definitive source of information, insight, and advice for creative writers, from the nation’s largest and most trusted organization for writers, Poets & Writers." -Publisher provided Show less

"The definitive source of information, insight, and advice for creative writers, from the nation’s largest and most trusted organization for writers, Poets & Writers." -Publisher provided "The definitive source of information, insight, and advice for creative writers, from the nation’s largest and most trusted organization for writers, Poets & Writers." -Publisher provided Show less

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Painless Writing

Painless Writing

by Strausser, Jeffrey

Book - 2016

Offers techniques for improving writing style, shows how to create a template that can be used for writing research papers on all subjects, and includes practical exercises. Offers techniques for improving writing style, shows how to create a template that can be used for writing research papers on all subjects, and includes practical exercises. Show less

Offers techniques for improving writing style, shows how to create a template that can be used for writing research papers on all subjects, and includes practical exercises. Offers techniques for improving writing style, shows how to create a template that can be used for writing research papers on all subjects, and includes practical exercises. Show less

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The Everything Guide to Writing A Novel

The Everything Guide to Writing A Novel

by Lavene, Joyce

Book - 2004

"This step-by-step guide teaches you the tricks of the trade, with advice on all you need to know to compete in the world of fiction. Whether you are...Show more "This step-by-step guide teaches you the tricks of the trade, with advice on all you need to know to compete in the world of fiction. Whether you are seeking to hone your writing style, shape an existing work-in-progress, or begin the submission process to publishers, successfully published novelists Joyce and Jim Lavene give you all you need to know to set you on the fast track to fulfilling your writing dreams!" -Publisher provided Show less

"This step-by-step guide teaches you the tricks of the trade, with advice on all you need to know to compete in the world of fiction. Whether you are...Show more "This step-by-step guide teaches you the tricks of the trade, with advice on all you need to know to compete in the world of fiction. Whether you are seeking to hone your writing style, shape an existing work-in-progress, or begin the submission process to publishers, successfully published novelists Joyce and Jim Lavene give you all you need to know to set you on the fast track to fulfilling your writing dreams!" -Publisher provided Show less

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Story Genius

Story Genius

How to Use Brain Science to Go Beyond Outlining and Write A Riveting Novel [*before You Waste Three Years Writing 327 Pages That Go Nowhere]

by Cron, Lisa

Book - 2016

"In Story Genuis Cron takes you, step-by-step, through the creation of a novel from the first glimmer of an idea, to a complete multilayered blueprin...Show more "In Story Genuis Cron takes you, step-by-step, through the creation of a novel from the first glimmer of an idea, to a complete multilayered blueprint--including fully realized scenes--that evolves into a first draft with the authority, richness, and command of a riveting sixth or seventh draft"-- Provided by publisher. Show less

"In Story Genuis Cron takes you, step-by-step, through the creation of a novel from the first glimmer of an idea, to a complete multilayered blueprin...Show more "In Story Genuis Cron takes you, step-by-step, through the creation of a novel from the first glimmer of an idea, to a complete multilayered blueprint--including fully realized scenes--that evolves into a first draft with the authority, richness, and command of a riveting sixth or seventh draft"-- Provided by publisher. Show less

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Beyond the First Draft

Beyond the First Draft

The Art of Fiction

by Casey, John

Book - 2014

"For students and writers alike, a brilliant guide to the craft of writing by the National Book Award-winning author of Spartina...Throughout the fou...Show more "For students and writers alike, a brilliant guide to the craft of writing by the National Book Award-winning author of Spartina...Throughout the fourteen essays there are notes on voice, point of view, structure, and other crucial elements. This book is an invaluable resource for aspiring writers and a revitalizing companion for seasoned ones" -- Provided by publisher. Show less

"For students and writers alike, a brilliant guide to the craft of writing by the National Book Award-winning author of Spartina...Throughout the fou...Show more "For students and writers alike, a brilliant guide to the craft of writing by the National Book Award-winning author of Spartina...Throughout the fourteen essays there are notes on voice, point of view, structure, and other crucial elements. This book is an invaluable resource for aspiring writers and a revitalizing companion for seasoned ones" -- Provided by publisher. Show less

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Welcome to the Writer's Life

Welcome to the Writer's Life

How to Design your Writing Craft, Writing Business, Writing Practice, and Reading Practice

by Perhach, Paulette

Book - 2018

"Learn how to take your work to the next level with this informative guide on the craft, business, and lifestyle of writing" -Amazon "Learn how to take your work to the next level with this informative guide on the craft, business, and lifestyle of writing" -Amazon Show less

"Learn how to take your work to the next level with this informative guide on the craft, business, and lifestyle of writing" -Amazon "Learn how to take your work to the next level with this informative guide on the craft, business, and lifestyle of writing" -Amazon Show less

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Writing Great Books for Young Adults

Writing Great Books for Young Adults

Everything You Need to Know, From Crafting the Idea to Getting Published

by Brooks, Regina

Book - 2014

"From a top young adult literary agent, the only guide on how to write for young adults With an 87 percent increase in the number of titles publishe...Show more "From a top young adult literary agent, the only guide on how to write for young adults With an 87 percent increase in the number of titles published in the last two years, the young adult market is one of the healthiest segments in the industry. Despite this, little has been written to help authors hone their craft to truly connect with this audience. Writing Great Books for Young Adults gives writers the advice they need to tap this incredible market." -Amazon Show less

"From a top young adult literary agent, the only guide on how to write for young adults With an 87 percent increase in the number of titles publishe...Show more "From a top young adult literary agent, the only guide on how to write for young adults With an 87 percent increase in the number of titles published in the last two years, the young adult market is one of the healthiest segments in the industry. Despite this, little has been written to help authors hone their craft to truly connect with this audience. Writing Great Books for Young Adults gives writers the advice they need to tap this incredible market." -Amazon Show less

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Indie Author Project Submissions

https://indieauthorproject.librariesshare.com/indieauthor/org/san-jose/

Web Resource

Got a story and ready to share it with the world? Submit your indie-published book here and share your eBooks with patrons of SJPL and libraries throughout California. Got a story and ready to share it with the world? Submit your indie-published book here and share your eBooks with patrons of SJPL and libraries throughout California. Show less

Literary Reference Center

Website or Online Data - 2006-

Literary criticism, plot summaries, biographies, poems, short stories, and reviews. Sure to be inspiration and perfect for research, too. Literary criticism, plot summaries, biographies, poems, short stories, and reviews. Sure to be inspiration and perfect for research, too. Show less

Literary criticism, plot summaries, biographies, poems, short stories, and reviews. Sure to be inspiration and perfect for research, too. Literary criticism, plot summaries, biographies, poems, short stories, and reviews. Sure to be inspiration and perfect for research, too. Show less

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NaNoWriMo

https://nanowrimo.org/

Web Resource

Learn more about #NaNoWriMo and get into the spirit of National Novel Writing Month with a variety of free resources and a connection to the writing community. Learn more about #NaNoWriMo and get into the spirit of National Novel Writing Month with a variety of free resources and a connection to the writing community. Show less

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