The other day, a writer friend asked me, “If you were stranded on a desert island and could pick only seven books that relate to writing, which ones would you choose?” 

Seven books?  Like seven drops of water or seven crumbs of chocolate cake, it’s just not enough.  I glance around my office at the shelves and shelves of writing, reference and motivational books, then shudder at the thought of giving up even one.

But this is pretend, so seven it is.  I take a deep breath and close my eyes, hear the break of waves on clean, endless sand, feel the sun warm my skin, the balmy breeze ripple through my hair.  Like Tom Hanks, I’ve washed ashore, alone.  I open the metal, waterproof  box on the shore, reach in and, to my delight, pull out….

TECHNIQUES OF THE SELLING WRITER, by Dwight Swain. 
One of the first books on writing I hungrily devoured.  Even after all these years, I still pick this one up and re-read.  Though Mr. Swain is no longer with us, his wisdom and straightforward advice is timeless.

THE ARTIST’S WAY, by Julia Cameron.
This book feeds the spirit and the soul of creativity, teaches the artist to trust in herself, avoid the Crazymakers, discover our power and believe in Abundance.  Every time I pick it up just to glance at a section, I find myself immersed in the spirituality of our creativity and the need to fill the well.

CREATING UNFORGETTABLE CHARACTERS, by Linda Seger
Even the best, most conflict and well crafted story won’t hold up without compelling characters.  Ms. Seger breaks down the complexities of characterization, emphasizes the necessity of backstory, the importance of layering, and the need to understand that the adult carries “the child of the past” deep inside himself. 

STORY, by Robert McKee
For those of us who aren’t gifted with an easy, natural sense of story structure, there is Mr. McKee’s book.  The substance of story, inciting incident, characterization, conflict, crisis, resolution and so much more.  It’s a big book, packed with power writing essentials and the importance of theme and setting.  If you don’t already have it—this one’s a must.  

BIRD BY BIRD, Anne Lamott
The first time I went searching for this book, the clerk sent me to the “animal section”  This beautifully written short book on creativity and process is as inspirational as it is informative.  And you have to read it to find out why Ms. Lamott chose the title…

WORD PAINTING, by Rebecca McClanahan
With every stroke of her brush, Ms McClanahan beautifully demonstates the art of show-don’t-tell. Making every word concise, more vital and more exciting, this book is sheer genius and a joy to read.

THE BEST BABY NAME BOOK, by Bruce Lansky
This is the one I use most often, but truthfully, I have several I use and they are all terrific.  Finding the right name is crucial to the essence of our characters, from the protagonist, to the antagonist, to the walk-on, never-to-be-seen-again waitress at the deli. I’d be lost without this one beside my computer. (wait, do I get a computer on this island?)

There you have it.  I could easily give you a dozen more, and maybe I will.  Another day, another island…

So now tell me…what’s on your shelf?   

  Click here to read more about Barbara McCauley.

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