These  books offer both practical advice, and a sense of friendship and support which is often lacking for a new writer.  Happy reading.

How to Write a Damn Good Novel by James N. Frey

Wisecracking advice, support and tough love from one of America’s top writing teachers.

The First Five Pages by Noah Lukeman

A New York based literary agent explains the reasons why manuscripts are rejected, and offers solutions to common problems.

The Writer’s Journey by Christopher Vogler

A classic of the how-to-write genre.  The Writer’s Journey is a study of mythological patterns informing story telling.  Don’t expect advice on adverbs. This is a book about basic plot patterns, with reference to Hollywood films.  It’s a fascinating book, interesting for what it tells you about the history of humanity, as well as for offering help with writing.

Sin and Syntax: How to Craft Wickedly Effective Prose by Constance Hale

This is the place for your adverbs and many other nuts and bolts. The seemingly dry subject of grammar is brought to life with great examples of fine writing. There is nothing boring about a book that helps you to aspire to such work.

Writing from the Inside Out: Transforming Your Psychological Blocks to Release the Writer Within by Dennis Palumbo

A lovely, warm book helping a writer to explore their life experience for the raw material of writing.