Laura's favorites page


Favorite Books on Writing

Fiction Writer’s Workshop and Writing Fiction
Step by Step

Josip Novakovich
One of the best series available on how to put a story together, with analysis and exercises on character, setting, plot, dialogue – all the essentials.

The Forest for the Trees
Betsy Lerner
Written by a literary agent, this is a great primer on how the publishing industry really works. Guaranteed to open your eyes to the business end of an art form.

The Writers’ Journey
Christopher Vogler
What do Greek mythology, soap operas, Star Wars and your novel have in common? Something called the hero’s quest. The author uses familiar pop culture examples to illustrate why mankind’s oldest story will always be compelling.

Writing the Natural Way
Gabriele Lusser Rico
This describes the tried-and-true "clustering" writing technique, which is especially useful in breaking through writer’s block. Now in its umpthteenth edition. I’m thrilled to know kids are now learning this method in grammar school.

Self-Editing for Fiction Writers
Renni Browne and Dave King
Hard-core, down-and-dirty tips on how to clean up your manuscript, written by a professional editor in clean, no-nonsense prose. Invaluable.

Dictionary of American Slang
Robert L. Chapman, ed.
Sez who? Sez me, this is one bad-ass book that any writer who loves dialogue will read for pleasure.

Bird By Bird
Anne LaMott
A quirky, unforgettable look at what motivates a writer – including all the paranoia, loneliness and envy inherent in the process. You’ll recognize yourself in these pages.

The New Diary
Tristine Rainer
Gets into the reasons why we really write – whether for publication or to purge our souls.

Writing the Memoir
Judith Barrington
All fiction begins in truth, and memoir is the logical link between fact and fiction. Outlines the forms of memoir writing with good examples from real-life writers.

Revising Fiction: A Handbook for Writers
David Madden
Another excellent and practical book on how to tame your first (and subsequent) draft into something resembling literature.



Laura’s Favorite Writers


K.A. Corlett
The Queen of Scream and the Vamp of Vamps delivers
classy horror generously laced with pop culture and humor.


Juliet Waldron
Her award-winning histfict novel Mozart's Wife is a damnfine read.

Lynn Voedisch
Chicago-based journalist, fiction writer, and fellow short person!

Kevin Baker
Historical fiction writer extraordinaire (Dreamland, Paradise Alley), wonderful mentor, and friendly New York tour guide.



Laura’s Publishers


Lake Claremont press logo

 · Lake Claremont press

Twilight Times Books
 · Twilight Times Books


amberquill press


Other Sites of Interest

 · Amazon

 · The College of DuPage


 · EPIC

 · The Society of Midland Authors



Preditors and editors - Author's site of excellence award



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This page updated November 22  2010