I tackled my first NaNoWriMo project this past November and have enjoyed working on it since then. I have a new idea I’d like to tackle in November 2024, and being the plotter that I am, I’ve decided to spend some time in April & May reading some books on the craft of writing. I did this prior to starting my November 2023 writing project and really enjoyed it! 

Here’s a list of books on writing that I’ll be selecting from. What books would you recommend?

Once Upon a Time It Was Now: The Art & Craft of Writing Historical Fiction by James Alexander Thom

How to Write Killer Historical Mysteries by Kathy Lynn Emerson

Making It in Historical Fiction by Libbie Hawker

GMC: Goal, Motivation, and Conflict Kindle Edition by Debra Dixon

Plot & Structure: Techniques and Exercises for Crafting a Plot That Grips Readers from Start to Finish by James Scott Bell

The Story Works Guide to Writing Character: How to create memorable characters your readers can’t help but love–or love to hate. (The Story Works Guide to Writing Fiction Series Book 1) by Alida Winternheimer 

Writing the Cozy Mystery by Nancy J. Cohen 

How to Outline A Cozy Mystery: Workbook (Genre Fiction How To 1) by Sara Rosett

How to Write A Series: A Guide to Series Types and Structure plus Troubleshooting Tips and Marketing Tactics (Genre Fiction How To Book 2) by Sara Rosett  

Writing Historical Fiction: A Writers’ and Artists’ Companion (Writers’ and Artists’ Companions)  by Celia Brayfield, Duncan Sprott 

Write for Your Life by Anna Quindlen 

1000 Words: A Writer’s Guide to Staying Creative, Focused, and Productive All Year Round by Jami Attenberg

Author Blueprint: Writing, Publishing, Book Marketing and Making a Living with your Writing (Creative Business Books for Writers and Authors) by Joanna Penn