Every writer needs a good collection of books and some software in their writer’s library.
Each writer will have his or her own favorite writing books. Numerous books on writing are available for various stores and online. Writers are free to choose whichever ones work for them.
Anyone that wants to be a writer needs some of the following books in his or her library:
A good dictionary, like the Merriam-Webster Collegiate
A good Thesaurus
The Chicago Manual of Style
If you write journalistic articles, or web content, a current Associated Press Guide to Newswriting.
If you write academic writing, a current MLA and APA may need to be in your library.
All writers should also consider a copy of Zen in the Art of Writing by Ray Bradbury
For those writers that wish to write Science Fiction, consider an old book, The Engines of the Night by Barry N. Malzberg (It is an out of print book, but you may be able to find a copy.)
The best thing any writer can do to help them learn their craft, it to READ in the genre you want to write.
On a personal note: A program called WordWeb Pro is a very helpful program which I use often.
Also, consider subscribing to Merriam-Webster online. For $29.95, you have access to a number of dictionaries, a thesaurus, and an encyclopedia online. You can sign up at Merriam-Webster Online.
Many publishers want documents in Word 97-2003 Document. If you happen to have Microsoft Office 2007, you have to option to save as Word 97-2003. It seems the Word 2007 has its own extension that some people may have trouble reading with older versions of Word.
Robert Medak built a website where he offers his services, and maintains five blogs. He also maintains two blogs for AllBook Reviews,
and does marketing for AllBooks. Robert created a social networking site for freelance writers at Ning.com. He keeps it an invitation only site to keep spammers out, he has been plagued enough with spammers in other writers’ sites where he is a member. He also maintains a critique group at Yahoo Groups called “critiquings”. Robert created a course for writers at Writers’ Village University (WVU) which he has facilitated, he has facilitated other courses at WVU. He also helped establish a Creative Writing Workshop at WVU.
Website: http://stormywriter.com or blog, http://rjmedak.wordpress.com/.
