Whether you are a newcomer or veteran, the purpose of this list is to offer some help to writers who are inevitably struggling through this always difficult endeavor. While many will argue that the best way to learn how to write is to simply read, the following resources have been recommended by various writers to be beneficial during the many different stages and aspects of the writing process -- a craft that can always be refined. Some are geared towards the more technical aspects of writing, a few others may help to inspire your writing, and still a couple more may not fit into either of these categories. Nonetheless, we hope that all of them may be useful to anyone looking for a little help. -- Jason Friesen, RTW Fiction/Creative Writing Leader.

(Editor's Note: For the sake of all our visitors, this list has not been listed using Chicago Manual of Style, the industry standard... but thanks for noticing.)

Technique (style, form, grammar, etc)

-- The Elements of Style. Strunk, William, Jr. 1918. Ithaca, NY: W.P. Humphrey.
The classic reference for writing in American English. An excellent place to start, or return to.

-- The Chicago Manual of Style. (15th Ed.) 2003. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
A widely used editorial reference for publishing, editing and reference citation for American English.

(*For a comprehensive list of style guides, including MLA and AP Stylebook, see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Style_guide)

-- Common Errors In English Usage. Brians, Paul. 2003. Franklin, Beadle & Associates, Inc.
A great resource to help avoid common mistakes in English (as well as to correct your friends ;-))

Content

-- Bird By Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life, Ann Lamott. 1995, Anchor Books.
A Christian writer offering great lessons and suggestions.

-- On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft, Stephen King. 2000, Scribner.
Whatever you think about his writing, this book is an essential review of writing as a craft.

-- Mystery and Manners: Occasional Prose, Flannery O'Connor. 1969, Farrar, Straus and Giroux.
A southern Catholic writer whose stories have had a profound impact on how Christians see themselves, and are maybe seen by others. This book spares none of the down-and-dirty perspective that adorned her fiction, offering keen insights into the power of writing, and how it is (and isn't) accomplished.
(For a list of O'Connor quotables, and a brief introduction, see: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/f/flannery_oconnor.html)

-- A Syllable of Water: Twenty Writers of Faith Reflect on Their Art, Emilie Griffin. 2008, Paraclete Press.
A in-depth resource for all aspects of writing, especially for beginning writers.  Contains essays by prominent Christian writers discussing different  genres and dealing with the difficulties of writing, as well as a list of suggested reading from each author.

-- Henry Miller On Writing, Henry Miller. 1964, New Directions Publishing
Excellent book from the self-educated writer most famous for Tropic of Cancer. A great resource for people who don't think they can write, but want to. Includes lessons on setting goals, learning from other authors, and how to use your own experiences.

-- Walking on Water: Reflections on Faith and Art, Madelaine L'Engle. 2001, Shaw Books.
A collection of 12 short meditations which has become a quick favorite among Christian artists searching for a connection between their faith and their art.

-- "Politics and the English Language," George Orwell.
An essay from the author of Animal Farm and 1984, establishing practical guidelines for persuasive writing (though easily applicable to all writing.) Includes six examples of poor writing that he refers to throughout the essay, with a list of rules that will help to prevent that kind of writing.
Here are three:

1. Never use a metaphor, simile, or other figure of speech which you are used to seeing in print.
2. Never use a long word where a short one will do.
3. If it is possible to cut a word out, always cut it out.

-- "Writers on Writing", The New York Times.
http://www.nytimes.com/books/specials/writers.html
Weblink to the complete on-line archive for the invaluable column from the NYT Book Review, written for writers by writers.

-- If... (Questions for the Game of Life), By Evelyn McFarlane and James Saywell. 1995, Villard.
If you can't think of anything to write, or are maybe looking for something better, this book is a fun way to get your creativity going.  Also serves as a great resource in writer's workshops.

Reference

-- Worldcat.org
http://www.worldcat.org
Much of today's published material is available online ... for a fee. This website helps you locate the books, music or video you are looking for at the nearest possible library ... for free!

***Please feel free to send us any of your own suggestions if you don't see them listed here!