Rave: My Ideal Bookshelf
Taking a leaf (pun intended) from the book, My Ideal Bookshelf by Jane Mount and Thessaly La Force, here’s my ideal bookshelf. At least it’s my ideal for today.
The bottom book is Flora’s Lot by Katie Fforde, one of my favorite women’s fiction authors. In fact, the bottom four are all from my favorite women’s fiction writers: Katie, Trisha Ashley, Marisa de los Santos and Sarah Addison Allen. The other books are Magic of Christmas, Love Walked In and Garden Spells.
The next is an excellent book called Self-Editing for Fiction Writers, which teaches you to do just what the title says.
Above is probably the first writing book I ever read, On Writing Well, by William Zinsser, from whom I learned why editing and word choice is so important. from whom I first learned about the importance of word choice and editing.
And then we come to Bill Bryson. What can I tell you about Bill? If you haven’t read him, you’re in for a treat. Hysterically funny while at the same time informative and educational, everyone should read at least one of his books. This one, Notes from a Small Island is my favorite, all about his travels in England.
On top of Bill are books by three of my favorite romance authors, all of whom write smart, fun, contemporary stories that you will enjoy. Try Savannah Breeze by Mary Kay Andrews, The Best Man by Kristan Higgins or The Trouble with Valentine’s Day by Rachel Gibson.
Topping it off is Facing the Music, from another English women’s fiction writer, Mary Sheepshanks.
These are some of the books I turn to again and again. Leave a comment and tell me what would be on your ideal bookshelf. Or better yet, send me a picture!
Reading, Writing, Ranting and Raving 
I just sent in my list to Mary O. at work – To Kill a Mockingbird (Harper Lee), The Poisonwood Bible (Barbara Kingsolver), Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant (Anne Tyler), A Walk in the Woods (Bill Bryson), Interpreter of Maladies (Jhumpa Lahiri) and Me Talk Pretty One Day (David Sedaris). Ask me next week I might pick different titles though.
LikeLike
Can’t believe I forgot Harper Lee and Jane Austen (which Sarah mentioned). I sent Mary the link to the blog, asked if she needs the picture directly. I think it’s a fun idea.
LikeLike
Pingback: Sometimes an hour and a half just doesn’t cut it. | The Rom Com Diaries
Pingback: Quote: The essence of writing is rewriting. | How to write a memo