Bookshelf

I like books. Unfortunately, I’m almost as likely to buy an empty book (like a journal) as any books like those listed here. An empty book has so much potential that it’s fascinating to me, and if I pick one up at the office supply store, I itch to buy it.

The Prydain Chronicles by Lloyd Alexander: I first read the Prydain Chronicles a long time ago, even before I read Tolkein’s Lord of the Rings trilogy, so for me, the Prydain Chronicles constitute classic fantasy fiction. Alexander does a great job of connecting various story elements and characters together through the series in an almost Dickens-esque fashion. (I wrote to Alexander several years ago, and though he was in his eighties, he sent me a typewritten reply. I’ll treasure that letter for the rest of my life.)

 

 

 

Sometimes the Magic Works: Lessons from a Writing Life by Terry Brooks: The authors of one of my favorite book series discusses his experiences in becoming a fiction author and gives some writing guidance.

 

 

 

 

The Shannara Series by Terry Brooks: Beginning with The Sword of Shannara, which carried parallels to The Lord of the Rings, this series went in a very different direction. The action continues throughout each book, and even though things seem to be dark at times, the ordinary people who are the heroes of the stories do succeed. I credit Terry Brooks with helping stir in me a desire to be a writer.

 

 

 

 

Copyediting: A Practical Guide by Karen Judd: I kept this one from a college professional editing course. It covers the copyeditor’s job and has sections on proper usage.

 

 

 

 

 

The Grouchy Grammarian by Thomas Parrish: This book is for those who love to hate the grammar mistakes that public figures and writers make. The chapters are pretty short and to the point: Here’s the mistake, and here’s the right way. Though I think there’s a lesson here in that I need to make sure being on the grammar police force doesn’t turn me into a bitter old man.