Want to be a writer? Think like one, talk like one...and stock up the bookshelf like one. Use the right tools for the writer job, and learn what's on a writer's bookshelf
No man is an island, and no writer is so naturally talented they can get through an entire project without a little outside help or fact-checking. Proper research is essential when it comes to creating a story, article or other piece of writing. To be a writer, put together a well-stocked writer’s bookshelf. Having the right (write) tools makes the job a lot easier.
The Writer’s Bookshelf
Assemble the arsenal carefully, and stock up that bookshelf so that writing resources are close at hand. It’s aggravating to stop work to look something up or check a fact, but in the end it’s well worth the time and effort. No bookshelf is ever too fully stocked.
The thesaurus. Yes, most word processing programs have this built right in. Guess what? These built-in thesauruses aren’t that great. A good thesaurus right there on the shelf can get the words flowing again and help writers avoid the repetition which turns editors off.
A baby name book. Every writer fancies themselves as being great name-pickers, but that’s not always true. It’s important to make sure names match the setting of the story, and good baby name books often include country of origin and the approximate time in history the name surfaced.
An atlas. This tool is beyond useful when it comes to writing. A little geographical knowledge gives stories more depth and reality, making it easier for readers to place themselves inside a page. Even when not used for writing, atlases can be extremely helpful.
The dictionary. A good dictionary should always be kept close at hand when writing, and the thicker the better. Again, dictionaries are often built into computer word processing programs. Again, get a good dictionary anyway.
The Writer’s Market. The Writer’s Market is a well-known, annual reference volume put out for writers. This book includes agents, publishers, publications, even tips and advice. When it comes to selling any sort of writing, the Writer’s Market provides truly valuable and thoroughly usable information.
Encyclopedias. The standard set of encyclopedias may sound boring (and too cumbersome) in a world where everything can be researched online with the click of a few buttons. But, unlike many Internet sites, printed encyclopedias offer accurate factual information. If nothing else, these volumes can make it much easier to double-check research conducted online.
The Genre-Driven Bookshelf
Some writers specialize. That’s why some may want to add additional books to the writer’s bookshelf. For instance, a writer who crafts a lot of outdoor scenes may find a plant or animal guidebook helpful. First aid books, mythology references, even the Bible can all be useful for writers who want to add depth and detail to their stories. When the right tools are used, the writer job seems a little less stressful. Stock up, keep materials handy, and let the words follow.
