Three Questions
We are writers. We like books. We like to read these books. So here's three questions for you:
1) Are there any books that you cannot live without?
2) What is your favorite work of fiction?
3) What is your favorite book for writers?
Just wondering. :)
Have a great week!
Blessings,
Karen
Photo credit: lusi http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1166435
1) Are there any books that you cannot live without? So may of my research books come to mind. My books are set in the 1800's in England and I have some great books that I'm constantly refering to.
ReplyDelete2) What is your favorite work of fiction? Shana Abe's Drakon Series: THE SMOKE THEIF, THE DREAM THEIF, QUEEN OF DRANGONS, THE TREASURE KEEPER and THE TIME WEAVER.
3) What is your favorite book for writers? THE FIRST FIVE PAGES and ON WRITING ROMANCE.
I refer often to YOU CAN WRITE MYSTERY by Gillin Roberts. I even blogged about the Seven Cs of Writing a Great Mystery (insert shameless self promotion here) http://stephentremp.blogspot.com/2010/03/this-week-im-fighting-some-kind-of-bug.html
ReplyDeleteIts a terrific book that's concise and full of power packed info that is most helpful to new and experienced writers alike.
Stephen Tremp
I can't live without my bible, I have several translations. For quite a while I could not have my classics: Jane Austen, Dickens, Victor Hugo...
ReplyDeleteSecond question rather tricky: For some reason despite being hugely pagan, I read and re-read Jean M. Auel series: The Earth Children and I am waiting with great impatience for the last one. I don't want to call it my favorite but I guess it is up there with Patricia Cornwell.
I don't have a favorite book for writers, since I do not see myself in this category, but I like browsing writing magazines.
Have a great day Karen. Kisses and hugs. xxx
Hi Karen..a story that touches my heart becomes my favourite. There are too many books to name. As for writing books,I am currently reading my first one.
ReplyDeleteA book I cannot live without is my prayer book.
Can't live without the Bible. Or The Five Love Languages.
ReplyDeleteFavorites are Watership Down and The White Dragon.
Best writing book - Personality Plus. Not a writing book, but excellent for characterization! Also need my Chicago Manual of Style.
Great questions, Karen!
ReplyDeleteI cannot live without God's Word, The Holy Bible.
I have several favorites for fiction. These are books I've read many, many times: Christy by Catherine Marshall and In His Steps by Charles Sheldon. I also love reading the Mitford series by Jan Karon. Fiction MUST spur me to holy living or I just read it and pass it on.
The best book for writers: The Elements of Style by Strunk and White. It was required in college in the 80s and was required for a class I just took last year. It's timeless.
Have a great week,
Carol
Lindsey,
ReplyDeleteWell, you do have a point there! :) I'll have to check into these, thanks.
Stephen,
This is another one I should check into - and I don't mind you sharing the link. I'm sure it's a good resource and I appreciate it.
Raymonde,
I agree, the Bible is the most important book I have. As for writing, you are more of an artist in this area than you give yourself credit for. :)
Rachna,
There are so many of these, aren't there? It is hard to single out just one or two, but I thought there might be some favorites among us:)
Diane,
I've seen excerpts of Personality Plus, and attended a workshop where the speaker used material from it. It was good, and I don't know why I haven't picked it up yet!
Carol,
Good points. And yes, The Elements of Style is a must have! You are right; it is timeless.
Thanks and blessings to each of you,
Karen
Hi Karen,
ReplyDeleteWow, there are so many I feel I cant live without. Ones like Be Your Own Creative Coach, Battlefield of the Mind, Your God is Too Small...the list goes on for me and I re-read these books. My current favorite work of fiction is Sarah's Key and my favorite writing book is Writing the Breakout Novel. I think most authors have a love affair with books. There is just something magical about opening up the cover and turning the pages.
Blessings.
Jan
Other than the Bible, there are no books I go back to to read more than once. Too many good ones out there to get to. Movies on the otherhand..... that's a different story. Over and over again. :O)
ReplyDeleteA book I couldn't live without: The Bible.
ReplyDeleteFavorite work of fiction: Hmm...I think Jane Eyre.
Favorite Writing book: The Art of war for Writers.
Great quesions!
How could I pick one single work of fiction? The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings, the Chronicles of Narnia, Jan Karon's Mitford Series, To Kill a Mockingbird, these are all in my top ten including a very little known series My Friend Flicka.
ReplyDeleteBird by Bird by Anne Lamott is my favorite writing book. But the Marshall Plan for Novel Writing is a close second.
Jan,
ReplyDeleteI agree, I think most writers love books of some kind, if not all. Have been wanting to read Breakout Novel. It's on my wish list:)
Diane,
I know, there are a few I read again, but it has to be really good. Writing resources though, they can be handy all the time. Guess I need to do a post about movies soon, huh? :)
Jennifer,
Good choices. There are so many! I have yet to pick up JSB's book (that one, anyway) and I really want to get it.
Margo,
I know, I asked a hard, if not impossible question to give one answer! To Kill a Mockingbird is one on my fave list. :)
Thanks and blessings to you all,
Karen
1. The Bible. Seriously. After that, I devour mysteries.
ReplyDelete2. Jan Karon's books are right up there on my Favorites List.
Happy Monday!
Hi Karen...Well, let's see. Books I cannot live without? The Bible goes without saying. Right after that is my daily reader "God Will See You Through" by Mary Kupferle. It's a treasure, filled with wisdom and encouragement.
ReplyDeleteTo be honest with you, I'm not a strong advocate of fiction. I have liked books by Verle Spencer.
I don't have a favorite book, per se, for writers. I love reading all kinds of books. Favorite authors are Alexandra Stoddard, Susan Branch, and Margaret Bourke White. Have a good Monday. Susan
These are the hardest three questions~ because I do love books:)
ReplyDeleteMy favorite work of fiction goes all the back to elementary school. I will never forget The Secret Garden a classic that I plan to pass on to my girls.
My favorite work of fiction...hmm too many!
My favorite writing book...Bird by Bird and Stein on Writing. Just to name a few:)
1. I couldn't live without my scriptures, first of all. Then I'd have to say Lord of the Rings. Probably more.
ReplyDelete2. That's hard. Lord of the Rings, Ender's Game, and A Wrinkle in Time make the short list.
3. My favorite writing book is probably Character and Viewpoint by Orson Scott Card.
Rhonda,
ReplyDeleteI'm with you on the Bible. Do like mysteries too, although historical fiction is my top favorite:)
Susan,
Your daily reader sounds interesting. And the other authors - there are so many good ones, aren't there!
Tamika,
I know, it is so hard to narrow them down, that's for sure. And who can forget classics like The Secret Garden?
Angie,
Now there's a thought - a short list. Then maybe we should add the long lists. I think we'd have to make a blog series out of it!
Thanks and blessings to each of you,
Karen
Any Douglas and Child book is a must-read for me. And the Bible is a must-have, too.
ReplyDeleteI can't go a day without my Bible.
ReplyDeleteI also love Writing the Breakout Novel--it really inspired me. I don't think I have a favorite fiction book as I keep finding more and more wonderful ones!
1) The Bible, a good dictionary, a good thesaurus.
ReplyDelete2) Huckleberry Finn
3) I have a ton of books for writers but I tend not to read them. I guess for this I'd have to say the yearly edition of "Writer's Market".
Lee
Tossing It Out
Hi Karen -
ReplyDeleteThe Bible and Strong's Concordance are essentials.
Fiction? I couldn't even begin to select a few favorites.
Non-Fiction? Joyce Meyers' books come to mind for starters. Here again, it's difficult to narrow the field down.
Blessings,
Susan :)
Hi Karen - Tough ones...when it comes to books it is hard to limit myself! There are so many that I love. Here goes:
ReplyDelete1. Cannot live without: Dictionary, Thesaurus, and book of quotes.
2. Fave fiction: A 3-way tie--Stephen King's "Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption", Sara Gruen's "Water for Elephants" and Nora Roberts' "The Vineyard" (my guilty pleasure).
3. Writing book: Stephen King's "On Writing" and "Write in Style" by Bobbie Christmas.
Alex,
ReplyDeleteSo many good suggestions! I need to ask you all these kinds of questions more often!
Terri,
I know what you mean - so many books, so little time! And another vote for the Breakout Novel. I need to get it, don't I?
Lee,
Good point - the Writer's Market books are a very good resource! All sorts of goodies within their pages.
Susan R.,
The Concordance is another good addition. Wow, who knew these short lists would get so long! :)
Lisa,
Ah yes, where would we be without a good dictionary and thesaurus? I like the idea of a good book of quotes too!
Thanks to each of you,
Karen
Hi Karen .. Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable .. wonderful resource .. and my other reference books; Le Grand Meaulnes by Alain-Fournier .. made a remarkable impression on me many years ago & always keep a copy (see Wiki for more) .. and Death in a Makeshift Mortuary .. very evocative about Africa .. (can't find anything on it - fortunately I have a copy still!);
ReplyDeleteLast one .. I need to get to .. do not know!
Enjoy your week .. Hilary
1) Are there any books that you cannot live without? The Bible is a given. After that, I cleave to my Smoky Mountain books, Dorie: Woman of the Mountains, Smoky Mountain Family Album...
ReplyDelete2) What is your favorite work of fiction? Gone With the Wind. Always. Forever.
3) What is your favorite book for writers? Is Sally Stuart's guide considered a book?
Wow! Great Questions!
ReplyDeleteHowever, only the first one is an easy one.
A book I can't live without - my Bible.
Favorite fiction books - there are so many, but the ones that come to mind first are: the whole Narnia series (especially The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, the voyage of the Dawn Treader, and The Horse and His Boy), The Hobbit, Ender's Game, The Hungry Caterpillar, Where the Wild Things Are, Dragon Slippers . . . and many more - most of them considered to be "kid" books.
Writing books are hard to choose from as well: Writing for the Soul by Jerry B. Jenkins, A Writer's Book of Days, How to Write Science Fiction and Fantasy by Orson Scott Card, and Spilling Ink are all writing books I'm currently reading/using. I don't think there is one writing book that stands above the rest for me.
It's funny, but the plots and characters of my favorite books still stick in my head, so I guess I could live without them since they're still there, you know? But I couldn't live without the Bible, because the more I read it, the more I don't know about it and want to know more. It doesn't matter if I've read the book of John sixteen times, I still learn something new!
ReplyDeleteHilary,
ReplyDeleteAh, you are broadening my horizons! Good to have your input too. So many goodies for us out there!
Britt,
This is true! And yes, GWTW is one of my faves too. I think Sally Stuart's guide counts. Why not? It's a great resource. :)
Tyrean,
Good lists - there are so many, aren't there? I like many 'kid' books. Must come from having kids, or being one in years gone by! :)
Jill,
That is a good point! How many characters stick with us - wow, something to think about, for sure. I agree, the Bible is timeless. Must have something to do with divine inspiration:)
Thanks and blessings to each of you,
Karen
Can't get by without my Bible. Favourite Fiction is Lord of the Rings. Favourite book for writers is "Art of War for Writers" by James Scott Bell
ReplyDeleteLyn
W.I.P. It: A Writer's Journey
I can't live without my Bible. "Writing About Your Life" by William Zinsser is my favorite book on writing. Although I really enjoyed Julia Cameron's "The Right to Write" this summer. There are other great books on writing, but these are personal favorites.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite work of fiction is "War and Peace" by Tolstoy (Except for the last 40 pages where the story has stopped and he gives readers his philosophy: He needed a good editor to take that out!)
Lynda,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing with us! I need to get that book by JSB. I've heard so many good things about it.
Cassandra.
You know, I've never made it through War and Peace. But my son has a copy, so maybe I need to borrow his. I'll skip the last 40 pages!
Thanks and blessings,
Karen
The Bible is a must have, as well as Faith Food Daily Devotion by Kenneth Hagin.
ReplyDeleteFavorite book for writers: Writers on Writing edited by James Watkins. Each chapter covers a different topic, and is written by successful authors.
Fave work of fiction: anything by Jan Karon or Eugenia Price, and the Narnia series by C.S. Lewis. I also love every word ever written by Tosca Lee; that lady is anointed to write!
Thanks for asking!
Jen
I can't live without my Bible. My writing book that I absolutely love is, How To Write a Children's Picture Book Volume 1, by Eve Heidi Bine-Stock. And Chapter After Chapter, by Heather Sellers. Favorite work of fiction, Black Beauty, of course. Great post Karen. I loved it. :)
ReplyDeleteJen,
ReplyDeleteGoing to have to check out those writing books. Thanks for the heads up! Oh, and Tosca's books too. :)
Robyn,
Those writing books sound like good ones too. And I should have known that Black Beauty was your fave! :)
Hugs and blessings,
Karen
Must have the Bible (all translations)
ReplyDeleteI love Ben Hur and Jane Eyre
I like Stephen King's book on writing
Karen:
ReplyDeleteI couldn't live without my Bible. I even have an electronic one.
I also couldn't live without a good devotional book. This year my devotional book is "Disciplines for the Inner Life."
I enjoy Marlene Bagnull's "Write His Answer" but I have misplaced my copy.
Alisa,
ReplyDeleteI'm with you on the Bible. Jane Eyre, hmm, now there's one I forgot about! I've heard that King's book on writing is good, thanks!
Cecelia,
Wow, you are tech savvy! Good devotionals are a treasure. I've also heard good things about Marlene's book too. So many good ones to check out!
Thanks and blessings,
Karen
What great questions, Karen!
ReplyDeleteI can't live without the Bible.
I don't read as much fiction as I once did. But I used to read "Gone With The Wind" annually and I really should re-read it.
As for writing books, I have several dog-eared copies of Strunk and White's "The Elements of Style."
Enjoy your weekend,
Barb
www.barbarafrankonline.com
1. The Bible. I tried to be different, but I guess I'm a follower.
ReplyDelete2. Little Women. That book (and Jo) made me want to write.
3. Becoming a Writer by Dorothea Brande. I have shelves of writing books I love, but I page through this one often looking for a new jewel.
Barbara,
ReplyDeleteThank you! GWTW is such a good one. Haven't read it in ages. I should soon:)
Sandra,
Good choices, all! Loved Little Women too. Great minds think and garden alike:)
Blessings,
Karen