Okay folks, sorry I’ve been a bit delayed with my next C.O.M.A. blog, but I got sidelined between a stomach issue, and being on the job hunt, but good news is I’m better and I start my orientation on Wednesday, so because of all this I’m a bit behind in a few areas, but I wanted to get something posted this week, my only problem is what?
Well I was looking at my one book shelf, where I keep reference books/materials it hit me; it doesn’t matter what you do for a living, I always believed if you want to do a good job, or go on to be the best, you need good tools. Now I cant speak for any other areas, but for me & writing I’ve always believed there are some essential tools every writer needs to have on hand, and I don’t mean pens & notebooks, that’s for another discussion.
I’m talking about various reference guides that should be nearby, and yes most modern computer programs like MS/Office do have some of these functions in Word, and I do use some, I’ve discovered they are not as full, or complete as say a full phrasebook.
So, here’s my stripped down, basic, must-have list of reference books for writers;
1) A Dictionary/ Thesaurus/ Antonyms & Synonyms; I’m grouping these all together because these are basic, no-brainer ideas. Like I said yes, in MS/Word with clicking two keys you’ve got a built-in thesaurus, but it is limited. I’ve two, one still from high school, and a more modern up-to-date edition. Printed copies contain much more than a computerized version, limited by memory & storage. A dictionary is another essential book to keep on hand for various reasons, from looking up just the right word, to the full, true meaning, and secondary meanings. Finally, a book of antonyms & synonyms is the third musketeer that goes beyond a thesaurus, explaining the fine shades of meaning that distinguish synonyms.
2) A Rhyming Dictionary; Now this is a given tool for a poet, musician, or lyricists, but as a fiction writer I’ve found it handy to have on hand when I’m trying to come up with verses, like I did when I wrote my holiday piece The Fight Before Christmas. (A writing challenge I gave myself where I slap a murder mystery together with A Visit from St. Nicholas, using the same rhyming pace & structure, which isn’t easy trust me)
3) Essential Dictionary of New Words & 21st Century Dictionary of Slang; I’m grouping these two tools together (try saying that five times fast lol) because they are similar but each is unique, with the former showcasing new words, garnered from the past decade, and a good volume will provide definitions and give real-life examples. & the latter explaining slang currently in circulation across the country. The only time I wouldn’t recommend using these types of guides is if you’re writing a period piece, for example the way Sue Grafton did with her Alphabet series, because her P.I. Kinsey Milhoune was set in the mid-late 1980s.
4) How I Write: Secrets of a Bestselling Author by Janet Evanovich; First written in 2006 this book is for anyone who wants to write professionally, and not just mysteries. This is a Q&A style book answers every conceivable question a new or seasoned writer might have and covers every aspect of writing a novel from creating characters, structure, to editing, to getting an agent & publishing. On a personal note, one thing I adopted (Hell I admit it I stole from Janet is how she plots out a story and use the same method for my books)
5) The Elements of Style; First published in 1918 by Strunk & White this volume is essential for all college students, but several folks who are looking to have a writing career. This book covers the basics of all writing, the eight elementary rules of usage, ten elementary principles of composition, "a few matters of form", and a list of commonly misused words and expressions. You may not go to it every day, but when you need it you’ll be glad to have it on your bookshelf.
6) A Baby Naming Dictionary; Okay this one makes me laugh every time I think of the day I brought it home. My Mom said, “Is there something you want to tell me?!” It was more of a demand than a question. LOL There is a science behind naming characters in books, and not just an author plucking names out of the phone book. When I was writing Family Ties, I learned that a characters’ name & their traits should match up. I’ve found this true in real life with most folks I know and in my own case. My given name is Christopher, which is Latin/Greek for Christ-barer. Now I am 6’2” over 300 lbs, am broader than a water barrel. Now if you know the story of St. Christopher, you’ll understand what I mean. Now I highly recommend my edition of Dictionary of First Names, because this version covers every aspect of picking a name, whether for a character or a baby, whichever comes first. Here you get both masculine & feminine names, ethnic origins, definition, surname usage, and even place name usage. Now a prime example of how useful this book is, when I was writing Family Ties, I looking to name a New York State Senator, with his sights set on 1600 Pennsylvania Ave, and his wife. So, it took me about 2 weeks to select the names and for the power couple I picked Kingsly & Desiree Addar. The names mean; Kingsley (Anglo-Saxon- from the king’s meadow) Desiree (French/Latin – to look to the stars, to crave), Addar (Hebrew – noble, exalted) As you can see for a power couple with sights set on the Presidency, these were great names to pick. When starting a new story I go to this book more than all others.
Now something I feel I must add here, when looking to buy these types of reference books, whether in E-book form, or the real deal that doesn’t need batteries, I recommend be selective. What I mean is depending on the subject material a number of books say the same things, so if you’re looking at something at a bookstore or online, flip thru a few pages and do some smart shopping. This has happened to me a few times and I admit I hated the thought I wasted time and money.
Another thing to consider is if you are writing in a specialized area or need specific material, I would look at this as well as a good opportunity. What I mean is in my John Seraph series, John’s best friend is a former enforcer from Japan, and had dealings with the Yakuza, so Katsuro speaks Japanese. So, in turn when I created him, I had to get myself a good English/Japanese dictionary. Vital one hundred percent. Another factor in this area is genre specific reference books. For mystery authors Writer’s Digest put out the HowCatch’Em series and these have been an incredible assist to help me learn things crucial to writing a murder mystery. Some examples include; what can an amateur sleuth do the police can’t, what happens when a gun is really fired, how do specific poisons work, among so many other topics. The point is whether mysteries, westerns, a medieval, or modern story getting the correct tools can do nothing but help one become a better writer.
Till next time,
CGE
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