Several years ago my brother gave me the gift of Writing Mysteries, a handbook published by Writer's Digest. It's edited by Sue Grafton. I read it when I wasn't very serious about my writing.
Recently, I picked it up again and realized what a treasure chest of advice is contained in its pages. I just finished an essay on characterization by Michael Connelly and am looking forward to the one about writing a series character by Sara Paretsky. It's chock full of great advice about writing from authors such as Tony Hillerman, Tess Gerritsen, and Ann Rule.
The essays are arranged in sections: Preparation, Process (split into Beginning, Middle, and End), and Specialities.
It's kind of like going to a very good writing conference, but for less than $12. Not too shabby.
What books have you found to be invaluable in your writer's toolkit? Which ones do you turn to again and again?
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