Wednesday, June 5, 2019

A Creative Life: Book Recommendations for Writers

by Suzy Leopold

When something makes you want to do something and when something gives you an idea about what to create, this is inspiration. Writers need inspiration. Clever ideas create sparks in a writer's mind along with feelings of emotion.

And this book does just that.

BIG MAGIC: CREATIVE LIVING BEYOND FEAR
by Elizabeth Gilbert

Riverhead Books
2016

The instant #1 NEW YORK TIMES bestseller
BIG MAGIC: CREATIVE LIVING
BEYOND FEAR
by Elizabeth Gilbert
Many may recognize Elizabeth Gilbert as the author of EAT PRAY LOVE.

In BIG MAGIC: CREATIVE LIVING BEYOND FEAR, Elizabeth Gilbert "digs deep into her own generative process to share her wisdom and unique perspective on creativity, offering potent insights into the mysterious nature of inspiration".

Inspiration is needed to be a writer. This book is inspiring.

Elizabeth Gilbert writes about the mysterious nature of inspiration. She offers attitudes, habits, and ideas for living a creative life. She encourages creatives to look within for the strange jewels.

The book is divided into six sections and includes:
Part I     Courage
Part II    Enchantment
Part III   Permission
Part IV  Persistence
Part V   Trust
Part VI  Divinity

Enjoy listening to the first chapter, Hidden Treasure pages 3-7 of Part I, Courage.

And if you want more, here's more to read as a pdf.

Discover what you were meant to do. Hope you feel curious, encouraged, and most of all inspired to live a creative life.

Writers will find inspiration in this book, too.

THE MAGIC WORDS: WRITING GREAT BOOKS FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG ADULTS
by Cheryl B. Klein

2016
W. W. Norton & Company
THE MAGIC WORDS: WRITING GREAT BOOKS
FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS
by Cheryl B. Klein
Perhaps you recognize Cheryl B. Klein as the Editor Lee & Low Books.

"Insightful, enlightening, and practical, The Magic Words is a book that belongs on every writer's shelf. Loaded with concrete examples and specific strategies, it's likely to end up dog-eared and well worn--that favorite book on craft that writers revisit again and again with each new project."
Kate Messner, author

Do you note my many Post-its?

It's like a master class inside a book. It's like a handbook with useful tools for writing children's and YA fiction.

The author guides writers on a practical writing journey from writing principles, crafting a strong story, and publishing.

Take a few moments to check out her excellent web site, blog, and many resources. You'll note additional book titles Cheryl authored along with two picture books.

WINGS made its debut in March 2019 and is illustrated by Caldecott winner, Tomie de Paola. Read more about this book in a dual interview with Cheryl and Tomie. The book is written with one dozen rhyming words: wings, clings, flings, stings, wrings, dings, things, brings, springs, sings, rings, and zings.
WINGS
by Cheryl B. Klein
Illustrated by Tomie de Paola
In September 2019, look for THUNDER TRUCKS. Cheryl partnered up with Katy Beebe are the a dual author team of this book. The bright, bold illustrations are by Mike Boldt.
THUNDER TRUCKS
by Cheryl Klein & Katy Beebe
Illustrated by Mike Boldt
While we know creating a picture book is a team effort between author and illustrator, have you ever considered writing a book with a writerly friend? The idea is something to consider.

"If you have a writer friend whose strengths complement yours,
AND you can manage your respective writerly egos,
consider drafting a book together to use both of your types of genius."
~Cheryl Klein

The idea is something to consider. Just ask fellow GROGgers Christy Mihaly and Sue Heavenrich. Together they wrote and co-authored DIET FOR A CHANGING CLIMATE: FOOD FOR THOUGHT.
DIET FOR A CHANGING CLIAMTE
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
by Christy Mihaly and
Sue Heavenrich
May these books inspire and encourage your writing journey.
Read, write, and create
Every day

###

From the desk of Sherri Jones Rivers:

Jillanne Hoffman
is the winner of:

NO BEARS ALLOWED 
By Lydia Lukidis
Illustrated by Tara J. Hannon

From the desk of Kathy Halsey:

Whispering Pines' Writing Retreat
A Working Retreat
October 25-27, 2019

For more information click here and on the New England SCBWI site.

26 comments:

  1. Suzy, I have read these books and my copys look like yours - notes everywhere. Excellent reviews and suggestions.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Now I really want to get a hold of both of these books, Suzy! It’s easy to lose inspiration when you’re busy with work, home, and just life in general. Thanks for the much-needed reminder!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Do hope you can request these books from your library system or better yet purchase them.

      Happy reading. Happy writing. Happy life.

      Suzy

      Delete
  3. I love "Magic Words" - and I think my copy has as many post-it notes as yours! It's like a class in a book. Haven't read Big Magic yet... And thanks for mentioning Diet for a Changing Climate!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Great to hear you've read MAGIC WORDS, Sue. Post-It notes and highlighters are such great tools.

      It is my pleasure to include DIET FOR A CHANGING CLIMATE.

      Sue

      Delete
  4. I'm a big fan of Elizabeth Gilbert--and loved Big Magic. To add to your list, Writing Picture Books: A Hands-on Guide from Story Creation to Publication by Ann Whitford Paul is a extremely helpful resource.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Great to know you enjoy reading books authored by Elizabeth Gilbert, Leanne.

      For sure . . . Ann Whitford Paul wrote an excellent book on the craft of writing. I must put my hands on her revised and expanded version. She's written some fun picture books, too.

      Suzy

      Delete
  5. I just borrowed Big Magic from the library and I want a copy for my very own. It was wonderful, thanks for adding it to this great collection.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. These two books were requested from the library, Leslie. I, too, would love to purchase and add to my book shelf.

      Happy reading, writing, and snapping beautiful photos.

      Delete
  6. Woohoo! SO excited to be a winner winner of No Bears Allowed! Thank you! And as for the rest of these stellar books, well, I've got The Magic Words and refer to it often. I haven't taken the plunge into Big Magic, yet. So many books......

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hip, hip, hooray for you, Jilanne!

      I agree. There are so many great reads.

      Suzy

      Delete
  7. Thank you, Suzy, for sharing these books! Feeling the inspiration :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My pleasure, Cute Charlotte.

      Inspiration + writing = a manuscript.

      Delete
  8. Great post, Suzy. I did a 12 x 12 book study with Michelle Cusolito on Big Magic and it was quite inspiring. I also have Anne Whitford Paul's book, but I am trying to do the exercises, so I am moving slowly. I also have The Magic Words, but haven't dived into that one yet. This is a great discussion starter on books about the writing craft.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Do hope you'll grow and learn as a writer, just as I did after reading these books filled with inspiration, Sherri.

      Delete
  9. Wonderful suggestions - thank you. I'll have my post-its ready.
    Wings looks intriguing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are welcome, Claire. Thank you for your comment.

      Be ready to use several Post-Its!

      Suzy

      Delete
  10. I enjoyed this selection. I, especially, look forward to Cheryl's book WINGS. I hadn't heard of it before. I have one of her other writing books. Thanks, Suzy!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are sure to like WINGS by Cheryl Klein; illustrated by Tomie de Paola, Tina.

      Delete
  11. I love every juicy wonderful thing about this creative blog, Suzy!

    Running away to go C R E A T E!!!

    More appreciations.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Jan. Hope you are enjoying your creative projects this summer.

      Delete
  12. Thanks for the great ideas, and the shout-out, Suzy!! I'm back from vacation and ready to roll!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My pleasure to reference DIET FOR A CHANGING CLIMATE: FOOD FOR THOUGHT, Christy.

      I'm quite certain you and your family created many memories together.

      Delete