The Definitive

Litopia Writers’ Reading List 2024

Peter Cox, founder of Litopia

I asked our members a simple question.

Which books have had the most profound impact on your development as a writer?

Here’s what they told me. A glorious cornucopia of more than forty definitive titles that ought to be on your reading list.

And note: if you buy them all (why not?) it will still be cheaper than taking one average-priced commercial writing course.

We’ve all enjoyed putting this list together, and we hope you get as much out of it as we have.

Peter Cox

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Characters & Viewpoint by Orson Scott Card

Our Summary

Techniques of inventing, developing and presenting characters, plus handling viewpoint in novels and short stories. Spells out your narrative options in creating “real” fictional people. Distinguish among major characters, minor characters and walk-ons, and develop each appropriately. Choose the most effective viewpoint to reveal the characters and move the storytelling. Decide how deeply you should explore your characters’ thoughts, emotions, and attitudes.

What I learned From It

This demystified POV for me when I first started writing prose. It also taught me how some of my all-time favorite characters were made, and why I loved them.

LJ Beck

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The Elements Of Eloquence: Secrets Of The Perfect Turn Of Phrase by Mark Forsyth

Our Summary

This is a book with a clear message (from the blurb): In an age unhealthily obsessed with the power of substance, this is a book that highlights the importance of style.

What I learned From It

About thirty chapters each dedicated to a rhetorical figure. The book is a fun read and has plenty of examples from The Bible, Shakespeare and Tupac ( “Money don’t make the man, but man I’m making money”)

JohnBertel

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Hooked by Les Edgerton

Our Summary

The focus is on great openings and keeping the reader hooked including advice on this from agents and acquiring editors.

What I learned From It

Lots about inciting incidents; balancing backstory in the set up; keeping readers going from one chapter to the next.

Trey

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