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
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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Writing Historical Fiction by Emma Darwin
Our Summary
A beginners' guide to writing historical fiction which draws on the material in her coaching sessions and lectures: characters, plot structure, research, using your senses to recreate the past and psychic distance. There are plenty of examples and exercises.
What I learned From It
I still dip into this book if I'm stuck in my writing or need some inspiration. It's practical rather than theoretical which works for me.
Liz Brown
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Write Great Beginnings by Sandra Gerth
Our Summary
Defines "a beginning" and lists do's and don'ts together with pointers on how to achieve the first and avoid the second. Offers exercises based either on an ongoing manuscript or a published work.
What I learned From It
This is a comprehensive and clear overview written in simple terms. The points it makes are self-contained so you can zoom directly to whatever concern you have about the beginning of your work.
Jeanette
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