Must Have References for Writers
Foundation Books for Every Writer's Library
Go to any bookstore and you will find a vast array of reference books that will appeal to you as an aspiring writer. You might be tempted to buy one of each title for your own library, although you may well find yourself with an empty wallet and shelves overloaded with books you rarely use.
The following make an ideal foundation for any writer’s library. Once you have these resources you can then look further afield for reference books specific to your own writing genre and needs.
Dictionary
This is the number one absolute must have resource for writers. In selecting a good dictionary, ask yourself:
- Which language do you need? If you are writing in English then it is important to be aware of the differences in spelling from country to country. For example, you can colour in England and Australia, but did you know you can color in America?
- How up-to-date is your dictionary? The meanings and uses of words do change over time. The more up-to-date your dictionary the better, although if you are writing a period piece it may be useful to check out older dictionaries for antiquated words and meanings.
Thesaurus
A good quality thesaurus is another essential reference book. A thesaurus is useful in finding other options for a word that you have but don’t want to use; you may have already used that particular word numerous times in the same piece, you may find the word you have just doesn’t sound right, or you may just want to see what other words are out there.
Word Menu
A word menu offers another alternative to finding exactly the right word. This reference is organised by subject matter instead of individual words. If you wanted a word for a particular type of sculpture, for example, you would go to the section on fine arts, and then find the section on sculpture and under this will be a section on types of sculpture with words and associated descriptions. This is great for when you want a word but you are not quite sure what you want.
Style Guide
A style guide targeted to the type of writing you do will be invaluable. Style guides cover the basics of how to format your writing, how to use punctuation correctly, as well as other useful titbits. Make sure that the guide you select is tailored for the type of writing you do, and always ensure your writing meets the style guide of the competition, journal, magazine or organisation that you are writing for first.
Quotation Book
While not an absolute necessity, a book of quotations can serve as a wonderful source of inspiration. Both the beautiful words and the topics of the quotes can help overcome a case of writers block.
Online Resources
Many resources traditionally available in book form are now also available online. Such websites as Merriam-Webster and Dictionary.com can be very useful for quick reference checks while you are writing.
Other Resources
There are many other resources that you might choose to add to your own library. What you include will largely depend on what type of writing you do and the topics you like to write about. If you are a writer of children’s books, you might have a book on words children generally know at certain ages; if you write in the science fiction genre you might have a reference on creating fantasy worlds. The scope of your library really is up to you and your preferences. Do your research, look at bookshops, and see what other writers recommend.
Writer's References
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