I Have This Nifty Idea...Now What Do I Do with It? by Mike Resnick
This book contains outlines for science fiction and fantasy novels which real authors (new and old) used to sell their books to major publishing companies . . . actual examples drawn from authors files, not idealized versions prepared just for a textbook.Whether youre a beginning writer looking to break into novels, an experienced professional seeking new tools and techniques to sell books, or a fan curious about the remarkable thought-processes of some of the great genre writers of our time, you will find something here which enlightens, educates, and entertains you.

On Teaching and Writing Fiction by Wallace Earle Stegner; Lynn Stegner
Stegner brings together eight previously uncollected essays--including four never-before-published pieces--on writing fiction and teaching creative writing. In this unique collection he addresses every aspect of fiction writing from the writer's vision to his or her audience to the recognizable truth it seeks finally to reveal.

Mastering Point of View by Sherri Szeman
Guides writers through the difficult process of choosing point of view and provides straightforward instruction for using it well. Includes examples from notable writers.

Narrative Design: Working with Imagination, Craft, and Form by Madison Smartt Bell
With clarity, verve, and the sure instincts of a good teacher, Madison Smartt Bell offers a roll-up-your-sleeves approach to writing in this much-needed book. Focusing on the big picture as well as the crucial details, Bell examines twelve stories by both established writers (including Peter Taylor, Mary Gaitskill, and Carolyn Chute) and his own former students. A story's use of time, plot, character, and other elements of fiction are analyzed, and readers are challenged to see each story's flaws and strengths. Careful endnotes bring attention to the ways in which various writers use language. Bell urges writers to develop the habit of thinking about form and finding the form that best suits their subject matter and style. His direct and practical advice allows writers to find their own voice and imagination.

Master Class: Scenes from a Fiction Workshop by Paul West
The acclaimed novelist and author of The Secret Life of Words re-creates his last writing seminar in which fifteen students reflect on the art of writing great fiction as they discuss one another's work and shares their insights into the creative writing process.

Complete Handbook of Novel Writing: Everything You Need to Know about Creating & Selling Your Work by Meg Leder; Writer's Digest; Jack Heffron
The Complete Handbook of Novel Writing is a compilation of the best articles and interviews from Writer's Digest magazine, books and annuals. Aspiring authors will find articles on the craft, art and process of fiction writing from such well-known authors as Sue Grafton, Richard Russo, Janet Fitch, Octavia Butler and Terry Brooks. They'll also glean a wealth of knowledge and advice from interviews with Kurt Vonnegut, Margaret Atwood, John Updike, Terry McMillan, Joyce Carol Oates, Tom Clancy and more! It's a comprehensive fiction-writing guide that tackles everything from crafting a story and using descriptive language to breaking through writer's block and getting an agent.

45 Master Characters: Mythic Models for Creating Original Characters by Victoria Schmidt
"45 Master Characters" explores the most common male and female archetypes, provides instructions for using them to create original characters, and gives examples of how other authors have brought such archetypes to life in novels, film and television. Worksheets included for writers to develop their own characters. 45 illustrations.

The Truth about Fiction by Steven Schoen
This book presents readers and creative writing enthusiasts with comprehensive coverage of the elements of fiction and real-world writing techniques that help build skills -- such as sensory detailing, character construction, and cause and effect plotting. Plenty of practical advice completes this treatment of the fiction genre. Chapter topics include character, plot, story structure, dialogue, point of view, style, and details. For writers pursuing a hobby or a dream -- or just dabbling, this insightful guide will teach them how do it and "say" it better.

Master Class: Scenes from a Fiction Workshop by Paul West
The acclaimed novelist and author of The Secret Life of Words re-creates his last writing seminar in which fifteen students reflect on the art of writing great fiction as they discuss one another's work and shares their insights into the creative writing process.

Letters to a Fiction Writer by Frederick Busch
A collection of inspiring letters from some of our most renowned and respected fiction writers on the craft of writing and the writing life. Contributors include Lee K. Abbott, Charles Baxter, Ray Bradbury, Raymond Carver, Shelby Foote, John Gardner, Joyce Carol Oates, John Updike, Tobias Wolff, and Flannery O'Connor, among others.

The Complete Guide to Editing Your Fiction by Michael Seidman
Using an easy-to-reference format, experienced editor Michael Seidman shows writers how to approach fiction editing from three angles: macro editing, style editing and market editing. Writers will learn to reread their manuscript paying close attention to the continuity of narrative elements, such as point of view, characterization, sequencing and dialogue. After revising and rearranging these elements, writers will edit stylistic aspects, scanning their work with foolproof techniques that ensure proper spelling, grammar and word choice. This guide also teaches how to edit work from a marketing perspective, so writers can keep the expectations of their readership firmly in mind as they title their manuscripts and write their submissions.

Mooring Against the Tide: Writing Fiction and Poetry by Jeffrey Knott; Tim Schell; Jeff Knorr
This creative writing text will serve as a guide to steer through sometimes rough and unsure waters until the writer is safely moored against the tide.

How to Grow a Novel: The Most Common Mistakes Writers Make and How to Overcome Them by Sol Stein
Popular writing instructor, veteran editor, and bestselling novelist Sol Stein delivers the concrete, expert, dead-on advice writers crave. Sol Stein is one of the most popular writing instructors in America, teaching through well-attended workshops, featured appearances at writers' conferences, software for writers, on-line columns, and ongoing sales of his first guide, Stein on Writing. How to Grow a Novel is a workshop in book form. With examples, anecdotes, and a rolled-up-sleeves approach, Stein reveals the secrets of technique and craft every novelist must master.

Writing the Blockbuster Novel by Albert Zuckerman
Every novelist dreams of it -- writing the book that rockets to the top of the best-seller lists. Now, they can see how it's done, up close, in a book by an agent who has sold manuscripts that turned into hits. Here Albert Zuckerman covers the essential elements of the blockbuster novel and shows writers how to put them to work in their books. Zuckerman covers the subject thoroughly, from creating outlines and building larger than life characters to injecting suspense and more. His instruction is decisive, direct and clear and is supported with examples from Gone With the Wind, The Godfather and other blockbusters.

How to Write a Novel by John Braine
A classic practical guide and manual which tells the aspiring writer everything about writing a publishable first novel. Includes a wealth of quotations and advice, know-how and technique.

Novel Verdicts: A Guide to Courtroom Fiction by Jon L. Breen
Himself a writer of mystery novels and short stories, Breen (English, Rio Hondo College, Whittier, California) updates and expands his 1984 bibliography with annotations of he novels simple listed before, and with new novels published through 1997. For each of the 790 works, he includes standard bibliographic data, a code for how much actually takes place in court (most are B for brief), outlines the plot, and evaluates the book as a whole and the trial scenes in particular. The arrangement is alphabetical by author; indexes are by subject/title/author, cause of action, and geographical jurisdiction.

On Writing by Eudora Welty
Covering techniques and tools every writer should know, this primer on the art of fiction is presented by one of the 20th-century's masters, Pulitzer Prize winner Eudora Welty.

Mooring Against the Tide: Writing Fiction and Poetry by Jeffrey Knott; Tim Schell; Jeff Knorr
This creative writing text will serve as a guide to steer through sometimes rough and unsure waters until the writer is safely moored against the tide.

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Getting Your Romance Published by Julie Beard
Takes the budding romance novelist through the entire process of developing story ideas, editing, finding publishers, and marketing.

Making Shapely Fiction by Jerome Stern
A deft analysis and appreciation of fiction what makes it work and what can make it fail. Here is a book about the craft of writing fiction that is thoroughly useful from the first to the last page whether the reader is a beginner, a seasoned writer, or a teacher of writing. Jerome Stern maintains that learning to write spontaneously is the first step to writing well. You will see how a work takes form and shape once you grasp the principles of momentum, tension, and immediacy. "Tension," Stern says, "is the mother of fiction. When tension and immediacy combine, the story begins." Dialogue and action, beginnings and endings, the true meaning of "write what you know," and a memorable listing of don'ts for fiction writers are all covered.

The Spooky Art: Thoughts on Writing by Norman Mailer
Novel & Short Story Writer's Market 2003 by Anne Bowling (editor)
On Writing by Eudora Welty
Negotiating with the Dead: A Writer on Writing by Margaret Eleanor Atwood
Careers for Your Characters : A Writers Guide to 99 Professions from Architect to Zookeeper by Raymond Obstfeld, Franz Neumann
The Plot Thickens: 8 Ways to Bring Fiction to Life by Noah T. Lukeman
Immediate Fiction by Jerry Cleaver
The Complete Guide to Editing Your Fiction by Michael Seidman
45 Master Characters : Mythic Models for Creating Original Characters by Victoria Schmidt
Hooking the Reader: Opening Lines that Sell by Sharon Rendell-Smock
On Writing by Stephen King
Fiction Writer's Brainstormer by James V. Smith, Jr.
The Writer's Digest Sourcebook for Building Believable Characters by Marc Mucutcheon
Writer's Guide to Character Traits by Linda N. Edelstein
Description (Elements of Fiction Writing) by Monica Wood
Dialogue (Elements of Fiction Writing) by Lewis Turco
Plot (Elements of Fiction Writing) by Ansen Dibell
Setting (Elements of Fiction Writing) by Jack M. Bickham
Conflict, Action and Suspense (Elements of Fiction Writing) by William Noble
Building Better Plots by Robert Kernen
Creating Fiction by Julie Checkoway
The Writer's Tool Box: How to Write Fiction and Non-Fiction That Will Sell by Patrika Vaughn
Writing the Short Story by Jack M. Bickham
Writing Fiction Step by Step by Josip Novakovich
Steering the Craft: Exercises and Discussions on Story Writing for the Lone Navigator or the Mutinous Crew by Ursula K. Le Guin
Story Starters: How to Jump-Start Your Imagination, Get Your Creative Juices Flowing, and Start Writing Your Story or Novel by Lou Willett Stanek
Dynamic Characters by Nancy Kress
Six Walks in the Fictional Woods by Umberto Eco
Telling Lies For Fun & Profit by Lawrence Block, Introduction by Sue Grafton