There are three rules for writing a novel.  Unfortunately no one knows what they are.        Somerset Maugham

We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit. Aristotle Writer's Organizations: Romance Writers of America Novelists, Inc. Authors Guild   Writers' Communities: Romance Central Novel Advice My Writer Buddy Forward Motion   Writing Articles: Alicia Rasley's Writers Corner Rosalyn Alsobrook's Writers Tips Vicki Hinze's Writer's Aids Lisa Gardner's Synopsis Workshop Lisa Gardner's Tricks of the Trade Stephanie Bond's Writers pages The Passive Voice Whatever The Snowflake Process   Resources on the Business: Warning and Cautions for Writers Publishers Marketplace Association of Author's Representatives   Tools: Merriam-Webster Dictionary and Thesaurus Reference Desk Nonverbal Dictionary iTools Library Spot The Quotations Page Ask a Librarian Guide to Grammar and Writing Glossarist Julia's Horse FAQ The Best of British Bibliomania   More writing links: Charlotte Dillon's Resources for Romance Writers Useful links for Romance Writer Literary Luminaries Vision   Historical Research   Scotland: The Dark Isle Scotland's Kings and Queens Electric Scotland Scotland Royal Genealogy Medieval Scotland Scottish History On-line Scottish Tartan Museum Scotland: A History Old Occupations in Scotland Celtic Dress Celtic Net Scottish History The Highlands Dictionary of Scots Language Celtic Studies Dalriada Celtic Heritage Trust Heart O' Scotland   England/Britain: Life in Elizabethan England The British Monarchy A to Zs of Historic London Absolute Shakespeare Regia Anglopum BBC History English History Middle English Dictionary British History Club Shakespeare's Life and Times Elizabethan England Shakespeare Resources Native British Trees   Medieval and Renaissance: Medieval Sourcebook Medieval and Renaissance Weddings Reformation and Renaissance Studies Le Poulet Gauche Medieval and Renaissance Brewing Medieval and Renaissance Cookery Gode Cookery Life in Medieval Times Medieval Names Archive Non-Alcoholic Beverages in the Middle Ages Medieval Weddings Medieval and Renaissance Marriage: Theory and Customs Medieval Women Renaissance Medieval Boroughs   Mythology and Legend: Myths and Legends Odin's Castle of Dreams and Legends Tam Lin Encyclopedia Mythica Folklore and Mythology Bulfinch's Mythology Mythology Web Mythology of the Constellations Legends Folklore, Myth and Legend Mysteries of the British Isles Faerie tales and Folklore of the Scottish Highlands The Holy Grail   Costume: The Costume Gallery Historical Clothing The Costume Site   Miscellaneous: About.com: History Teresa's History Links Real Magik Anesthesia and Pain History Castle Learning Center Curious Punishments of Bygone Days Medical History on the Net Food Timeline The Wheel-lock Gun The Alchemy Site   Literature on the Web: Renascence Editions Bartleby: Great Books Online An Online Library of Literature Classic Reader English Server Luminarium Hypertexts Project Gutenberg The Camelot Project       Do or Do not. There is no try. Yoda

Helpful Books

Other than the obvious dictionary, thesaurus, and Strunk and White that should be standard on every writer's desk, here are a few I can't do with out. The links lead to Barnes and Noble where there are descriptions and reviews posted, so click on the link to learn more.

I have a new book to add to the top of this list, but unfortunately it isn't sold at any online bookstore, so I don't have a picture of the cover. It is The Story Within by Alicia Rasley and currently can only be purchased through her website. The subtitle is An Interactive Guidebook to Plotting Popular Fiction. And that's just what it is. I used this book to deepen the story of a book I'd already plotted out and ended up with a notebook full of ideas. I can't recommend it highly enough.	Writing the Breakout Novel by Donald Maas This excellent book delves into the reasons why some books "breakout" and some don't. Full of excellent and insightful advice.
The Writer's Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers by Christopher Volger This is one of the best book out there on the art of storytelling. The focus is on the mythic approach to storytelling, archtypes, and the "hero's journey." Every time I read it I take something new away.	The Complete Writer's Guide to Heroes and Heroines: Sixteen Master Archetypes by Tami D. Cowden, Caro LaFever, Sue Viders An excellent resource for helping create unforgettable characters.
Self-Editing for Fiction Writers: How to Edit Yourself into Print by Renni Browne and Dave King And this is the best book out there on editing your fiction. I always read this before I do a final edit	The Career Novelist by Donald Maas Invaluable advice from a successful agent. I come back to it again and again.
Your Novel Proposal: From Creation to Contract by Blythe Camenson and Mardshall J. Cook Need advice on query letters? Synopsis? Proposals? Cover letters? Putting together the whole package? Well, it's all right here, everything you want to know in one book.	Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott This is more an inspirational look at writing, but for anyone feeling down, or like giving up, it's an uplifting reminder of what it's all about.

You have to write a million words before you find your voice as a writer.   Henry Miller "On writing"