What’s on Your Keeper Shelf? Part 1: Non-Fiction

Before I started to take my writing seriously my non-fiction shelf was a sad little thing. Why hold on to them when I could get them from the library or find the information online? Well, before I took my writing seriously I didn’t need to refer back to books once whatever project was done and out the door.

For the sake of my sanity, because I doubt I could put this list in true order of preference, I’ve tried to categorize it.

Here’s my Top 10 non-fiction keepers:

1. The Writers Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers
2. Tarot for Writers
3. Save The Cat! The Last Book on Screenwriting You’ll Ever Need
4. The Celts
5. A Brief History of the Druids
6. Seven Arrows
7. 365 Unplugged Family Fun Activities
8. Scrapbook Page Maps: Sketches For Creative Layouts
9. The Artist’s Way
10. Better Homes and Gardens New Cook Book

But a funny thing happened on the way to making a Top 10 List…I have way more than 10 favorite non-fiction books

How about you, what’s on your non-fiction keeper shelf?

Tuesday Book Talk

Let’s talk books!

This is my version of Lynn Viehl’s 3 Books feature.

Just Read

The Wallflower by Jan Freed, paperback

Why I picked it up: I read Patti O’Shea’s review and was intrigued.

What I liked: The idea of going back to high school and being one of the “elite” appealed to me. Sarah, the heroine, gets to do this. Her relationship with the other kids was one of the best pieces of the story as she helps them live up to their potential.

What I disliked: This is an older book so some of it is a little outdated but not anything I’d call a true dislike.

Reading

Eat That Frog! by Brian Tracy, hardcover

Why I picked it up: Kristen Lamb mentioned it in her time management post back in April. I’ve had less than stellar luck with books of this sort so I’ve been waiting for a used copy, which arrived Saturday.

What I like: There are some gems like “20% of your activities will account for 80% of your results.” He also explains the idea behind ABCDE prioritizing in a way that resonates with me better than others have.

What I dislike: Sadly, this feels a lot like every other time management book in the history of man. So far, I’m not getting a powerful “ah-ha” sensation.

Will Read

Save The Cat! by Blake Snyder, paperback

Why I picked this up: Is there an author out there NOT recommending this?

What I expect to like: I’ve already read some about his “beats” online so I’m looking forward to gaining a better knowledge of the system.

What I expect to dislike: Hmm…can’t think of anything. I’ve enjoyed his blog so I imagine I’ll enjoy the book.

• And I’m looking forward to: Serpent’s Kiss (A Novel of the Elder Races) by Thea Harrison — releases today by the way

What are you reading and loving at the moment?