Books On My Desk

I thought I'd write a post about my desk and the books I always have at my side as I write.

I don't have a proper desk to write, or my own study. Instead, I write in my bedroom on my dressing table which I've converted into a desk. As you can see, I have a pile of writing books on it. Books I always like to have close by as my bookshelf is on the other side of the room and I have to walk around my double bed to get to it. Plus, that shelf is already overflowing with books, just like the bookshelf downstairs in the living room.

Anyway, here are the books:

An English Dictionary that is so ancient (probably from the early 90s). I don't really consult it much any more as I use the internet now. But I don't seen to want to throw it away, so here it sits.

Swedish Phrase Book

No, I am not writing a book in Swedish, but for the past few years I have been (very slowly) learning the language. My brother lives in Sweden and I fell in love with this beautiful country the very first time I visited. As I go back regularly to visit, I like to at least know the basics.

On Writing by Stephen King

This is part memoir, part writing book and I really think it's one of the best for writing advice. I like the fact that he mentions how he likes to shut the whole world out to write and listens to loud music as he writes. This is something I do most of the time, mainly because there is so much noise where I live but I also find music so inspiring. The heavier, the better.

How to Write a Blockbuster by Helen Corner and Lee Weatherly

Sorry that you can't really see this one that well on the pic above because it's hiding behind a signed postcard I recently got from Tuomas Holopainen (I won it in a competition).

The book is, just as the title says, a book for helping you write that blockbuster you have always wanted to write. Really interested advice, though it hasn't helped me write that blockbuster yet.

Self-Editing For Fiction Writers by Renni Browne and Dave King

Excellent book on self-editing and very easy to follow. Taught me quite a lot about editing a novel.

The Writer's Rhyming Dictionary

First got this when I got into writing lyrics. It's quite an old book and I can't find a cover for this one so no pic I'm afraid (or link).

The Name Book by the Sunday Times

Just a book about choosing names and the meaning behind them. Easy reference guide for me in the pre-internet days, but I can't remember where I got it from. Now of course I just use the web to find names for my characters (that's how I found most of my ancient Greek and Celtic names for Frozen In Time).

How to Write Great Screenplays by Linda M James

I bought this recently when I did Script Frenzy last year. Lots of useful and up to date information about screenwriting and how and where to submit your scripts.

Writing for Soaps by Chris Curry

A few years ago I decided to become a soap writer. I thought it would be a great way to make a from doing what I love. Write. I also admit that I'm a bit of a soap addict and hardly ever miss HollyOaks, EastEnders, Coronation Street and Emmerdale. However, sometimes it's not hard to notice that the writing isn't always that good. So, I decided to try and write for EastEnders (since I'm a Londoner, I figured it wouldn't be too hard to write believable dialogue). Anyway, to cut a long story short I sent a script to BBC Writers Room but of course it got rejected. Oh well, maybe one day...