Did you know you can help support The Passionate Pen by buying books you click through? As an Amazon Associate, Passionate Pen makes a small percentage of any sale made after you click through a link here (at no cost to you!).

Over the years of honing my craft, searching for wisdom and researching the industry, here are some books that have helped me most:

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Getting Your Romance Published by Julie Beard -- This is a great reference for anyone from the beginner who isn't sure where to start, to the published author who needs advice on how to promote herself.  Beard has a great style and lots of heart. (Out of print, but still worth finding).

Writing Romances edited by Rita Gallagher and Rita Clay Estrada -- This Romance Writers of America handbook (written by RWA co-founders Gallagher and Esdrada) contains essays and advice from top romance authors on a variety of topics. (No longer in print, but worth finding used).

Writing Romance by Vanessa Grant -- This contains a lot of info about writing contemporary romance, but the character studies are good and her ideas will help any writer.

The Romance Writers' Phrase Book by Jean Kent and Candace Shelton -- A neat little book containing over 3000 descriptive tags.  Yes, it's a little cheesy, but the whole point of the book is to spark your own descriptive phrases.  And it does do that!  (No longer in print, but still worth finding used).

Scene and Structure by Jack M. Bickham -- This amazing book takes the author step by step through the way a scene works.  Though you are probably already doing this in your books and with your scenes, reading this will only help you.  Bickham is amazing!  I can't recommend his books more.

The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron -- Though not geared entirely toward writers, this book is a resource for finding and nurturing your artist's soul.  If you are blocked or feeling frustrated or sure you could NEVER pursue a career in the arts, you may find this book helpful.  It's a little touchy-feely, but still helpful.  

The Complete Writers Guide to Heroes & Heroines: Sixteen Master Archetypes by Tami D. Cowden, Caro LaFever and Sue Viders -- Although each hero or heroine is different, most share similar characteristics.  These are the archetypes and there isn't a better book to explain what they are or how they interact.  A great way to get into your characters' heads.

On Writing by Stephen King -- If you are a genre fiction writer, this book will speak to you on so many levels that its scary.  King has crafted one of the most incredible books about writing, being a writer... and he throws grammar in there for good measure, too.  A must read for anyone writing fiction, or anyone who loves someone who is writing fiction!

How to Be Your Own Literary Agent by Richard Curtis -- A great book whether or not you are being represented by an agent in contract negotiation.  Curtis walks authors through contracts, rights, royalty statements and market analysis.  A wonderful resource for writers of all kinds. 

What's Next? -- This wonderful guide is put out by the New England Chapter of RWA. If you have just sold your first book, call your Mom, scream at the top of your lungs, then BUY THIS BOOK. It's an amazing collection of answers to just about every question you ever had or never thought to have but need to know. Sensational!

Guerilla Marketing for Writers by Jay Conrad Levinson, Rick Frishman & Michael Larson -- Whether you've just sold, are a bestseller or are hoping to sell, knowing how to market yourself is a skill you'll need as a writer.  This book has good strategies to market on a budget, including things that are free!