My Reference Shelves

The internet provides quick access to a vast amount of information.  Yet, I often refer to books for facts, quotes or guidance when writing. Some books allow me to enhance my vocabulary, use the precise term or revisit grammar skills. My collection of writing reference books is a treasure to me.  Though I refer to some more than others, they are all essential tools for my work.

They include:

• 3 dictionaries - 1 traditional, 1 on biology and 1of legal terminology
• 3 thesaurus - variations between the three make me keep them all
• the Associated Press Stylebook. I actually have two of these.  My old one from college days and a new edition. I highly recommend purchasing a new one every few years because terminology evolves at an alarming rate.
• an assortment of grammar and vocabulary books. I read these for inspiration (I know - NERDY!)
• "Make Your Words Work" by Gary Provost
• "18 Minutes" by Peter Bregman. This book is a wonderful guide on time management, a necessary skill for any writer.
• "Words Worth" by Terri Brooks
• My absolute favorite book on writing - "On Writing Well" by William Zinsser.
• a 22-book and growing assortment of nature field guides
• approximately 40 books on various topics related to special education and developmental disabilities
• several books by or about great writers such as, Thoreau, Muir, Emerson, Whitman, etc. Several of these are "vintage" books I have purchased as library book sales. 

There is a phrase in the writing world that says, "Writers are readers." Books come into my house, are read and passed on so others can enjoy them.  But, like the reference section of a public library, my writing reference collection is permanent and for on-site use only.  I encourage you to begin or build your reference collection. If you discover any great titles, let me know and I will consider adding it to my shelves, too.