7 Reference Books for Your Desk

I hate to admit this, but I rarely get an original idea. That's bad for a writer.

However, I've got lots of paperback friends who help me sound smarter. They're the seven reference texts I keep on top of my desk. Here they are, and why each one means so much to me.

1. Dictionary ? And old teacher once told me, "If you don't know the meaning, look it up." Sound advice. My desk copy is "Webster's New World Dictionary."

2. Thesaurus ? I'm always looking for a different way to say things, and this text helps me a lot. It's called "Roget's College Thesaurus."

3. Idiom reference ? People often use a common idiom or cliché' to clarify what they say. I keep the "Scholastic Dictionary of Idioms" next to my keyboard.

4. Dictionary of synonyms ? The one I use is "The Merriam-Webster Pocket Dictionary of Synonyms."

5. Encyclopedia ? To quickly find details on historical figures or products, I consult a great single volume paperback called "The New American Desk Encyclopedia."

6. Quotations ? A quote from an expert can add impact to a speech or report. The book I use is "The International Thesaurus of Quotations" by Rhoda Thomas Tripp.

7. Idea generator ? Well, this sounds self-serving, but I often use my own book to give me ideas for first paragraphs, transitional sentences, and conclusions. That book is "Words That Stick" by Rix Quinn.

Rix Quinn writes a weekly syndicated humor column, and develops writing workshops for schools, colleges, and business groups. His book "Words That Stick" is available from http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN /1580085768/qid/

---

The Work Flow Cycle of the Editorial Industry

As an editorial professional, I'm sure you're aware of the... Read More

Important Points of Fiction

Fiction manuscripts receive feedback that addresses and scores:· The theme... Read More

7 Essential Letter Writing Strategies

Based on the feedback that I have been getting from... Read More

Is Now the Time for a Play about the War in Iraq?

Everone knows that comedy is mostly about timing. If you... Read More

Screenwriting ? The Lone Wolf Story Structure Template

Story Structure Templates are the fastest way to write screenplays.... Read More

Writing is a Discipline

If a writer considers writing to be a task, he/she... Read More

To Transcribe or Not To Transcribe Interviews?

11 Secrets from an Experienced InterviewerOne of the unwritten rules... Read More

Groundbreaking Work

Every writer knows that the urge to write is not... Read More

Whose Story Is It?

Whenever you sit down to plot a story (or even... Read More

Does The Title Reflect The Story?

Short Story Writing Tips ?We all have different tastes in... Read More

Planning Time To Write

In his book, "Achieving Financial Independence as a Freelance Writer,"... Read More

A Writers Tools

If you are like most writers, you're constantly searching for... Read More

Mission Possible: Get Published with Goals, Guidance, and Persistance

You send me an e-mail. You tell me you've written... Read More

A Few Keys to Writing Effective Dialogue

Every writer expends a great deal of creative energy developing... Read More

Pairs/Groups Of Words Often Confused - Part 6 of 6

SALE, SAIL Sale is either offering something for purchase... Read More

Hey Cient, this is Me! Find Your Writing Voice and Sell Yourself

In a crowded market, clients will be seeking personality as... Read More

Writing Business Letters That Get The Job Done

Despite the widespread use of e-mail in commerce today, traditional... Read More

Top Seven Essential Hot-Selling Points To Implement Before Writing Chapter One

Every part of your book can be a sales tool.... Read More

Aesop, Abraham Lincoln, and You

May I tell you about a writing technique shared by... Read More

Writing With Power: 5 Snappy Rules For Success

Almost everyone could profit from enhancing their writing skills. From... Read More

Basic Word Processing Tips for Writers

Word processors are so widely used now that I tend... Read More

How to Write Bad Poetry

So you've decided to crown yourself with a title that... Read More

Increase Your Chances Of Winning Writing Contests

Winning writing contests can provide several advantages to writers. For... Read More

In Praise of Personal Pronouns

Rudolph Flesch, a pioneering advocate of readability, put great stock... Read More

Ten Quick Tips for Inexperienced Writers

One of the biggest problems that inexperienced writers have is... Read More

Write A Better Newsletter!

You've decided to write your very own Newsletter to promote... Read More

Blank Mind, Blank Screen: Need Ideas!

Q. I'm staring at a blank screen with an equally... Read More

Gaining Writing Experience

GAINING WRITING EXPERIENCE Some Catch-22, huh? In... Read More

Documenting Everything: Your Journal is Your Logbook

Sailors had it for years. Great explorers had it as... Read More

3 Tips to Achieve Your Writing Goals

1. Make your goals achievable.By achievable, we mean realistic and... Read More

Where to Look for Your Next Project when You?re Writing for Profit

When my first book "Starting Your Own Business" was published... Read More

Need a Book Coach, Ghost Writer, or Editor? Part 1

If you either want to write a book to help... Read More

Six Tips for Creating More Lifelike Story Characters

Working on my first humorous novel, I started with a... Read More