This year, one of my professional goals is to read two books about writing--cover to cover, none of this eyes-half-closed, skipping-around-chicken-reading that I often do with writing books. Why skip around? Well, some bore me, others offend me (I have issues with being told what to do), and most terrify me: they convince me that what I'm doing is Entirely Wrong And Must Be Fixed Immediately.

But then there are others that I love and that have inspired me, which is why I want to make a point of trying to find more great writing books. My "top four" list is below. What new ones do you suggest?

BIRD BY BIRD (Anne Lamott)

WRITE AWAY (Elizabeth George)

ON WRITING (Stephen King)

HOW TO WRITE KILLER FICTION (Carolyn Wheat)

Ever wonder what writers stare at when they aren't being good little writers and staring at their manuscript? In other words, what DO we look at 90% of the time when we sit at our desks?

My desk sits against a big white wall that has corkboard bits nailed to it. On top of the corkboard are photos that help me to connect to the characters in my current project (actors and actresses, plus some news photos). I won't tell them all to you because I don't want to prejudice future readers of this book but I'll share one... Jesse James. Yes, the motorcycle shop/Apprentice contestant/married-to-Sandra Bullock dude! 

There are also funny cards that friends have sent to me, and a beautiful photo/haiga from my talented author friend Marnie Brooks. Below all of that, right at eye level, hang my monthly and yearly goals (inspired by a talk I heard at Kindling Words East). As I reach each goal, I color the box green with a highlighter. I loovvvvvvve coloring the boxes, more than anyone should. I think I'll start making goals for easy stuff, like eating chocolate for the first food of the day.

Then, above the corkboard, there's my story wire that I hang index cards from when I'm outlining. Finally, at the very top, I've just added some printouts of teens holding CANDOR. I got the  pics from a library bookclub, The Big House Book Club, run by Ms. Koval. They eat pizza (smart readers) and talk about books, and they're discussing CANDOR this month. I just loved these pictures. They remind me of my audience, and how diverse and cool they are. The next time I start to feel my energy flag, I'll take a gander at the top of my wall and remember why I write. 

Today I am entirely pleased to welcome Kristin Walker to my blog to celebrate the release of her YA debut, A MATCH MADE IN HIGH SCHOOL. This was a totally fun read and I hope Kristin sees a lot of success with her book. Buy the book at Amazon or via IndieBound and make her day...and yours.

ABOUT THE BOOK

When a mandatory marriage education course forces Fiona to “try the knot” with super-jock Todd Harding, she’s convinced life could not possibly get any worse.  Until moments later, when her long-time crush is paired with her arch-enemy (otherwise known as Todd’s obscenely hot, slightly sadistic girlfriend).  But that’s nothing compared to her best friend’s fate – a year with the very shy, very goofy, very big Johnny Mercer.

A series of hilarious pranks and misunderstandings leave Fiona wondering: is there something her supposed “best friend” hasn’t told her? Could there be more to Johnny Mercer than a deep voice and an awesome music collection? And perhaps most intriguing of all, is it possible that Todd Harding could actually have a heart – and a brain – beneath his pretty-boy exterior?

Kristin Answered My Three Favorite Questions...

-I think teen books can, and should, be read by grown-ups. Tell my grandma Grace why she should read your book.

My book is so spicy and sweet that it'll make her forget all about the flavorless pablum they serve at the old-folks home.

--What would your 16-year-old self say if she read your book?

She'd say, "I can't believe you didn't put Duran Duran or the Thompson Twins in the book. And by the way, you're grody to the max."

--I am fascinated by writers' inspirations. Tell me about a real-life setting that found its way into your book.

I based East Columbus entirely on my town. Some stuff was made up, but even now, when I picture scenes from the book, I see them happening here.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kristin Walker grew up roaming the Pennsylvania countryside. She finally landed at Penn State, where she earned a BA in Theatre Arts. In addition to being actor, Kristin was many things on her way to becoming an author, such as a lifeguard, a nanny, a beginning ballroom dance instructor, a library circulation clerk, and very nearly a nurse. A Match Made in High School (Razorbill/Penguin Group) is her first novel. Her work has appeared or is forthcoming in Ladybug, Wee Ones, and two Chicken Soup for the Soul books. Kristin lives in a Chicago suburb with her husband and three sons. 

I am going to hunker down for some major writing sessions in the coming weeks, so I just did an inventory of my writing desk drawer.  I think I'm set, at least for now. Below is the inventory of my crucial writing supplies. Sure, I've got my laptop and (most of the time) my brain. But without these babies? The magic ain't happening. Especially when I'm staring down my computer screen at 6 AM.

--Partly (mostly) empty bag of chocolate from Lake Champlain chocolates (a lovely mix of dark chocolate and mint crunch), a souvenir from this year's Kindling Words East

--Big green-and-white candy cane, broken in three places (um, I think it's from this year)

--Two little packages of SweeTarts stolen from Little Dude's Halloween bag (they're nasty little chokeables! I was being a good mother!)

--See's Lollipops (nice to have a spouse who travels to the west coast regularly)

--Trader Joe's Lollipops (nice to have THIS place right down the street!)

--Leftover dark chocolate from a recent Boston trip... gourmet something, made somewhere in Woburn I think. I dunno. it's just good.

The people at Audi seem to be picking up the brainwashing waves from CANDOR... I wonder if all these people have been listening to the same Messages? :)