Reference Material I Can't Live Without as a Writer

In this week's episode I try to convince you that having several good dictionaries, thesaurus, and other reference material by your side is critical to your success as a writer. Yes, looking up things on Google has its advantages, but you miss out on a ton of things like related words which have similar roots.

Take some time and explore your dictionary and thesaurus. If you don't have a good set, hit up you used book store and poke through their reference materials. Don't be afraid of older volumes, you will be amazed what words have fallen out of usage which could fit perfect with what you are writing.  

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Years ago I started to compile books for reference. The reason behind this task is that at the end of the day the power could fail and the world could come to an end, but the books would still be around. 

Here is a good list of books you really should have on your shelf

The Chicago Manual of Style Mine is a 16 edition. When I am in doubt, I consult it. But here is why you need a hard copy. If you look at mine you will se notes in the margins, highlights, and all kinds of other things. I have added these over the years to remind myself of things that are either interesting or things I really need to spend more time learning. My editor is good about telling me where I can find the information on in the CMS. And any editor worth their salt will use it.

Business Writer’s Handbook I don’t know about you, but I am not actually sure how to do that, but I am willing to bet that if you got it wrong, someone is going to skewer you over it.
There are also tons of things in there about determining which kind of pronoun to use and the meaning or words in a business setting. Trust me when I tell you that if you are in your favorite used book store, try and pick up a copy. Well worth having on the shelf as a resource.

Elements of Style is important to have around as well. If you have this around only for the section on misused words, it is a good one to have access to. Well worth the read, it is a fun little book to look at on occasion. Not terribly long, it has been required reading for master’s students for years. Again, this is something you can find in a used bookstore or just order on Amazon, it is cheap enough.

For Dummies books produced by Wiley. My personal favorite is forensics for dummies and I turn to it every time I am looking at writing anything about poison. Before you dismiss a resource like this, I want to point out one very salient point. They are written by experts in their field.

Everday Life in the 1800s. When I write, I like to put in some antiquated phrases fo

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