NaNoWriMo 2015

These novels began with NaNoWriMo and then got published — yours could be too!

Water for elephants by Sara Gruen

One night, grieving orphan Jacob Jankowski abandons his Ivy League school and jumps aboard a moving freight train. The following morning he is put in charge of caring for the circus menagerie at the Flying Squadron of the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth. Jacob finds purpose in life by caring for Rosie, an ill-treated elephant, and love in the form of a talented star of the equestrian act.

A romance set in an exotic oasis during the dust and drought of the Great Depression. Except the spotlights and sequins mask a dark underworld of abuse, where humans and animals suffer under the ringleader’s whip.

Sara Gruen’s charming novel featured in the New York Times’ Best Seller List for 12 weeks in 2006 and has won numerous awards.

The night circus by Erin Morgenstern

Le Cirque des Rêves, the wandering, enchanted Circus of Dreams, exists in an ahistorical nineteenth century. It pops up without warning in different locations and stays open from sunrise to sunset, before mysteriously disappearing once more. A towering cloud maze and carnival sweets please delighted visitors, but the acrobats and contortionists are not just hired for profit, they are tools for two magicians to play out their absurd rivalry.

This whimsical fairy-tale spent seven weeks on New York Times’ best seller list, reaching number two on the hard cover fiction list.

Fangirl: a novel by Rainbow Rowell

Shy, introverted Cath is obsessed with a book series called Simon Snow and fandom has become her life. It was Simon Snow that got her and her sister, Wren, through losing their mother. But now that college has started, Cath feels unmoored and alone. Away from her loving father and distanced from a popular, blossoming Wren, Cath begins to find strength in new relationships and by writing her own stories.

Fangirl has been praised for accurately depicting a young person’s thoughts, as well as the world of fan fiction.

Anna and the French kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Anna is devastated to learn that she has to transfer from Atlanta to a boarding school in Paris during her senior year. Leaving behind a good job, a loyal best friend and a fledgling romance, only makes the news worse. It isn’t until she meets the handsome, intelligent Etienne St Clair that Anna sees potential in her new life in the City of Light.

A fun, teen romance novel that has received widely positive reviews.

The night we said yes by Lauren Gibaldi

Ella plans to knuckle-down and graduate high school without any distractions, but new guy Matt has other ideas. A night of saying ‘yes’ to everything fun and spontaneous ensues. The ‘now and then’ storyline flits between a high school romance and a summer of heartbreak.

These books about writing will inspire and guide you:

The art of the novel by Nicholas Royle

Calling all creative writing students, teachers and readers — novelists offer their expertise on many topics covering the process of creating fiction.

Fragments: on writing, reading, and absence by Elena Ferrante

A stunning collection of occasional writings, interviews, and letters by Elena Ferrante, “one of the great novelists of our times,” as Roxana Robinson in the New York Times called her.

In this collection, the reclusive Italian author addresses her unwavering decision to remain out of the public eye, her literary inspirations, Italian politics and culture, and the role of the writer (and the publisher) in modern society. Ferrante’s voice is as direct, penetrating, acute, inspiring, and intimate as it is in her acclaimed novels.

On writing: a memoir of the craft by Stephen King

Award winning novelist Stephen King documents his experiences as a writer and provides a guide for those who choose to enter the craft. The book is split into five sections, which includes an autobiographical account of the author’s life and advice on developing personal style.

The elements of style by William Strunk and E B White

A classic style manual that outlines the importance of conciseness and the active voice.

Creative writing for dummies by Maggie Hamand

You can also borrow the eBook from our Overdrive service.

Key concepts in creative writing by Matt Morrison

A comprehensive writers’ guide to the terminology used across the creative writing industries and in the major literary movements. Packed with practical tips for honing writing skills and identifying opportunities for publication and production, it also explains the workings of publishing houses, literary agencies and producing theatres.

Fancy writing books for children? Our children’s book expert Jo Dixon recommends some great guides:

Get Started in Writing for Children by Lisa Bullard (eBook)

This book will help you at the very beginning of the creative journey to gain confidence and find inspiration, and then support you in the completion of your first piece of children’s literature, whether it’s a picture book, a middle-grade story or a young adult novel. In addition to coverage of the key categories and their conventions, this book includes substantial information on getting established in the writing community, gathering a fan base and pitching your work to publishers.

Writing children’s fiction: a writers’ and artists’ companion by Yvonne Coppard & Linda Newbery

Full of both inspirational and practical advice, this is an essential guide to writing for children and young people. Part 1 explores the nature, history and challenges of children’s literature, and the amazing variety of genres available for children from those learning to read to young adults. Part 2 includes tips by such bestselling authors as David Almond, Malorie Blackman, Meg Rosoff and Michael Morpurgo. Part 3 contains practical advice – from shaping plots and creating characters to knowing your readers, handling difficult subjects and how to find an agent and publisher when your book or story is complete.

Writing for children by John Mason (eBook)

This eBook is intended to expand how children’s writers think about their job; helping them to see not only how to write more effectively, but also places where they might write, and things they might write about that they may not have given much prior thought to.

Children’s Writers’ and Artists’ Yearbook 2015

The best-selling guide to all aspects of the media and how to write and publish words and illustration for children and young adults, the Children’s Writers’ & Artists’ Yearbook is now in its 11th edition.

Writing Children’s Books For Dummies by Lisa Rojany Buccieri

Everything aspiring authors need to write, publish, and sell a children’s book. Clearly and concisely written with straightforward advice and a plethora of specific up-to-date recommendations, this book provides step-by-step information on everything aspiring children’s book authors need to know from researching the current marketplace to developing story ideas, strengthening writing skills, dealing with editors, and submitting proposals and manuscripts to agents and publishers. All new content on social media and establishing an online presence as an author.