Day 4 was actually yesterday and I wrote a post last night but got kicked off the internet before I saved it. Grrr. I was suggesting a couple of good books for fiction writers.

THE WRITER’S PARTNER by Martin Roth:  I carry this one to the Opium Den each day like some people carry their bibles (I’m in the bible belt, remember?). I had the first edition of this book, THE FICTION WRITER’S SILENT PARTNER, for many years. It was hardcover and the corners had been chewed by at least two different dogs. Inside, my notes were scribbled all over the place. When I realized this third edition was out with a new title, I gave the chomped-on one to a woman in my critique group.

THE WRITER’S PARTNER is like having a brainstorming friend you can carry around with you. It has everything, from lists of possible character names to what the cops will do when at a crime scene, to life in the military. The parts I like best though are the lists of “what ifs?” What if a man discovers his wife in bed with his bed friend? That sort of thing. As with all reading and movie watching, it sparks my creativity and can get me going when I’m stuck. I was sad to see in the foreward that Martin Roth has died. His book is a valuable addition to a writer’s collection. It’s a 4 lighthouse book. More later!