Karen Bouchard here.

 

As Michael wrote in part 1 of this 2-part list, "One of the best ways to hone your writing skills is to read. Simple as that."

 

Each of the following books has had a profound impact on my writing career, and on me as a writer. Some were published in 2019 and some were not, but I read--or reread--each of these books last year. 

 

In fact, some of these books I've been rereading for years. 

 

Some have inspired me to be a better writer. Others have helped me overcome my creative angst. Still others have helped me better serve my audience and grow my platform. A few have enriched my very soul.

 

I hope they can do the same for you!

 

In no particular order, here's my list:

 

Platform: Get Noticed in a Noisy World by Michael Hyatt

 

Love and the Art of Bookstore Book Signing by P. A. Ritzer

This is a power-packed little book. I love Ritzer's unbridled love for what he does--and his passion for serving his readers (and serving the bookstores serving his readers). If there's even a slim possibility of a bookstore book signing in your future, get this book. It changed the way I will see book promotion events forever.

 

The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, The Return of the King by J. R. R. Tolkien

The movies are amazing, but I had no idea until I read the books the vast scope of Tolkien's craft and creativity. I understand that today's consumers of words appreciate fast-paced reads, but Tolkien's writing--all of it, including detailed descriptions of backstory and landscape--leaves the soul satisfied and filled with longing at the same time. 

 

Atomic Habits by James Clear

You won't get past the introduction of this book without feeling a shift in your belief of what is possible in your own life. Sometimes achieving big goals as writers can feel daunting--but Clear proves that big accomplishments are often the inevitable result of small daily choices. 

 

The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles by Steven Pressfield

Parts of this book get a little weird as the author explores his thoughts about our relationship with our creative muses, but before and after that he knocks it out of the park. What he has to say about what's holding us back from fulfilling our creative callings is nothing short of paradigm-busting. If you've ever felt stuck (or feel stuck now) this little book will help you identify the resistance, fight back, and win.

 

The Girl Who Walked in the Shadow of the King by Shelly Busby

This is an Illumify title that I got to read at least three times during the production process, and reading it brought me to tears not once but every single time. It's a story of redemption and healing that stays with you long after you finish the last glorious, hope-filled pages. And if you have any thoughts of writing your own memoir one day, read this book. The scenes and images crafted by this author--and the interwoven themes--are a powerful example of just how great an impact one person's story can have on others. 

 

Writing for Story by Jon Franklin

This book has influenced my writing more than any other book, and I recommend it to the writers I coach and mentor all the time. Seriously. All. The. Time. Franklin reveals the secret of telling true stories using powerful fiction techniques. He focuses on article-length nonfiction, but I've used his principles to shape both nonfiction and fiction, as well as works of every length and genre including articles, books, short stories, and even children's books. If you are telling a story--any kind of story--picking up what he's putting down will empower you to take that story from good to great.

 

Eat That Frog by Brian Tracy

This book is my go-to when I find myself juggling (and dropping) too many balls. His simple system of helping readers tackle their biggest obstacles to productivity first thing every morning really works--and opens up the rest of the day to amazing possibilities. 

 

The Extroverted Writer by Amanda Luedeke

This little gem written by a literary agent is filled with practical actions you can take to connect with your audience and build your platform. Because it was written in 2013--and because of the speed at which technology and platforms are evolving--the book contains a few outdated references (for example, to Google+), but the mindsets, strategies, and tools she promotes are golden to writers and influencers looking to grow their audience. At less than 100 pages, this book is an encouraging, practical little treasure. 

 

The Five-Minute Journal by Intelligent Change

Maybe this is cheating, but there are 31 pages of really great content before you get into the journal portion, so I'm going with it. But here's why this little book really impacted me: One of the questions you are asked to answer every single morning is "What would make today great?"

 

I tend to measure my days in terms of to-do lists, as in If I get these 27 things done today it'll be a good day. But every morning as I identify one, two, or three things that have the power to make that day amazing, there is something about the way this question is phrased that broadens my thinking beyond my to-dos.

 

The things I identify might be related to productivity, but are just as likely to encompass spirituality, relationships, or gratitude. And going into my day with this short list of ways to experience a truly great day helps me focus on what's really important--and empowers me to embrace more "great" days than ever before.

 

 

Whatever you read in 2020, may they be words that are life-giving to you as a writer and as a person. 

 

 

Here's to an amazing year!

 

Karen

 

Karen Bouchard

Book Acquisitions

Illumify Media

 

If you'd like to talk to someone about

your 2020 writing and publishing goals, reach out.