I was just thinking it would be neat if we had an index of books that have proven helpful to anyone here concerning writing, whether it have to do with writing theory, skeletal structure, worldbuilding, warfare, government, culture...
For instance, right now I could really use some books on combat that are geared toward writers, more specifically a book on swordplay and another on archery. I do not know if such books exist, but if so I'd love to know about them and any similar books that could prove useful to a writer. Is there something like this already? If not, I'd like to start a "bookshelf" for all HWers to add the books that have proven helpful to them (with writing), categorized according to, well, category. (similar to this thread for DVD resources) This would give people a place to look before starting a thread (like I have) saying something along the lines of "what are some good books to help with portraying warfare?"

(if there is no noted questionable content, that means only that there is no known questionable content, not that there is none)

Warfare:

_____________By the Sword--A History of Gladiators, Musketeers, Samurai, Swashbucklers, and Olympic Champions
Is "a bit mature content wise."

Writing Theory

_____________The Art of War for WritersYou'll find tactics and strategies for idea generation and development, character building, plotting, drafting, querying and submitting, dealing with rejection, coping with unrealistic expectations, and much more.
_____________The Elements of StyleHas small sections on different "elements" or "rules" to writing.
_____________Plot & Structureoffers clear, concise information that will help you create a believable and memorable plot, including:

•Techniques for crafting strong beginnings, middles, and ends
•Easy-to-understand plotting diagrams and charts
•Brainstorming techniques for original plot ideas
•Thought-provoking exercises at the end of each chapter
•Story structure models and methods for all genres
•Tips and tools for correcting common plot problems
_____________Plot Vs. Character"Create layered characters by considering personality traits, natural attributes, and backgrounds
•Develop your character's emotional journey and tie it to your plot's inciting incident
•Construct a three-act story structure that can complement and sustain your character arc
•Expose character backstory in a manner that accentuates plot points
•Seamlessly intertwine plot and character to create a compelling page-turner filled with characters to whom readers can't help but relate"
_____________Story EngineeringThe vast majority of writers begin the storytelling process with only a partial understanding where to begin. Some labor their entire lives without ever learning that successful stories are as dependent upon good engineering as they are artistry. But the truth is, unless you are master of the form, function and criteria of successful storytelling, sitting down and pounding out a first draft without planning is an ineffective way to begin.
_____________Wordsmithy(can't vouch for content) "a series of out-of-the-ordinary lessons, each with its own takeaway points and recommended readings...showing how to develop the writer's craft and the kind of life from which good writing comes."
_____________The Writer's Journey"explores the powerful relationship between mythology and storytelling in a clear, concise style that's made it required reading for movie executives, screenwriters, playwrights, scholars..." "provides new insights and observations from Vogler's ongoing work on mythology's influence on stories, movies, and man himself."

I think this is a very awesome idea, and I think that the DVD one was also an awesome idea (I only just discovered it and have commenced exploring). I will have some stuff to add to it.

I will think of stuff to add to this one as well. * thinks *

By the Sword is a book we have; I have not read it, because I was too young when we got it and it was a bit mature content wise, and I have not read it since I grew up yet (I'll get around to it ). So I can't give any detail about what it is like. But Jay said it was very helpful, and the snippets he told me about were very good and based on historic fact. I'll get back to you when I read it. (It also may be out of print...it is pretty old and we bought it from a corner second-hand book shop here in Ireland.) Link to where you can buy it.

I'm out of time to add anymore books at the moment, but I'll be back.

I'm so glad you like it, and look forward to your contributions. It's encouraging to have you on board (and I'm looking forward to reading/watching the things you mention on them).

That sounds like an interesting read. *puts it into the new HW shelf*

This sounds like a great idea! Maybe someone will be able to sticky this?

I've read a fair amount of books on writing, but three of my favorites are Wordsmithy by Douglas Wilson, The Art of War for Writers by James Scott Bell, and The Writer's Journey by Christopher Vogler. (All three would be categorized under writer's theory)

That's what I'm hoping for.

Awesome! I'll add them. I'm actually reading The Art of War for Writers and greatly enjoying it myself. Thanks for the additions!

Another thing I just remembered--if you mention something that has anything that could be offensive to any one of us here, please make mention of it so I can put it next to the title in the shelf with a sticky note like this.

I've found a number of books on writing to be very helpful to my endeavors. Particularly Jeff Gerke's Plot vs. Character and Plot and Structure by James Scott Bell. Amazing books. I can't remember everything that was in them, so you might want to put notes next to them, Wolf.

Yes; Plot and Structure should definitely be added to the list.

The Elements of Style by Strunk and White. Probably one of the most helpful books I've ever read for writing.

Awesome suggestions everyone, thanks! I think I got them now.

Story Engineering by Larry Brooks is an absolutely awesome book. I can't remember how many times I've said to myself while reading it, "This is brilliant." Because it truly is. Go ahead and mark it with one of your sticky note things.