I’ve been thumbing through one of my favorite books on writing, The Art Of War For Writers by James Scott Bell. In a previous post, I mentioned the first of his three sections in the book. If you don’t remember…and it’s okay if you don’t…the first section is about Reconnaissance. The mental game of writing. Writing smart, and writing with discipline.

The second section is all about Tactics. It is all about craft. Bell has so many succinct and jam-packed chapters that cover all kinds of issues on the writing journey. He focuses on getting your work to rise to the next level and out of the slush pile.

One of the quotes Bell uses is by Katherine Neville. It spoke to my heart and really sends home the message that we must WRITE! There is no substitute for it.

Write. Remember, people may keep you (or me) from being a published author but no one can stop you from being a writer. All you have to do is write.And keep writing. While you’re working at a career, while you’re raising children, while you’re trout fishing–keep writing! No one can stop you but you.

Isn’t that awesome? Isn’t that motivating? Isn’t that inspiring? I don’t know about you, but I need to be encouraged during every stage of this writing journey. Sure, it is fulfilling, but there is also a lot of doubt and discouragement. We all face it. (If you don’t, then don’t tell me.)

Definitely go purchase Bell’s book. The Art of War. It is a keeper!

Oh yes! I just got a package from Amazon today. (You aren’t jealous, are you?) In it was A Novel Idea: Best Advice On Writing Inspirational Fiction. It has chapters written by various authors, such as: Francine Rivers, Karen Kingsbury, Randy Alcorn, Terri Blackstock, Jerry B. Jenkins, Robin Jones Gunn, Angela Hunt, and more! I’m looking forward to this one and I’m sure I’ll share some of the juicy tidbits I find.

What writing books have you read lately that inspire and encourage you as a writer?