100 Books Like 7 Figure Fiction

The original Save the Cat by Blake Snyder was written for screenplays but captured the imagination of all kinds of writers, myself included. But often it was difficult to translate to novel format. Jessica Brody’s book is an excellent adaptation of Snyder’s foundation for book people. 

The story structure methodology uses the same 15 beats (plot points) as the screenplay version. I love that Brody uses book examples as even most books about writing books tend to use movie examples. I think some authors worry about following story structure too closely, but I have always felt thinking analytically about story can only improve your writing. It’s only formulaic if you write it that way.

The houses on your block probably all have walls, roofs, foundations, floors, and plumbing…but they don’t all look the same, even on the outside. Once you get inside—all bets are off, right? But they all need… show more.

I am not a plotter. I have always wished I was. But nope, sorry, Gwen. That said, this is still an amazing book. Even if you are a discovery writer (sometimes called pantster for writing by the seat of your pants), thinking about your plot in terms of pacing, story elements, backstory, characterization, and setting…and thinking about them in a logical way is beneficial.

Kudos if you can write it down in a notebook before you start drafting. That’s not in my wheelhouse.

This is one of the first books I read about writing that gave me that A-HA feeling. Originally published in 1999, it’s still relevant and foundational. What does your character want? Why? And what is standing in their way? It seems like a simple concept, but it isn’t easy! And boy, oh boy, if you are missing one of those elements, it can be the difference between a page-turner and a wall-banger (when a reader throws your book against the wall because you just wasted their time.)

Without really understanding what your character wants and why, writers risk nonsensical plot progression and alienating the reader.

It’s never too early to think about how to actually sell your books, whether you indie publish or pitch to agents and editors. Writing a series is more profitable in almost every genre compared to writing standalone novels. And it will save you much heartache to have a series in mind before you start book one. Trust me. You don’t want to write yourself into a corner in book one that makes book two or three implausible. Think…Star Wars trilogy (the original 123 that became 456 in later years) as opposed to Speed and Speed 2. Which flowed better?

I’ve seen Ms.York speak at conferences, and her book voice is just as candid and engaging. This book covers many business writing/publishing topics but is never dry. From how to use comparable titles to world-building, I find myself returning to this book often.

Another excellent book about plot and the importance of making sure you have a good one. The difference between a good plot and a great plot is a bestseller. If you want your story’s plot to speak of mastery, do not miss out on reading this insightful book. Add it to your personal library for good measure. It’s always a good idea to have it there, so you can reference it in the future even after finishing it.

I have carried The Universal Traveller with me for decades and it sits next to my desk in my office. Any time I get jammed about next steps to take toward a worthy goal, I dip into this quirky, useful book. The authors look at life and all our efforts to live it with dignity and value through the lens of design and problem solving, by which they mean “making dreams come true.” The most meaningful life is one lived with a stoked imagination and the willingness to try on new ideas and methods. The UT is quaint because it was written before we were all digitally connected, but its wisdom stands the test of time.

If it’s good, this book should obviously be on my list - and it is good.

Simon Unwin explains how architectural themes (a mix including elements, geometries, types, and sensory experience) work together to create a particular place. It has thoughtful text illustrated with his own drawings.

Unwin’s Twenty-Five Buildings Every Architect Should Understand demonstrates his approach to analysis in more detailed examples.

I found so much freedom in this book. Richard Rohr put words to things I had long felt but struggled to articulate—that Christ’s presence is not confined to religion, rules, or a distant heaven but woven into everything, here and now.

This book expanded my view of God, shattering the small, transactional faith I had been handed and replacing it with a love big enough to hold all things. Rohr’s words helped me see Christ in the ordinary, in the broken, in myself—and that changed everything.

This is such an unusual and charming story of Butternut squash that’s living in a supermarket. Poor Butternut was shelved in the wrong spot and he’s on a quest to find where he belongs. It’s genius and imaginative and full of bright illustrations. To take such a mundane environment and turn it into a magical world truly takes talent and I think it will inspire children who read it.

In the late 1990s, Sally Fallon (now Sally Fallon Morell) and Mary Enig ignited the modern-day traditional foods movement by publishing the now immensely popular Nourishing Traditions.

This book taught us that it was okay to eat butter, lard made the best pie crusts, and if you were going to fry food, frying was best done in tallow. And that was just the beginning! The subtitle of the book says it all: The Cookbook that Challenges Politically Correct Nutrition and Diet Dictocrats.

This book vindicated everything my mother had taught me. Eat real food—not just vegetables—but all real food, including animal foods, and make sure that you eat from the nose to the tail and everything in between. Additionally, don't forget that you must always properly prepare food through slow cooking, culturing, fermenting, or souring to aid in proper digestion.

Oh, and while you're at it, make sure you use… show more.