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As writers and readers we should all strive to improve our craft, skills, tastes, and open our literary boundaries.

Yes, readers are included in this. Writers frequently choose lesser words or avoid references that would improve their works, because there is a fear that their content might fly above the heads of readers. A fear born of their own insecurities and the pressures of agents/publishers to write something sellable.

The literary community needs all hands on deck.

There is no room for egos.

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Besides the books mentioned in the videos below, we suggest checking out used college textbooks. You can find them in libraries, garage sales, online, or.... you can ask around, you probably know a few people with textbooks collecting dust in your social circles.

Make sure you definitely take advantage of your local library. Look through reference books and when you find explanation for concepts/rules that makes the most sense to you.... photocopy it or write it down. Save it. Make a reference bible for when you're confused... so you can refresh yourself.

Btw, you can also save info you found from a reliable online sources too.

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And thought this chapter is centered around writing reference books .... we suggest using other types of reference sources to inform your stories, like medical journals, manuals, Google maps, historical images and texts, etc. And if required.... please politely/professionally interview folks who are experts on the subject.

Since our focus is on shifters.... we suggest looking up info on the animal you're shifting, human biology, on lore, weapons, terrain, weather, etc. If your book is heavy on character development, pick up some psychology books. If you have battles, look at books like "The Art of War" or books on famous battles.

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Below are popular writing books:

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[StoryDTechtive]

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(Know that technical heavy books work better as kindle or paperback over audio. Also, the prices below are in dollars, and.... you can find many of these books and more at your local library or college library.)

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[Wolfshot Publishing]

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Remember that the information you gather should not be info dumped, it should be worked in seamlessly. Most of what you learn will not appear on the page, but will inform your choices.

Also.... do not let research become fuel for procrastination.

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While you're shopping..... [if/when you can] please support your fellow indie writers. Or, ask your library to order them for you. (Paperback or digital)

In our reading lists you'll find a list for published/publishing if you need any suggestions. (If you're book is published or is going to be... please DM us the link and we'll add it to the list.)

Whiskeyqueenn merrywombat CatherineEdward PenumbraMine roxybx Scottish_writer cinders75

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