There are certain types of books that I more or less assume all readers read. (Novels, for example.) But then there are books that only YOU read. Instructional manuals for fly-fishing. How-to books for spinning yarn. How to cook the perfect souffle. Rebuilding car engines in three easy steps. Dog training for dummies. Rewiring your house without electrocuting yourself. Tips on how to build a NASCAR course in your backyard. Stuff like that.
What niche books do YOU read?
I had to really think about this one as I rarely read non-fiction books. After having a look around my house I would say that the main type of niche book I read is recipe/cookery books; I love cooking and I have about 20 recipe books in my kitchen which I probably do refer to most weeks. The only other type I could think of is books about writing, I have only one of these as it came highly recommended. I used to think that if you need a book to tell you how to write then you probably aren't cut out for writing anyway. However this book Wannabe a Writer by Jane Wenham-Jones is brilliant, it has loads of information about how the publishing industry works and a guide to what to do with your manuscript once you have finished it. Also it has many inspiring words and stories to spur you on when you feel that you couldn't possibly write another word!
That's about it really, I'm a bit lazy other than that, if I need some niche information then I tend to look for it on the Internet, what about you?
20 comments:
Mostly I go to the Internet too for things that interest me, like photography, interior decor and stuff. I wish I loved cooking.
I have a writer friend who has published 2 books, she still reads a lot of books on writing exercises.
I have to admit that now I am living away from home, I use the net to get most of my non-fiction. But I love to get hold of books when I can.
Lately I've been reading a few cookbooks so these are the currently niche books for me, LOL.
Yep, cookbooks for me too plus books on history, art, travel and embroidery.
I came across a great website a few days ago which talked about how to write a book and then get it published - I cannot remember which website it was, though. I'll go back and check then let you know, Dot, I think you might find it really interesting.
I like this question, I'm going to give it some more thought.
Happy BTT.
I should have remembered this and you probably already know about these sites already, I found them both really good. Freya North's site has a really helpful section under the tab 'Advice' and Lisa Jewell has dedicated a whole section of her website to writing and publishing under the section 'How Lisa Got Published -> Advice on Writing and Getting Published'
Have fun, Dot.
Kim- thank you! I love reading about the writing process of published authors, they all seem to have their own little way of doing things!
I had cookbooks on my list too. I've seen them mentioned on quite a few BTT posts this week.
My kids love reading cake decorating books. I have a few birthday cake books and they can spend ages flicking through the pages trying to choose their favourites.
Susan- it's nice to sit and look through cookery books but I often end up feeling really hungry!
Four years back I bought two poetry writing books. After glancing through those once, I never got back!
Booking through niche
I need to go pick up some writing books. Here are mine: (1) and (2)
I'm so enjoying looking at all the responses to this question.
I also tend to go searching the internet or library for niche stuff.
I used to have quite a few books on writing, back when I kept a dedicated journal. Somehow they all got culled form my library when we moved... I look up a lot of stuff on the internet, too.
My reading niche consists of writing books as well! I have several that I use on a daily basis actually! They are great for getting writing exercises and prompts.
Girl that Reads- They're good for getting the imagination going aren't they! Happy BTT!
I have a lot of cookbooks, too. The book you mentioned about writing sounds very good - I'll have to look for that one.
I use the internet for a lot of my niche info, especially Wikipedia.
I don't get much time to cook, but I'm partial to dessert recipe books, or chocolate making books!
I love collecting cookbooks as well, although I have tendency to cook the same old boring recipes over and over ;) My BTT is here!
You have such a lovely blog!
This looks like a good book on writing. I find Reading Like a Writer by Francine Prose and The Writer's Block useful and enjoyable but, like you, I don't have many other books about writing.
I go to the internet for information, but I still love my reference books especially vintage dictionaries.
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