A former student asked me to give her the name of some helpful books on writing. "Practical or inspirational?" I asked. She wanted both. I agree. Most of us who love to write already understand the rudimentary skills of writing. We aren't looking for books on grammar (although refreshers don't hurt). We want to know how other writers actually do it. We want their secrets, the inside scoop. We want to know if we really need to write at the same hour a day, producing fifty pages of text each day. We want a reason to pick up a pen or sit down at our keyboard and produce text. Okay - here are a few that I have found particularly helpful, but also deliciously comforting (in no particular order)... 1) Bird by Bird - Anne Lammott I love this book by Anne because she makes me laugh - and she assures me that I am not alone. She understands the pain, the insecurity and the neuroses that come with being a writer. She also gives some sage advice. One of my f...