Grammarly is a free online grammar checker and a must-have writing tool as far as I am concerned. In fact, I am using its plug-in as I write this post. Think of Grammarly as the voice of your (beloved? loathed?) grammar teacher whose voice occupies your brain while you write but instead directs your grammar on the page. When you misspell words, flub-up punctuation, or (my favorite!) when you throw around a lazy phrase like “It goes without saying…” the Grammarly bot underlines the culprit, which you can click on for tips to correct your error.

Grammar Girl is the brainchild of Mignon Fogarty, who ranks as The Goddess of Grammar for making grammar discussion accessible and fun. Her advice is friendly, short, and direct, without being pompous and prescriptive. To boot: It is available via podcast! Her tips transcend industry and experience; whether you are a student or a CEO, you will become a better writer if you follow her advice. Don’t think you can listen to a podcast on grammar? I dare you!

Of course, no list of writing resources is complete without mentioning Strunk & White’s Elements of Style. Authored originally by William Strunk, Jr. as a set of rules for his composition students to follow, the guide was later edited for publication by his student, E.B. White (yes, that E.B. White, author of Charlotte’s Web), who internalized Strunk’s rules and also knew when to break them. “Strunk & White,” as it is called amongst the converted, is small, compact, and can be carried anywhere. My copy (which I purchased in 1989) is in my purse; no, I am not kidding. What I admire most about Strunk & White is its simplicity; it details 8 elementary rules of usage, and while its tone is that of a drill sergeant, the advice is timeless. A beautifully crafted guide for the beginner and the most prolific amongst us.

I used to think that there would never be another book like Strunk & White (and yes, as a lover of the English language in all its idiosyncratic splendor, this thought did occupy my mind, thank you very much). Then Benjamin Dreyer’s magnificent tome, Dreyer’s English: An Utterly Correct Guide to Clarity and Style, adorned bookshelves a few months ago. Dreyer, copy chief of Random House, began his career as a freelance proofreader and copyeditor, and his guide weaves writing rules with fantastic tales of practical application. I received my copy on Valentine’s Day (how apropos!), and I keep it within arm’s reach while writing. I also follow Dreyer on Twitter and was lucky enough to hear him speak at Belmont Books, where he autographed my copy of his book. No, he does not have a restraining order on me. I am simply a fan.

Another gem from the writing trenches is Between You & Me: Confessions of a Comma Queen by Mary Norris. First of all, anyone who wants the title “Comma Queen” is my hero because as an offender of comma splicing (sorry, you’ll have to go look that up), I am in dire need of one. I am also a devoted reader of The New Yorker, where Norris has worked as a copyeditor for, well, long enough for a Comma Queen Coronation. I love this book because it reads like a memoir while at the same time teaching the rules of grammar with rapier wit.

Enough of this technical stuff already; let's get into the juicier side of writing: the craft itself — the rhythms around writing routines, the writing process, and learning how to fall in love with the written word in a whole new way.

These touchpoints and more are what Anne Lamott offers in her classic writing guide, Bird by Bird.

It is no state secret that I've worshipped at the altar of Anne Lamott for decades. I've read every single one of her books, but Bird by Bird is the one I return to again and again when I want to remind myself why I am so passionate about the craft of writing.

No, I'm a mother of daughters, but I would be remiss to omit another of Lamott's masterpieces, Operating Instructions. I encountered this book long before I entered the realm of motherhood, yet its profound impact has remained with me as I navigated the challenges of mothering my own newborns. Let me be clear: every single mommy blogger on Planet Earth should get down on her knees and thank Anne Lamott for paving the way to a more unfiltered, unvarnished discussion of early motherhood. As a literary masterclass on how to challenge cultural norms and change the conversation, Operating Instructions is truly exceptional.

In a world where technology advances at G-force speed, seemingly designed to distract us from our distractions, and AI bots appear to be taking over the world, I frequently catch myself expressing my frustration, gazing skyward, and exclaiming, "Bring back the abacus and typewriter."

It appears my angst-filled discontent found an audience in the form of Woz Flint, the author of The Distraction-Free First Draft, an ode to the beloved writing tool of yore, the typewriter.

Woz presents a compelling argument for reverting to the traditional way of writing, where there is no internet access, just you and the page in front of you, and where the ambient sounds of clickety-clack and the satisfying "DING!" take center stage, replacing the distraction of Spotify.

Have no idea what we’re referring to? Then, all the more reason to pick up this book, available for pre-order from One Idea Press.

Woz shares her enthusiasm for the power of the typewriter, introduces us to the different types of machines, shares how to find and lovingly restore the best typewriter for you, and offers tips for getting your first draft done.

Imagine: You’re no longer crippled by perfectionism. You no longer plan to write. You no longer start writing and then fall down the Reddit rabbit hole. You actually write.

Sounds delightful to me, which is why I’ve already snagged my copy. Don’t miss out! Get yours today!

First of all, who couldn’t use a better night’s sleep? Right there is reason enough to grab a copy of Mastering Your Sleep Puzzle: Your 12-Week Guide to Sleeping Better by Kali Patrick.

But let me tell you, as someone who had resigned myself to the adage, "I'll sleep when I'm dead," and identifying as a "life-long insomniac," I found Kali's practical, holistic approach life-changing.

Rather than relying on sleep apps, trackers, special pillows, and melatonin, Kali guides you through a process that helps you identify the lifestyle habits and mindset mantras that prevent high-quality sleep.

Then—and this is where it gets REALLY GOOD— she offers yoga and meditation practices that help break your bad habits and trade them in for better ones.

The result? You guessed it! Better sleep!

I'm more well-rested and productive thanks to the practices and habits I've acquired in this book. Kali has crafted a true resource you'll learn from again and again.

Of course, you may notice that I am the editor of this book, which may make you go “hmm,” but I assure you it’s going to make you go “zzzz” not because it’s boring (Hello? Would I do you dirty like that?), but because these methods work!

If you’ve been hemming and hawing about whether you should self-publish your book or pursue a traditional book deal, have I got the book for you.

Publishing Your First (or Second) Book: A Field Guide by Lindsey Smith walks you through the options so you can make the best choice for you.

Lindsey has done everything book-related — she’s self-published and traditionally published, she’s a literary agent, a co-founder of the book production company, Get It Done, and owns a bookstore. The only thing she hasn’t been is a book for Halloween. I’m sure that’s next.

After reading this guide, you will:

• Understand the differences between traditional publishing and author-owned publishing (aka self-publishing).

• Be able to make a decision on which path is best for you and your book.

• Feel excited to take the next steps in moving your project forward.

So, whether this is your first (or second) book, this guide will help you choose your path.

And the best part? You can read it in one sitting!

We've all seen the meme "Let's eat grandma!" when what we mean is "Let's eat, grandma!" Punctuation saves lives, people, and Lynne Truss' book, "Eats, Shoots & Leaves," is the CPR guide we all need in our lives.

Dive into this bestselling gem where Truss explores the captivating world of punctuation in a fun and humorous way. Those tiny marks make a world of difference, and with this book, you'll not only master them but also enjoy the journey. Ready to save some sentences and elevate your language game? Order your copy now and let the punctuation rescue mission begin!