How to write a book (Part 1): Inspiring reference books

As I begin writing a book that I will submit as my Final Major Project for my MA, I turn to books that evoke a sense of grounded magic. These serve as a springboard for my creative non-fiction piece, a work of New Nature Writing.

Recently, among the many titles I’ve added to my library are two from the wonderful and generous Summersdale Publishers: Folk Magic by Lydia Levine, and Christine Iverson’s The Hedgerow Apothecary’s Field Guide to Wildflowers: Recipes, Remedies and Folklore.

Whenever I receive the email with new titles for review, I scan the list to see which feel most relevant. Since my book explores topics like forgotten wisdom, these two immediately stood out.

Both are beautiful books. Perfect for gifting, but I’ve decided not to part with mine.

Folk Magic is filled with the loveliest quotes and snippets of wisdom. Accessible and whimsical, it strikes a beautiful balance that inspires a renewed sense of wonder in our world. 

The Field Guide to Wildflowers is equally beautiful and is helping me along my path of questioning the assumptions I have about

wildflowers. It contains so much I want to learn about.

In particular, I've been exploring honeysuckle and inside the book there is a gorgeous recipe for homemade lip balm that I’d love to try making with my daughter.