The Writer’s Digest Character Naming Sourcebook by Sherrilyn Kenyon. This isn’t the cover I have, but my copy is probably a few years older. I pull this book out every single time I need a name. Sometimes, a character’s name will come to me right away. Sometimes, I don’t understand the character until I know their name. This is an excellent source for names, origins and meanings.
The Describer’s Dictionary by David Grambs. My copy is falling apart and yes, I will go and fork out the cash for another. With chapters on color and building descriptions, I never fail to find some ambient descriptionary term that just fits. People, places, things… and quotes from actual books that will have you racing out to get your own copy.
5000 Spells by Judika Illes. What can I say but this was the best bargain book find ever. I have it’s twin as well.
The Element of Witch Craft by Judika Illes. Both of these books have the power to break a writer’s block. Seriously. If I get stumped and pull out my favs for a little idea searching, I find something cool and interesting in these two. 😉