One great book is 'Bird by Bird' by Anne Lamott. It offers practical advice on the writing process. Lamott breaks down the often-daunting task of writing a novel into manageable steps. She talks about things like getting started, dealing with writer's block, and the importance of imperfect first drafts. Her writing style is engaging and relatable, making it easy for novice writers to understand and apply her concepts.
'The Elements of Style' by William Strunk Jr. and E. B. White. This classic book focuses on the mechanics of writing. It teaches grammar, punctuation, and how to write clearly and concisely. A solid understanding of these fundamentals is crucial when writing a novel, as it helps in effectively communicating the story to the reader.