Most writers can’t go past a book on writing, and I’m one of them. The following list of my favourites includes books I dip into often, have highlighted heavily, or were recommended to me by publishing professionals I admire. I’ve included links to my reviews on Goodreads or here on Alphabet Soup.
Craft
The Elements of Story: Field Notes on Nonfiction Writing by Francis Flaherty
Story: Substance, Structure, Style and Principles of Screenwriting by Robert McKee (While this book is for screenwriters, there is plenty book writers can learn)
The Writer’s Portable Mentor: A Guide to Art, Craft, and the Writing Life by Priscilla Long
Vex, Hex, Smash, Smooch: Let Verbs Power Your Writing by Constance Hale
Story Genius: How to Use Brain Science to Go Beyond Outlining and Write a Riveting Novel by Lisa Cron
Writing Fiction: A Guide to Narrative Craft by Janet Burroway (Used in many university-level creative writing courses)
How to Read like a Writer: A Guide for People Who Love Books and for Those Who Want to Write Them by Francine Prose (Offers examples of aspects of writing, like voice and point of view. Includes a stimulating reading list at the end.)
Creativity
Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert [* Read my review here.]
The Artist’s Way: A Course in Discovering Your Creative Self by Julia Cameron [* Read my review here.]
The War of Art: Break Through Your Blocks & Win Your Inner Creative Battles by Stephen Pressfield [* Read my review here.]
Editing & Publishing
The Artful Edit: On the Practice of Editing Yourself by Susan Bell
Publishing 101 by Jane Friedman
Successful Self-Publishing: How to Self-Publish and Market Your Book in e-Book and Print by Joanna Penn
Looking After Your Writer-Self
The Successful Author Mindset: A Handbook for Surviving the Writer’s Journey by Joanna Penn
The Pursuit of Perfection: And How it Harms Writers by Kristine Rusch
Fearless Writing: How to Create Boldly and Write with Confidence by William Kenower
The Healthy Writer: Reduce Your Pain, Improve Your Health, and Build a Writing Career for the Long Term by Joanna Penn
Writing Kidlit
Writing Irresistible Kidlit by Mary Kole [* Read my review here.]
Writing Great Books for Young Adults: Everything You Need to Know, from Crafting the Idea to Landing a Publishing Deal by Regina Brooks
Inspirational Author Biographies
On Writing: A Memoir of Craft by Stephen King [* Read my review here.]
Some Writer!: The Story of E. B. White by Melissa Sweet
Over to You
Have I missed any? I’d love to hear from you if I’ve missed a goodie. Please leave a comment so I can look it up.
Your selections aren’t the usual ones I see in these kinds of lists, which makes me want to search them out. The only two of these I’ve read are the Stephen King one and the E.B.White biography ( and isn’t that a great title?). Most of my favourites are pretty old. When I was first thinking about trying my hand at fiction writing, I read The Complete Guide to Writing Fiction by Barnaby Conrad and the Santa Barbara Writer’s Conference, over and over again. I still think it’s useful. Recently, I loved Madeleine L’Engle’s Walking on Water: Reflections on Faith and Art.
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Hi Lyn, Thanks for stopping by! I know the book you mean–The Complete Guide to Writing Fiction! I picked that one up at a Lifeline Bookfest and have found it very useful. The Madeleine L’Engle one sounds intriguing. I must search it out. And yes, the E.B. White bio title is darling. Cheers!
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Self-Editing for Fiction Writers. How to edit yourself into print, Renni Browne and Dave King
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Ooh, yes, a goodie! Thanks for commenting!
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