Ten Must-Have Books On Writing
Best Books On Writing
It seems like every day someone recommends a new book on writing to me. I started to write for fun when I was in kindergarten. I loved telling stories and putting those stories down on paper was the next step for me. Over the years, I wanted to learn more about how the best authors wrote their books and how I could improve my own skills. I read every book on writing I could get my hands on, from books on how to write the first chapter of your novel to grammar manuals.
If I tried to read every book about writing that someone suggested to me, I'd never have the time to sit down and write! So I'm here to share with you my list of the books on writing that I love. My copies are well worn and highlighted, and I turn to them when I need a little inspiration and motivation. I hope you enjoy them too!
Image © NoahGolan - Fotolia.com
My Top Ten Books on Writing - The books I've highlighted and dog-eared the most over the years...
At the moment, this top ten list is in order, beginning with my favorite book. However, which book on writing I love the most changes over time! But I recommend all of these books because they are funny, smart, creative, and inspire me to write.
Keep reading for a mini review of each of my favorite books on writing. Check out why I love each one of them and you just might find the perfect book to help you improve yourself as a writer.
- Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg
- Bird By Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott
- On Writing by Stephen King
- Escaping into the Open: The Art of Writing True by Elizabeth Berg
- No Plot? No Problem! by Chris Baty
- Will Write For Food by Dianne Jacob
- How to Write Science Fiction & Fantasy by Orson Scott Card
- Snoopy's Guide to the Writing Life by Barnaby Conrad and Monte Schulz
- Poemcrazy by Susan Goldsmith Wooldridge
- Steering the Craft by Ursula K. Le Guin
What makes a book on writing worth reading?
How did these books make the top ten list?
Ask any group of writers if they think that writing can be taught, and the answers will be as diverse as the genres they contribute to. Some, like Poemcrazy, are all about free association of words while others, like Steering the Craft have more formal lessons and cover topics like POV and tense beautifully.
For me, what defines a book on writing as one of the best is it's ability to inspire me. When the deadly "Writer's Block" sets in, I can browse through one of these favorites and find something new to think about. I love books on writing that include exercises or questions to provoke creativity!
With most of these books, I would suggest picking up a simple spiral notebook to record the activities and exercises.
Honorable mentions go to "On Writing Well" by William K. Zinsser and "The Elements of Style" by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White. I'd suggest that everyone who wants to improve as a writer get copies of these, along with a good dictionary. While my favorite books on writing tend to be more content and inspiration driven, there is definitely a need for good style references!
Writing Down the Bones
Bird by Bird
On Writing
Escaping into the Open
No Plot? No Problem!
More on NaNoWriMo?
Interested in getting a draft of your novel down on paper and becoming part of a large writing community? Check out NaNoWriMo! Whether you are serious about your novel idea or just want to practice getting that many words down on paper, there is a place there for you.
Learn more now!
This one, or that one? - If you could only keep one of these two books, which would it be?
Which one do you prefer?
Will Write for Food
How to Write Science Fiction & Fantasy
Snoopy's Guide to the Writing Life
Poemcrazy
Steering the Craft
The Author's Home Pages
Here are the links to author websites for everyone who I have mentioned. If you are interested in learning more about their work (on writing or any other topic), these sites are a great place to start.
- Natalie Goldberg
The Official Web Site of Natalie Goldberg. Contains a complete listing of Books, Tapes, Workshops and Announcements of her future releases and events. - Anne Lamott
Anne Lamott - Steven Barclay Agency represents some of our culture's most important and thought-provoking voices. For lectures, readings, workshops, and conferences. - Stephen King
The official website for Stephen King, including past and future works, a FAQ, message boards, and more. - Elizabeth Berg
Elizabeth Berg is the New York Times bestselling author of many novels, including Open House, which was an Oprah's Book Club selection in 2000. - Chris Baty
Website for the NaNoWriMo founder - Dianne Jacob
Jacob provides not only information about herself, but helpful articles and information for food writers. - Orson Scott Card
Hatrack River - The Official Web Site of Orson Scott Card - Get writing and publishing tips - Read articles, reviews, essays, short stories, and do research on Orson Scott Card - Welcome to my Wordpool - Susan G. Wooldridge
Susan Goldsmith Wooldridge's official website, which includes information on her books as well as her workshops - Ursula K. Le Guin
The official web site of author Ursula K. Le Guin.
What is missing from this list?
If there was going to be an 11th book on this list, what should it be? I've looked through many of the great comments from the guestbook to select these great books on writing that could have made the list. Vote for your favorite!
Is there a book on writing you think people should read? Leave it here and let me know!
