Whether you’re an aspiring writer looking to hone your skills or a seasoned author hoping to continue improving, reading books on the craft of writing can provide invaluable guidance and insight.
Here are the top 10 books on the craft of writing:
1. On Writing by Stephen King
The legendary horror author shares his journey from struggling writer to international bestseller. Part memoir and part writing guide, On Writing reveals the routines and practical techniques King has developed over a long career. Full of personal stories and simple yet invaluable advice to help you improve your writing and find inspiration.
2. Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott
An honest, funny, and insightful exploration of what it takes to write. Lamott champions the writing process over perfection, showing how to break projects down “bird by bird” to get words on paper. An antidote to writer’s block filled with warm encouragement.
3. The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White
The classic manual on writing clear, concise, grammatically excellent prose. Though old-fashioned, The Elements of Style remains an indispensable reference for writers on style, composition, and finishing polished work. Required reading for all writers.
4. Zen in the Art of Writing by Ray Bradbury
The beloved sci-fi author shares his infectious joy of writing in this inspirational mash-up of writing guide and memoir. Bradbury shows how spirituality, life experience, and playfulness can energize your creative work.
5. Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg
This encouraging guide looks at writing as a practice using meditation, journaling, and the natural world. Goldberg’s practical advice on freewriting will help you overcome blocks and build confidence through low-stakes generative writing.
6. On Writing Well by William Zinsser
The go-to guide for crafting excellent nonfiction. Zinsser focuses on the craft of memoir, travel writing, profiles and more. An indispensable resource for developing your unique voice and storytelling ability in human interest writing.
7. Story Genius by Lisa Cron
Cron unpacks how the way stories operate in our neurobiology makes them indispensable to human nature. Combining insights from both brain science and master storytellers, Cron shows you how to craft plot-driven narratives that capture attention and drive reader emotion. An unusual new psychotherapeutic perspective on the elements that make page-turners impossible to put down.
8. How Fiction Works by James Wood
An excellent in-depth examination of the elements of fiction and literary techniques used by the masters. Using examples from Chekov, Flaubert, Austen and others, Wood reveals how to create meaningful fiction that resonates.
9. Steering the Craft by Ursula K. Le Guin
A masterclass in storytelling from one of fantasy’s greatest writers. Le Guin offers exercises on narrative voice, point of view, diction, and more for developing your unique style.
10. The 90-Day Novel by Alan Watt
An intensive guide to completing a draft of your novel in three months. Watt combines a structured schedule, word count goals, and creative exercises calibrated to keep you on track.
