So many books exist, and so many writing books have been published too! Most of them probably share similar knowledge, but let’s be honest not everyone vibes with the same writing, right?
If you’re here about writing, then you know this is totally true! Some writers and authors just write how you love to read, and some just don’t.
[note: links below are Amazon Affiliate, which means no extra charge to you, but a small profit for me. thank you!]
The Writing Life by Annie Dillard
Why do I suggest a book that isn’t formulaic in how to write the best novel first? Well, what I love about Annie Dillard’s The Writing Life is that she breathes through the writing, sharing the highs and lows with the confusing bumps too. Writing a large body of text (especially when it’s creative) will be anything except straightforward.
When I was writing Take a Right at the Mistletoe, Annie Dillard’s book calmed my pulse and helped me feel less crazy.
Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott
I think I’ve had a girl crush on Anne Lamott since high school — please tell her! Yes, I’m serious.
What I adore about Bird by Bird is that it brings creativity home and makes me feel more normal in the fact that I’m not a machine churning out content. Creativity doesn’t work like that. Bird by Bird is as much about writing as it is about living, and I adore that.
Story Trumps Structure by Steven James
If you’re looking for a well-written book that breaks down the formula of writing a really amazing story, then Story Trumps Structure is EXACTLY that. What I love about Steven James and his book on writing is that he’s not pedantic, and he’s not a Grammarian. In fact, he’ll tell you pretty straight that his strengths are not spelling, grammar, or sentence structure.
Good storytelling can come from individuals who may not have all the writing skills, and that’s okay because you can hire an editor or if you’re working with a publisher, they’ll hire the editor.
Troubleshooting Your Novel by Steven James
Listen, if you thought Steven James was brilliant in Story Trumps Structure, Troubleshooting Your Novel is another book that novelists should own, especially if you struggle with certain parts of novel writing.
Hi, my name is Barbara, and I really struggle with plot. The great thing is that Troubleshooting Your Novel is easy reading with great suggestions for improving your story!
The Scene Book by Sandra Scofield
Touting itself as “a primer for the fiction writer,” I cannot help but agree. What I like about The Scene Book is that…it’s not massive! Honestly, that’s helpful. While I do love reading about the craft of writing, giant tomes on writing is just… a little intimidating, and IF I READ YOUR GIANT BOOK, I’ll never have time to get to my own writing.
The Scene Book is split up into chapters with writing categories, explanations, and more.
Writing the Breakout Novel Workbook by Donald Maass
We all want to write the Next Breakout Novel that stays on the bestseller lists forever, and well, basically this workbook is trying to tell you that it’s got the keys for exactly that.
To be honest, this was a book that was used in one of my writing courses in college, and I enjoyed the layout of it. If you’re teaching yourself, this could be a great option because the author uses excerpts from a bunch of different well-known novels. It’s also a workbook so they took time to ask questions and leave space for answers.
Shop My Favorite Writing Books Here on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2Y31420JG310?ref_=wl_share
AND THE GENRE YOU LOVE TO READ
Hi, hello, read what you love to write. Really. This is one of the most important things a writer can do for themselves. If you want to write a bestselling mystery novel, then go and read every single bestselling mystery you can get your hands on!
I love that this is part of becoming a better writer because one of the things I love to do most IS READ!
Since you’re doing this in your own time, you can spot-check your writing and jump to the sections that you need in each of these books!
Do you love a particular book on writing? I would love to know — tell me in the comments!
Love Romance? Read Teal Paisley Tights!
If you’re anything like Jadyn, the main character of Teal Paisley Tights, then you have BIG dreams but you still have bills to pay. Jump into this cute novel and find out how she does it.
Buy your copy here (and yes, this is an Amazon Affiliate link): https://amzn.to/2WDYlac
Leave a Reply