Best Books on Writing Books (for beginners)
Congratulations—you want to write. Maybe you’ve even tried to start. You’ve read articles. You’ve bought notebooks. Maybe you have the beginning of your opening chapter. You’ve thought about your book more times than you can count, but you’re not writing consistently yet.
Herein lies the problem. Because reading about writing does not teach you to write. Writing teaches writing.
So before we even talk about the best books on writing, I need to say this: If you don’t have a regular writing practice yet, that is the first thing to fix. (That’s exactly what I walk you through step-by-step in my ebook, How to Start Writing a Book—how to actually begin, simply and consistently. You can learn more here.)
Once you have that foundation, then these books will change your life.
Depending on your chosen form — fiction, nonfiction, or poetry —the list will change slightly. But for a general audience, I’ve put together a list of what I consider the best books on writing. These are, in no particular order, the tried and true, universally great writing books that I use with all my clients, no matter what.
Top 10 Best Books on Writing
On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft, by Stephen King. This is a classic. King’s writing is approachable, practical, philosophical. It’s a great starter book. My favorite piece of advice, that I repeat a lot, is that being in the middle of writing a novel is a lot like being in the middle of the ocean. You can’t see land on either side, and all you can do is keep sailing and trusting you’re going to get to your destination eventually.
Bird by Bird, by Anne Lamott. I use her chapter “Shitty First Drafts” in my beginner’s masterclass. It’s a great reminder that the first thing you write is always going to be garbage. Just accept it. Allow it. And keep writing.
How to Write a Lot, by Paul J Silvia. This is a fun one because Paul Silvia is an academic, writing for other academics. I don’t agree with all of his advice, but chapter 2 is particularly helpful because he discusses the main excuses people come up with for not writing. It’s a great book to read a few times, whenever you’re stuck.
Zen in the Art of Writing, by Ray Bradbury. If you read nothing but the preface, you’re gonna be in good shape. Of course, the whole book is valuable, but the preface especially is the kind of mystical writerly advice we all need in order to stay motivated. I’ll get you started: “You must stay drunk on writing so reality cannot destroy you.”
How We Do It: Black Writers on Craft, Practice and Skill, edited by Jericho Brown. Jericho Brown is one of the great writing minds of our time. This collection is geared toward BIPOC writers, but the lessons are beautiful and helpful even (maybe especially) if you do not identify with that group.
Rules of the Dance, byMary Oliver. This is the most basic book I know of about poetic forms. Mary Oliver, the grandmama of poets, in her classic style, makes it at once brilliant and accessible. Even if poetry is not your jam, learning a little poetry is going to make you a better writer.
Refuse to be Done, by Matt Bell. This is THE book that helped me finish my novel. Fiction or nonfiction, I can’t recommend it highly enough.
The Triggering Town, by Richard Hugo. I am constantly losing and re-finding this book because I am constantly pulling it from my shelf, referencing it, and putting it back somewhere different. I’ve re-read it so many times, the pages are falling apart. This is the kind of writing book you want on your shelf. Hugo focuses on poetry, but again, it applies to all forms.
3am Epiphany, by Brian Kiteley. Looking for writing prompts? Hands down, this is the best book you will find for it.
Big Magic, by Elizabeth Gilbert. Last on the list, but I’d suggest you read this one first. It’s about the writer’s life, what it takes to keep showing up, and is packed full of all-around inspiring and encouraging stories.
Extras:
Here are a few great articles on writing, especially for nonfiction writers:
https://lithub.com/against-catharsis-writing-is-not-therapy/
https://www.pw.org/content/the_heartwork_writing_about_trauma_as_a_subversive_act
Just to be clear—none of these books will start your writing practice for you. That part is simple, but it’s not obvious—which is why I wrote my ebook. You can check it out here.
Final Thoughts
Once you read a few books on writing itself, the next best thing to do is simple. Start writing your book. You don’t have to be perfect, just consistent. Then you won’t need another book on craft, just a simple way into your own writing. That’s exactly what my ebook gives you.
How to Start Writing a Book is designed to get you out of your head and into a real writing practice—quickly, simply, and without overwhelm. It’s short, accessible, digital, and the price of a fancy coffee. See what’s inside and get your copy here:
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