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Best Books on Writing

Recommendations from 51 articles, Russell Brand, Joe Rogan, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and 72 others.
Best Books on Writing
107 books on the list
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On Writing book cover
On Writing
A Memoir of the Craft
Stephen King - 2002-07-01 (first published in 2000)
Goodreads Rating
Learn from one of the bestselling authors of all time in this revealing and practical master class. Part memoir, part guide, On Writing shares Stephen King’s experiences, habits, and convictions that shaped his work. With advice grounded in vivid memories from childhood to near-fatal accident, this book is perfect for any aspiring writer or fan of a great story.
Bird by Bird book cover
Bird by Bird
Some Instructions on Writing and Life
Anne Lamott - 1995-10-01 (first published in 1994)
Goodreads Rating
Learn to write like a pro with this step-by-step guide from a seasoned writer. From "Getting Started," to "Shitty First Drafts," and "Publication," this book covers it all. Along with practical tips, the author shares her own humorous and honest experiences with the writing process. With insights on everything from writer's block to jealousy and fear, this book is a must-read for anyone looking to improve their writing skills and navigate the writer's life.
The Elements of Style book cover
The Elements of Style
William Strunk Jr. - 1999-08-24 (first published in 1918)
Goodreads Rating
This writing style guide is a must-read for anyone wanting to master the English language. It covers grammar, usage, and composition, and is often used as required reading in high schools and universities across the US. With eight elementary rules of usage, ten principles of composition, and a list of commonly misused words and expressions, 'The Elements of Style' is the most influential guide of its kind.
On Writing Well book cover
On Writing Well
The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction
William Zinsser - 2006-01-01 (first published in 1976)
Goodreads Rating
Transform your writing skills with the guidance of a distinguished writer and teacher. On Writing Well offers fundamental principles and insights for writing about any topic, from people and places to science and technology, business, sports, the arts, and even your own life in modern memoirs. With over a million copies sold, this timeless resource has helped countless writers improve their craft and get through the daily demands of e-mail and internet communication. Join the ranks of successful writers and pick up a copy of On Writing Well today.
Writing Down the Bones book cover
Writing Down the Bones
Freeing the Writer Within (Shambhala Library)
Natalie Goldberg - 2006-01-10 (first published in 1986)
Goodreads Rating
This book combines the art of Zen meditation with writing, creating a unique and transformative writing practice. The author, a writing coach with over 20 years of experience, brings a fresh perspective to the world of writing. This edition includes a new preface and interview with the author.
The War of Art book cover
The War of Art
Steven Pressfield - 2003-04-01 (first published in 2002)
Goodreads Rating
Unleash your creativity with a guide to overcome the greatest enemy: resistance. Discover unique and helpful ways to express yourself with the support of bestselling author Steven Pressfield.
Plot & Structure book cover
Plot & Structure
Techniques and Exercises for Crafting a Plot That Grips Readers from Start to Finish
James Scott Bell - 2004-10-06
Goodreads Rating
Craft engaging plots and structure your story effectively with "Write Great Fiction: Plot & Structure" by award-winning author James Scott Bell. You'll learn how to create a believable and memorable plot, including techniques for crafting strong beginnings, middles, and ends, brainstorming for original plot ideas, and correcting common plot problems. With practical guidance and story structure models and methods for all genres, this book is filled with plot examples from popular novels, easy-to-understand diagrams and charts, and thought-provoking exercises at the end of each chapter. Improve your writing skills and approach plot and structure like a pro with this essential guide.
Recommended by
Donald Miller
Zen in the Art of Writing book cover
Zen in the Art of Writing
Ray Bradbury - 1992-03-01 (first published in 1973)
Goodreads Rating
Discover the joy of writing with this exuberant book by one of the greatest writers of the twentieth century. Part memoir, part masterclass, ZEN IN THE ART OF WRITING offers a vivid and insightful look into the craft of writing. Ray Bradbury shares his wisdom and experience, encouraging writers to find their own unique style and voice. An inspiring celebration of the act of writing that is sure to impassion and delight all who read it.
Recommended by
Susan J. Fowler
The Artist's Way book cover
The Artist's Way
25th Anniversary Edition
Julia Cameron - 2002-03-04 (first published in 1992)
Goodreads Rating
Unlock your creative potential with this powerful and inspiring book. First published 25 years ago, this international bestseller is more important than ever in today's cultural climate. In The Artist's Way, Julia Cameron takes readers on a 12-week journey to discover the link between their spiritual and creative selves. This groundbreaking program includes hundreds of highly effective exercises and activities, as well as introductions to two vital tools for creative recovery. Join a "Creative Cluster" of fellow artists and unleash your artistic renewal with this life-changing book.
Story book cover
Story
Substance, Structure, Style and the Principles of Screenwriting
Robert McKee - 1997-11-25
Goodreads Rating
This book is a must-read for anyone interested in screenwriting! Robert McKee, a renowned screenwriting guru, presents his comprehensive and integrated approach to writing for the screen. With celebrity alumni like Quincy Jones, Julia Roberts, and David Bowie, McKee's lectures are revered by writers, producers, development executives, and agents worldwide. In this book, he shares the secrets of story construction and the crucial relationship between structure and character. A mesmerizing and intense learning experience, Story will refine your work and put you back on track to success.
Save The Cat! The Last Book on Screenwriting You'll Ever Need by Blake Snyder
The Writers Journey by Christopher Vogler
Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Browne
Everybody Writes by Ann Handley
The Writing Life by Annie Dillard
Stein On Writing by Sol Stein
The Sense of Style by Steven Pinker
Writing the Breakout Novel by Donald Maass
Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon
The Art of Fiction by John Gardner
Save the Cat! Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody
Take Off Your Pants! by Libbie Hawker
How to Write Best Selling Fiction by Dean R. Koontz
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
The Forest for the Trees by Betsy Lerner
The Art of Memoir by Mary Karr
Wonderbook by Jeff Vandermeer
Wired for Story by Lisa Cron
Write. Publish. Repeat. by Sean Platt
Steering the Craft by Ursula K. le Guin
The Kick-Ass Writer by Chuck Wendig
The 3 A.M. Epiphany by Brian Kiteley
Naked, Drunk, and Writing by Adair Lara
The Situation and the Story by Vivian Gornick
Reading Like a Writer by Francine Prose
Aspects of the Novel by E M Forster
Scratch by Manjula Martin
The Writing Life by Marie Arana
The Anatomy of Story by John Truby
A Poetry Handbook by Mary Oliver
Several Short Sentences About Writing by Verlyn Klinkenborg
2k to 10k by Rachel Aaron
Let's Get Digital by David Gaughran
The Emotional Craft of Fiction by Donald Maass
Ernest Hemingway on Writing by Larry W. Phillips
The Story Grid by Shawn Coyne
Screenplay by Syd Field
Story Engineering by Larry Brooks
The Business of Being a Writer by Jane Friedman
It Was the Best of Sentences, It Was the Worst of Sentences by June Casagrande
Getting Into Character by Brandilyn Collins
Hooked by Les Edgerton
4 A.M. Breakthrough by Brian Kiteley
The First Five Pages by Noah Lukeman
To Show and to Tell by Phillip Lopate
The No Plot? No Problem! Novel-Writing Kit by Chris Baty
Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller
Turning Pro by Steven Pressfield
If You Want to Write by Brenda Ueland
Writing Tools by Roy Peter Clark
Show Your Work! by Austin Kleon
Nobody Wants to Read Your Sh*t by Steven Pressfield
Still Writing by Dani Shapiro
Romancing the Beat by Gwen Hayes
Pilgrim at Tinker Creek by Annie Dillard
CA$HVERTISING by Drew Eric Whitman
The Simple Art of Murder by Raymond Chandler
Outlining Your Novel by K. M. Weiland
The Adweek Copywriting Handbook by Joseph Sugarman
Before and After the Book Deal by Courtney Maum
The Creative Habit by Twyla Tharp
The Associated Press Stylebook 2019 by The Associated Press
Writing Magic by Gail Carson Levine
Thrill Me by Benjamin Percy
Made to Stick by Chip Heath
Letters to a Young Writer by Colum McCann
Writing Science by Joshua Schimel
Become a Successful Indie Author by Craig Martelle
The Poetry Home Repair Manual by Ted Kooser
Story Trumps Structure by Steven James
On Becoming a Novelist by John Gardner
Writer's Market 2017 by Robert Lee Brewer
How To Make A Living With Your Writing by Joanna Penn
The Modern Library Writer's Workshop by Stephen Koch
Why I Write by George Orwell
Burning Down the House by Charles Baxter
The Art of Death by Edwidge Danticat
The Miracle Morning for Writers by Hal Elrod, Steve Scott, Honoree Corder, S.J. Scott
Writing into the Dark by Dean Wesley Smith
Naming the World by Bret Anthony Johnston
The Practice of Poetry by Robin Behn
How Not to Write a Novel by Howard Mittelmark
How Fiction Works by James Wood
Becoming a Writer by Dorothea Brande
The 90-Day Novel by Alan Watt
The Art of the Novel by Milan Kundera
Bryson's Dictionary of Troublesome Words by Bill Bryson
We Are Never Meeting in Real Life. by Samantha Irby
How to Write Like Tolstoy by Richard Cohen
Storycraft by Jack Hart
How to Write and Publish a Scientific Paper by Barbara Gastel
How to Write a Damn Good Novel by James N. Frey
You Are a Writer by Jeff Goins
Story Structure Architect by Victoria Lynn Schmidt
Elmore Leonard's 10 Rules of Writing by Elmore Leonard
This Year You Write Your Novel by Walter Mosley