The 15 Best Books on Writing A Reading List for Novelists

The 15 Best Books on Writing A Reading List for Novelists The 15 Best Books on Writing: A Reading List for Novelists Okay, we know what you’re thinking: why compile a list of the best craft-based  books when most people these days learn exclusively from blogs, podcasts, and YouTube videos? Well, because we still think there’s something to be said for the long-form enjoyment and value of picking up a book and learning directly from an author - especially if you’re angling to become an author yourself. Indeed, both the technical wisdom and biographical experiences  of these writers can be hugely beneficial as you develop your own process.For this post, we asked an online community of writers to suggest some indispensable books about writing. With their answers in mind, here are 15 of the very best books on writing to help you hone your craft to perfection! 15 incredible books on writing to help you write YOUR dream book 📘🠏† 1. On Writing by Stephen KingPerhaps the most-cited book on this list, On Writing is part-memoir, part-masterclass from one of America’s leading authors. Come for the vivid accounts of his childhood - and his extended "lost weekend" of drinking and drugs in the 1980s. Stay for the specific, actionable advice on what it takes to become an author. Among the many craft-based tips are King’s expert takes on plot, story, character, and more, which he's used to pen countless novels and short stories.From the book: â€Å"Amateurs sit and wait for inspiration, the rest of us just get up and go to work.† Two Types of Writers: Plotters and Pantsers Read post 5. Take Off Your Pants by Libbie HawkerOf all the titles on this list, Take Off Your Pants has to be the most eye-catching. But rather than remarking on the joys of working from home, this title actually alludes to being a pantser: a writer who dives straight into their draft with little more than an idea. Hawker doesn’t dissuade writers from â€Å"pantsing,† but does note that structure tends to help, at least in her experience. This book details her process for planning a story, offering various tools and techniques for nailing your book before you start typing â€Å"once upon a time.†From the book: â€Å"When it comes to the eternal quandary of pantsing or plotting, you can keep a foot in each camp. But if your goals will require you to write with speed and confidence, an effective outline will be your best friend.† "Take Off Your Pants" by Libbie Hawker + 14 other essential books on writingðŸ‘â€" 6. Writing into the Dark by Dean Wesley SmithAnd for those who eschew structure altogether, we’ll refer you to this title from prolific science fiction author Dean Wesley Smith. Having authored a number of official Star Trek novels, he encourages writers to go boldly into the unknown, with an approach to writing books that doesn’t necessarily involve an elaborate plan.From the book: â€Å"Imagine if every novel you picked up had a detailed outline of the entire plot†¦ Would you read the novel after reading the outline? Chances are, no. What would be the point? You already know the journey the writer is going to take you on. So, as a writer, why do an outline and then have to spend all that time creating a book you already know?†7. Everybody Writes by Ann HandleyThe full title of this all-inclusive book on writing is actually Everybody Writes: Your Go-To Guide to Creating Ridiculously Good Content - which should tell you something about its universally encou raging nature. Not only does Handley have some great ideas on how to plan and produce a great story, she also provides tips on general content writing, which comes in handy when it’s time to market your book. And while the central message of Everybody Writes may be right there in the title, we can attest that its material will make you see writing in a whole new light.From the book: â€Å"In our world, many hold a notion that the ability to write, or write well, is a gift bestowed on a chosen few. That leaves us thinking there are two kinds of people: the writing haves - and the hapless, for whom writing well is a hopeless struggle, like trying to carve marble with a butter knife. But I don’t believe that, and neither should you.†8. How to Become a Successful Indie Author by Craig Martelle Be the architect of your story. (Image: Khara Woods on Unsplash)15. The Writer's Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers by Christopher VoglerAnd finally we arrive not merely at prolific structure, but at mythic structure. Vogler’s book, originally published in 1992, is now a modern classic of writing advice; though intended as a screenwriting textbook, its contents apply to any story of mythic proportions. In The Writer’s Journey, Vogler takes a page (literally) from Joseph Campbell’s Hero of a Thousand Faces to ruminate upon the most essential narrative structures and character archetypes of the writing craft. So if you’re thinking of drawing up an epic fantasy series full of those tropes we all know and love, this guide should be right up your alley.From the book: â€Å"The Hero’s Journey is not an invention, but an observation. It is a recognition of a beautiful design†¦ It’s difficult to avoid the sensation that the Hero’s Jou rney exists somewhere, somehow, as an external reality, a Platonic ideal form, a divine model. From this model, infinite and highly varied copies can be produced, each resonating with the essential spirit of the form.†That’s all the recommendations we have for now - but we’re always looking for more! Tell us in the comments: what are your favorite books on writing, and why?