Writers love reading and writing, and they especially love to read books about writing. If you are in need of inspiration for a fresh new read or learn a few more writing tips, here are books for writers that will surely inspire you!
On Writing by Stephen King
Stephen King has written bestselling books with jampacked horror but with On Writing, King has deviated from his usual thriller stories and wrote about how he became the writer that he is today and discusses the basic writing tools that every writer needs. Stephen King is such an outstanding writer and we all know whatever he releases has to be one of the good books for writers.
“Writer’s Market” edited by Robert Lee Brewer
The Writer’s Market help aspiring writers become published. It’s a bookful with suggested markets for nonfiction writers and for those who want to sell short stories. Included in the book are tips and important details on how to pitch your work.
The book is regularly updated so most information about how to publish and how to get paid for your writing are up-to-date and in line with the current trends.
“On Writing Well” by William Zinsser
This book specifically targets nonfiction writers, however, Zinsser discusses different forms of writing for everyone can read. On Writing Well discusses interviewing, stories about people, and even travel writing. You’ll be able to read solid tips on consistency, voice, and editing. In addition, Zinsser also includes fundamentals that’ll help you grow as a writer, regardless of what genre you choose to write.
“The Elements of Style” by William Strunk, Jr. and E.B. White
Academic-wise, The Elements of Style is a book that teachers would assign students to take a read on. It’s a book about grammar rules, structural writing rules, and the principles of composition which are helpful for everyday writing tasks.
However, this doesn’t mean that only beginners should ever touch this book. Even the most published writers would reach for this one if they need brushing up on their basics or just a reminder of the simple concepts of writing, which makes this one of the ultimate books for writers.
“How to Write Bestselling Fiction” by Dean Koontz
We all could take a tip or two from Dean Koontz, an author who has sold more than 450 million books and this book is perfect for those who want to write their own stories.
The book How to Write Bestselling Fiction was written way back in 1981 and sadly, is out of print. But those who managed to grab a copy would know the valuable insights written within the books. After decades, it’s still one of the best books on writing fiction.
“Writing Down the Bones” by Natalie Goldberg
Writing Down the Bones, as the name suggests, discusses the “bones” in writing. In the book, Goldberg discusses how to start brainstorming, the importance of listening, the impactful role of verbs, and even how to find a place to write. It doesn’t matter which stage of writing you are at now, this book will surely encourage you to keep going and is definitely one of the books for writers.
“I Should Be Writing: A Writer’s Workshop” by Mur Lafferty
We are no strangers to writers who are supposed to be writing. But we really couldn’t blame them. Our brain can only take so much and when it wants to rest, it will and no amount of ideas and words can fill a blank page up.
Mur Lafferty’s book I Should Be Writing: A Writer’s Workshop is perfect for moments like this. The book contains writing exercises, writer’s prompts, tips to refining the creative process, and most of all, learning how to ignore your inner writing bully.
“The Writing Life” by Annie Dillard
Writers would understand that writing will never be easy. Even the simplest of paragraphs need to be edited multiple times to achieve a certain level of perfection and satisfaction. And Annie Dillard understands all struggling writers out there.
She writes about how it’s necessary to delete paragraphs, phrases, and words to word them to something better. She also reminds writers to be more diligent and less self-berating.
“Word Work: Surviving and Thriving as a Writer” by Bruce Holland Rogers
For practical advice, Roger’s Word Work: Surviving and Thriving as a Writer is another perfect must-read. The book is jam-packed with advice and exercises to help you overcome procrastination, find happiness in writing, and even how to conquer writer’s block. It also discusses how to handle rejection and success and is definitely a good books for writers who are struggling with their writing.
“War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles” by Steven Pressfield
Not only for writers but for all of those in the creative field. This book helps overcome the biggest hindrance of all time: our inner naysayer. If there is something in you that stops you from achieving your biggest dreams and accomplishments, this book is a very good read.
