Writers certainly have strong opinions when it comes to writing books. For the past two months, we’ve been collecting recommendations on the Editor Unleashed forum. Here are the books that were mentioned over and over again—the classics, you might say.
On Writing
by Stephen King
“It tells the trials and pitfalls of being a writer and then tells what you need to do in order to write well, short and to the point.”
-JRTomlin
Plot & Structure
by James Scott Bell
“Bell takes a realistic approach to constructing a solid plot.”
-Warren Darcy
A Dash of Style
by Noah Lukeman
“This book has so much punctuation wisdom packed into a small space. I love semi-colons the way some people like handbags; thanks to this little gem of a book, I don’t inflict my love on my readers.”
-drwasy
Between the Lines
by Jessica Morrell
“Probably the most useful writing book I’ve come across.It’s not really for the beginning writer, but it’s filled with great information for those who already have a good grasp of the basics.”
-Cameron Chapman
Writing the Breakout Novel
by Donald Maass
“I really enjoyed this book and I had the workbook version and found it to be full of great examples and exercises.”
-Tiffany Schmidt
The Forest for the Trees
by Betsy Lerner
“A beautiful piece of work, and takes the writer from writing to publication.”
-Stephenerd
Zen in the Art of Writing
by Ray Bradbury
“A slight book in size, but packed with far more than size alone might suggest (dimensionally transcendental?)”
-kjm
The Elements of Style
by William Strunk, Jr. and E.B. White
“I particularly like the parts about keeping it simple.”
-JTLong
Characters & Viewpoint
by Orson Scott Card
“The subtitle says it all: “How to invent, construct, and animate vivid, credible characters and choose the best eyes through which to view the events of your short story or novel.” It may be more for genre writers, but it definitely helped me flesh out my characters.”
-mdbenoit
Bird by Bird
by Anne Lamott
“This is one of the most motivational and realistic books you’ll come across about the craft and business of writing. Every writer should read this book early in his career.”
-mariaschneider
There’s a lively ongoing discussion and many more writing book recommendations on the Editor Unleashed forum. Join in here. Also, please leave a comment if you have a favorite to share.
-Maria Schneider
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I am glad that I own four of the books on the list, but I would also like to add The Complete Guide to Writing Fiction by Barnaby Conrad and the staff of the Santa Barbara Writers’ Conference. It is a book I picked up back in 1990 and I still refer to it from time to time. Each chapter is dedicated to one aspect of writing, from Characters, and Dialogue, to Point of View and how to over come the dreaded writer’s block.
At the end of each chapter is a writing tip from the many famous authors who have been guest speakers at the conference, James Michener, Elmore Leonard, Harlan Ellison, Judith Krantz, Dominick Dunne, Danielle Steel, Jackie Collins, Sidney Sheldon, Irving Stone and Ray Bradbury to mention a few.
Strunk & White, Lerner, and King are my top three choices among these; I own six of the ten and have read eight (having missed Lamott & Morrell). The only book I’d add to this list as an almost-mandatory read is Eudora Welty’s On Writing.
Strunk and White have my favorite piece of writing advice: vigorous writing is concise.
Ever heard of Nine Gates by Jane Hirshfield? It’s poetry focused, but helpful for all writers.
Thanks for the list, Maria. I have read only 3 of these so am happy for the recommendations. I just started Noah Lukeman’s The First Five Pages, which also came highly recommended, so am looking forward to what I will discover in it.
It is typical that almost all of these books concern fiction writing–although the ones on style and grammar are of concern to all writers. There are dozens of really good books on non-fiction writing, particularly those on a specific category. For instance, for travel writing there is Travel Writing by Peat O’Neal and the Travel Writer’s Handbook not to mention my own book, Crafting the Travel Guidebook. Likewise there are books on writing memoirs, histories, and most categories that you would find in a bookstore. I also believe every writer who dreams of publishing a book should read at least one how-to book on that subject and then possibly one on self-publishing if they decide to go in that direction.
Barbara Hudgins, author, Crafting the Travel Guidebook
I agree with Bird by Bird and The Elements of Style, but would like to suggest Ken Roman and Joel Raphaelson’s Writing that Works: How to Communicate Effectively in Business.
Writing is a business, and authors need to concisely communicate their book’s essence to publishers and readers alike. Also, as Ken Roman and I discussed in a recent interview, copywriting, information writing, and biography all benefit from strong organization and brevity.
The lead quote on Writing that Works compares Writing that Works to the Elements of Style. I was skeptical, until I read it, and realized the quote was right.
Thanks for the list, I guess I am odd one out as I haven’t read any of these books. Coincedentally, someone recommended Bird by Bird to me on my blog yesterday, on a post about jealousy. I am definitely going to seek out the Ray Bradbury book, seeing as he has had such a huge impact on my life.
This is a good listing. I agree with at least four, the others I had not heard of. One I would consider adding is by Ralph Keyes “The Courage to Write”
I did a brief review of it here:
http://steves2cents.blogspot.com/2004/09/book-review-courage-to-write.html
Thanks Maria. Right now, I’m looking at 6 of the books on my shelf.
I think I liked Stephen King’s book the best because he “showed” more than just “told” how-to technique. In the story of his personal writing life, he shared a piece of himself. This surprised me. I don’t know if I will ever be able to get over my fear and actually read one of his novels, but he has become a mentor. I love that he was a teacher and beat the odds.
I would add Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Browne and King for practical self-help skill development.
Bird by Bird is a GREAT book! Another similar book is “Only as Good as Your Word,” which is about writing mentors and the emotional ups and downs of the creative life.
My all-time favorite is Brenda Ueland’s “If You Want to Write: A Book about Art, Independence and Spirit.” It’s impossible to read more than a few pages at a time without wanting to open a doc & get right to work.
I also have four on the list, but I’ve also considered purchasing two more that you’ve listed–Orson Scott Card and Anne Lamott. Thanks for putting this out there, Maria.
Great list! Stephen King’s is my own #1 on writing, though I’d like to suggest Chicago Manual of Style as an important shelf companion to Strunk and White’s. The two styles are different, and enough pubs prefer Chicago style that it’s worth not being left out of the loop.
I enjoyed this post, thank you. I have been trying to write my book for quite some time, and finally got it finished after reading Sophfronia Scott’s latest, Doing Business By the Book
If you’re looking for an easy to read guide with step by step instructions that are clear and easy to understand, then this is the book for you. I wouldn’t have bothered if it wasn’t as easy at it was! I just give up if I don’t understand…now it’s complete and it’s like a huge relief!
On Writing is one of the best books I have read on the craft. I’m not even a fan of King’s writing, but his insights are right on. Nice list!
Great list…I am linking over here too! I have half of them, so I guess I have some more reading to do. I vote also for the Ueland book :)
Great list, would also include Natalie Goldberg’s classic “Writing Down The Bones”
Maybe you could make room on your list for ‘How Not to Write a Novel’ by Sandra Newman and Howard Mittelmark. (Here’s my review of it.) Not only excellent advice but laughing-out-loud funny as well.
I just finished On Writing by Stephen King. it was an amazing read and it makes me want to write all day (Even during my day job). I can’t wait to get home and start writing again. I wonder can I get a three month sabbatical from the day job?
I would add to this list what many call the Bible of creative writing, John Gardner’s “The Art Of Fiction.”
Maria – great list. I would add Robert McKee’s STORY for genre fiction writers. Although directed towards screenwriters, novelists will benefit from his story-telling guidance and his insights into archetypal importance of story-telling! Winslow
I am not sure how we can talk about books about writing and not mention On Writing Well by William Zinsser. It covers the breadth of writing forms and has been out there for so long for so many writers. Don’t be without it.
I have a few of these. I’ll have to check the others. I have one that’s not on the list that I find very helpful, “Writing Down the Bones – Freeing the Writer Within”, by Natalie Goldberg. As soon as I started reading it, I was doing the exercises and writing everyday.
I see someone else mentioned it.
I really don’t like coincidences: I had just returned from the Dover, NH, library where I took out Writing Down to the Bones, and found Flory’s mention of it in my in-box. Weird.
BTW, I have discovered an even better writing book, one that stresses “process” over “inspiration” and “creativity.” The author is Jack Hart, and the title is: “A Writer’s Coach: The Complete Guide to Writing Strategies that Work.”
I think it leaves Strunk & White in the dust. g)
I reviewed it here, http://tinyurl.com/mm2ev6
I later interviewed the author, who was the writing coach for a major newspaper–where reporters must write under pressure each day.
Thanks, Flory, and others, for keeping this post active!
Roger
Hi, like another fella say above:
John Gardner, The Art of Fiction.
And, I add:
Robert McKee – The Script.
Vladimir Nabokov and the literaty lessons – Ariel Dillon.
The anatomy of story, 22 steps to become a master storyteller – John Truby.
The Raymond Chandler Paper. Selected letters – Raymond Chandler.
The Panic Broadcast – Howard Koch.
Developing characters for screenwriters – Rib Davis.
And, of course, POETIC of Aristoteles.
Salutes to all of you.
Thanks.
Rgrds.
http://www.takeone.es
Great list! I also love “Eats, Shoots and Leaves” by Lynne Truss a great book on punctuation that should be on every writer’s shelf (imho).
Maria…like Maria above…I’m totally shocked Truss’ little book didn’t make the list. I haven’t read Lukeman’s guide on punctuation [which would be Truss' immediate competition out of your list] I’ve read other books of his and he is not even close to being as funny as Truss. Not sure what happened…
There’s a new addition to the list, which I think everyone will find quite enjoyable and informative. It’s The Essential Don Murray: Lessons from America’s Greatest Writing Teacher.
http://tinyurl.com/yjdn79g
Please do not dismiss it because of the hyperbole in the subhead. I’m familiar with Don Murray’s writing and, more important, his “spirit.” He lived and breathed writing, he inspired everyone within earshot to write.
The emphasis in his book is on process; developing a process that doesn’t give procrastination of writer’s block a chance to begin. Great book. Highly recommended.
Roger
Love the list. Good books all. However…here’s my addition:
Self-Editing for the Ficiton Writer by Browne and King
Oh. My. World. That book illuminated more than most of the others on the list put together. Love it. Worth the $14 at B&N.
My friend at AQ and DFW Writers Workshop recommended it. Get it. Read it. Obey.
Thanks for the exceptional post!
Well my wish list has grown a little longer! Thanks for sharing these, they look useful.
Two books that should be considered at the top of this list are:
“On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction” by William Zinsser and “The War of Art” by Steven Pressfield.
Two books that should be considered at the top of this list are:
“On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction” by William Zinsser and “The War of Art” by Steven Pressfield.
Great list! I haven’t read any of these books. I am looking forward to read them but the narration is incomplete without “The Secret”. Keep writing and dreaming.
“Drunk and in charge of a bicycle.” Ray Bradbury made writing sound like a wild romp! I think I’ll pull it off my shelf today.
Not a bad list, except for The Elements of Style. The only people who think that this book is any good are people who know absolutely nothing about writing. Those operating on a more informed level reject Strunk and White’s simplistic nonsense.
Great list. Recommendations: Robert Boswell’s Half-Known World and Peter Turchi’s Maps of the Imagination