Want to Write? Read!

As an aspiring writer, it can be overwhelming to know where to begin in terms of improving your craft. To assist you, we’ve put together a list of books at Legible to help you along your writing journey.

1. “On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft” by Stephen King — This is a must-read for any writer, regardless of whether you are just starting out or have been writing for years. King shares his own experiences as a writer and provides practical advice on how to refine your skills and overcome writer’s block.
2. “The Elements of Style” by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White — This classic guide to writing covers everything from grammar and punctuation to style and tone. It’s a necessary addition to any aspiring writer’s bookshelf.
3. “The Writing Life” by Annie Dillard — In this introspective and beautifully written book, Dillard discusses the joys and challenges of the writing life. It’s a must-read for anyone looking to tap into their creative side.
4. “Steering the Craft” by Ursula LeGuin — Steering the Craft is a masterclass in the art of storytelling and offers practical exercises and insights for writers at any level.
5. “Zen in the Art of Writing” by Ray Bradbury — Bradbury focuses on the importance of passion, intuition, and imagination in the writing process, and encourages writers to embrace their own unique voices and perspectives. Throughout the book, Bradbury’s enthusiasm for writing is infectious, and he inspires readers to approach the craft with joy and creativity.
6. “Who’s Writing This?” by Dan Halpern — This book features contributions from a diverse range of writers, including novelists, poets, journalists, and essayists, and covers topics such as creativity, inspiration, technique, and the writing life. Each essay offers a unique perspective on the writing process and provides practical advice, inspiration, and insights for aspiring writers.
7. “The Art of Memoir” by Mary Karr — Karr emphasizes the importance of honesty, authenticity, and emotional truth in writing memoirs, as well as the need to craft a compelling narrative that engages readers. She offers practical advice on topics such as choosing the right details, organizing material, and dealing with difficult subject matter. Ultimately, Karr argues that writing a memoir is a way of making sense of one’s own life and that the process of writing can be transformative for both the writer and the reader.
8. “The Art of Fiction” by John Gardner — This book is a classic guide to the craft of fiction writing, covering everything from character development to plot structure.

I hope this list of books helps you on your writing journey. Happy reading and happy writing!