10 Great Books That Every Writer Should Read
If you are just starting out as a writer, you will need to start on the right track. Remember that writing is a learned art, and if you don’t put in the time and practice, you will definitely not improve. However, aside from the practice, it is also important that you get the best writing advice possible.
You can’t really contact the greats through the phone and ask for their two cents on the writing process. However, you could get the second best thing, and read their books on the writing process. By doing so, you will be able to enhance your writing skills exponentially. Here are 10 Great books that every writer should read.
1. How to Write Bestselling Fiction by Dean Koontz
While this book is no longer in print, there are still some old copies in the library. It was first published in 1981, and while it could be tricky to get a copy, it is very much worth it. Dean Koontz is a certified bestselling author, and is one of the most famous authors of his generation. So take what he says to heart.
2. On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King
Stephen King is by far one of the greatest writers of all time. He has sold millions of books, and his body of work stretches back over five decades. His book On Writing is a combination of a memoir and a guidebook on how to succeed as a writer. While Stephen King is considered the greatest horror fiction writer of his time, he had his fair share of challenges. This illuminating read shows readers how he was able to overcome these challenges and become the author he is today.
3. War of Art: Break through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles by Steven Pressfield
Steven Pressfield is renowned for books such as Gates of Fire and The Legend of Bagger Vance. Aside from his works of fiction, he also wrote War of Art: Break through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles. This highly inspiring read teaches writers and creative alike how to overcome their own fears and insecurities and
4. Zen in the Art of Writing by Ray Bradbury
Author Ray Bradbury is renowned for his work Fahrenheit 451. Aside from his most famous work, he also wrote the Zen in the Art of Writing. This is a collection of essays that shows the author’s intense passion for the written word. If you could not seem to get motivated to write, this book is perfect for you.
5. Consider This: Moments in My Writing Life After Which Everything Was Different by Chuck Palahniuk
Consider This is author Chick Palahniuk’s honest and powerful take on the written word. The Fight Club author uses a lifetime’s worth of anecdotes and postcards to reflect on his own writing journey. If you want to reinforce your love for the written word, then you should really consider reading this book.
6. How to make a living with your writing: Books, Blogging and More by Joanna Penn
Although being a writer is a great job, and has a kind of romanticism to it, there is still the fact that making money as professional writer could be difficult. In How to Make a Living With your Writing, author Joanna Penn shines a light on these challenges, and how she was able to make a living as a professional writer.
7. Everybody Writes: Your Go-To Guide to Creating Ridiculously Good Content by Ann Handley
If you want to create great content for your website or social media accounts, then Author Ann Handley’s Everybody Writes is perfect for you. The book’s main focus is to create quality content that will enhance your platform’s ability to reach potential clients, and retain their interests. The book is predominantly made up of writing tips and rules, and a whole lot more.
8. Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative by Austin Kleon
When it comes to writing great content, you should open yourself to all sorts of influences. This is the main message of author Austin Kleon’s work, Steal like an Artist. The book contains inspiring principles that compel authors to be adventurous during the writing process, and break free from restrictions in the art of writing.
9. The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity by Julia Cameron
Being a writer is a harsh path because there will be times where you don’t feel productive. You might feel stressed and have no motivation to write. Luckily, author Julia Cameron’s book The Artist’s Way is perfect for this predicament. The book contains very useful tips on how to stay motivated during the writing process, and ultimately reach your full potential as a writer.
10. Writing Down the Bones : Freeing the Writer Within by Natalie Goldberg
If you want to make your writing as multifaceted as possible, it is important that you are as systematic as possible. This is where author Natalie Goldberg’s book truly shines. The book tackles many aspects of the writing process, and aims to prepare you for any eventuality during your writing journey. The concepts are derived from Zen methods, and will allow you to fully focus on the writing process.
Conclusion
When it comes to improving your writing, it is important that you learn from the best in the business. Luckily, with these books, you’ll be able to learn the tricks of the trade to the best of your abilities.
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