Books On/About/Around Writing

Once someone becomes a writer, they will often find themselves slowly accruing a, not insubstantial, collection of books about writing. Maybe you went looking for advice and encouragement for getting started, or some secret insight that might just help you get through a block in our story, or maybe you just wanted to know how others approach the craft, seeking some kindred spirit in this solitary passion.

From there, the collection just seems to keep growing. Maybe some were gifts or an impulse buy at the bookstore. Maybe you’ve read every one you could find in your local library. Each book offers a new and exciting perspective, a peek behind the curtain at the process of other writers. And each one has the alluring possibility of containing some sort of secret knowledge or new piece of information. It can be addictive.

However, due to different writer styles or needs, finding a writing book you truly treasure, one that revolutionizes your process or helps you find the spark of inspiration to get past the next scene or speaks to your writer’s soul, is a rare occurrence. But every once in a while, you find the right one at the right time.

As someone with a fairly chaotic writing process, I tend to favor writing books that reflect on the author’s personal musings on writing rather than highly prescriptive books on structure. Some of these books might not even really count as “writing books” in the traditional sense, but these are the ones that I keep close at hand.

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That said, let’s start with the two most “functional” books:

1. Steering the Craft by Ursula K. Le Guin

This book focuses more on the actual art of writing, something a little beyond the rules we learn in school. It focuses on how to play with language and supplies writing exercises in each section. It’s a short book with lots of value for anyone looking to develop their prose or gain a better understanding of the rules of writing.

Who do I recommend this for:

• Anyone just starting their writing journey or anyone coming back to it after a long time
• Times when words just aren’t flowing and you feel as thorough you might never write another good sentence again
• Those who are looking for their writing voice

2. The Magic Words: Writing Great Books for Children and Young Adults by Cheryl B. Kline

This book is on the complete other end of the spectrum. It focuses heavily on the development of a manuscript from an editor’s perspective. While this book is directed at those writing children’s and young adult literature, I found most of the information applicable to a wide range of target audiences. This book has several exercises for developing plot, setting, and character, but does not endorse a specific structure.

The book has many useful exercises for story and character development, though you might find most of them are not applicable at the time of reading. It is a great reference book for editing and for developing a very detailed outline (at any point in the process).

Who do I recommend this book to:

• Anyone who has a first draft and isn’t sure where to start editing
• Anyone looking for a detailed look at the elements of story beyond plot structure
• An in depth plotter/planner who doesn’t like being confined to a specific structureNow that those are out of the way, let’s talk about books that are not so much about how to write, but are more just generally about writing.

3. On Writing, By Stephen King

This book consists of two main parts. The first is a bit of a biography, King recollecting his life in brief snapshots of important moments and struggles as he grows into the author he is known as today. This is followed by his musings on writing.

This book is pretty sparse on technical writing advice. There is a drive by mentions about adverbs and vibes about prose, but he really just points you in a direction and tells you to go learn. But what I loved was King’s reflections on writing.

I loved the laid back attitude towards story creation, the reminder that it’s all made up and you can write whatever you damn well please. That, as someone who gets too in my head about everything, was more valuable than any other piece of advice I could have gotten. I came out of reading this feeling more motivated than I had in a long time.

I recommend this to:

• Fans of Stephen King who want to know a little more about the writer himself
• Writers who are not fans of Stephen King but who enjoy seeing the life and thoughts of other writers
• Writers who are afraid to start something, whether it’s your first story or your hundredth

4. Zen in the art of writing, by Ray Bradbury

This book consists of several essays by Ray Bradbury on the topic of writing. He talks about his own personal process and how he developed some of his story ideas. Bradbury’s prose is somewhat device, but I absolutely love it. There’s a fervor and flow to it that pull me in. His passion, both for life and writing, runs throughout this book in a way that I found invigorating.

However, this is not a “craft” book. There are no explicit exercises and the ideas are more abstract. Yet the tone can feel prescriptive at times which might alienate some readers. But if you are a writer, especially one who works more “from the seat of your pants”, I feel like something in here will resonate with you and you might even find some new ways to approach writing.

I recommend this book to:

• Writers (or readers) who are fans of Bradbury’s work
• Writers who are interested in the processes of other writers
• Writers struggling with the question “Where do ideas come from?”

5. Poison for Breakfast by Lemony Snicket (aka Daniel Handler)

This is a weird one. It’s not so much a craft or writing book as a pseudo-autobiographical tale, but screw it, this is my list of favorite “writing” books.

The story follows “Lemony Snicket”, the author, after he discovers a note informing him that he has just eaten poison for breakfast. He then goes on a journey, literally and metaphorically, interacting with various people in his town and trying to unravel the mystery of his poisoning while struggling with his impending doom. It is a funny, “bewildering” little book that ponders life, stories, and the meaning of words.

I recommend this to:

• The writer taking a break

6. For Everyone by Jayson Reynolds

Part poem, part letter, this is a short sweet little book about having the courage to pursue one’s dreams, in spite of all the uncertainty, fear, and self doubt. The author does not promise success, whatever that might mean to you, but does offer a reassurance that the pursuit is worthwhile. This is not just a book for writers or artists, but for anyone who feels weighed down or at odds with the expectations of life.

Here I agree with the title, I recommend this book to:

• Everyone.