The 14 Best Books for Aspiring Authors to Read ASAP
If you're an aspiring writer you need to do two things: read a lot and write a lot. Stephen King said that. And it is true. I've always been an avid reader and I find when I'm not writing well I turn to my reading list.
I'll either re-read books I've loved, pick a classic to savor the words and style, or when I'm feeling really unsure, I read books about writing.
I'm a professional writer, and I sometimes even consider myself a successful writer, but that doesn't mean I'm the best writer or that I'm done growing as a writer.
The best thing about this "sport" is that you can never age out, you can never be disqualified from it, you can love it and learn from it for the rest of your life, whether you pursue a career of it or do it just for your heart's happiness.
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14 of the Best Books for Aspiring Authors
Just a note: I have read many of these, and if I haven't read it, I've purchased it and it is sitting on my "to read" shelf. I do my best to read across genres, genders and perspectives.
These 14 books are just a few of all the books on writing out there! I want to remind you that there is space for everyone in the writing world, and we need all of your short stories, long sagas and everything in between.
On Writing by Stephen King
This is probably my favorite book about writing. I've never read Stephen King's other books—horror/thriller isn't my genre and I'm a little chicken.
However I have heard how prolific a writer he is and admire his writing career. After reading his memoir of the craft On Writing, I admire his drive even more.
He shares a lot about his early writing life and his creative process, and hearing about how the great Stephen King struggled with writer’s block and rejection was so helpful to me. I recommend this book to any writer who wants to publish.
Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg
Writing Down the Bones is all about "freeing the writer within" and what I love most is that Natalie Goldberg takes an understanding approach to having a creative brain.
Too often we get in our own way as we work through our writing process, and Goldberg's gentle advice and perspective about the art of writing is soothing and encouraging. I pick this up when I begin to feel frantic.
Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott
This is the first book I read on writing. It took me a while to understand the deeper application to the bird-by-bird method. But this practical guide is a great resource for those of us who get stuck on blank pages.
There's also the reminder that great books don't start out that great, they take time and hard work and a lot of editing. While some writing guides used as textbooks can be boring, this one is not!
Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr., E.B. White, and Maira Kalman
This book has an interesting history. Originally written in 1918 by William Strunk Jr., then expanded upon and co-authored by E.B. White in 1959, this little guide of practical advice to writing is timeless and classic.
The version I read was the "newest" with illustrations by Maira Kalman. One of the best ways to grow as a writer is to understand what works, and what doesn't, even if it's not your writing style.
War of Art by Steven Pressfield
I am currently working my way through this book. It's a short book but meaty in content. It's not so much about the craft of writing but about the effort of writing, the War of Art by Steven Pressfield is great for any creative.
Each page has a simple observation or thought challenge to get you to step out of your imposter syndrome and let go of your creative ego. To be a better writer you need to sometimes change your point of view and let go.
The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron
This is on my to-read list. A self-help book for artists who have lost their way, or need help bolstering their creative confidence. I've heard only positive praise for The Artist’s Way and it is at the top of my 2023 reading list.
I Came All This Way To Meet You by Jami Attenberg
I am a little bit obsessed with Jami Attenberg. She is an awesome writer who lives in New Orleans and I've been receiving her newsletter on writing called Craft Talk for about a year or more (what is time).
I highly recommend subscribing to that and also reading her published work! I bought this memoir I Came All This Way to Meet You–Writing Myself Home but have yet to read it. It's sitting on my nightstand with "January 2023" plans on it.
Her memoir is about unlocking and embracing creativity and I cannot wait. If it's anything like her newsletter I know I will feel embraced, encouraged, and less alone on this writing journey.
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
There is a lot of love and hate for this book but I'm in the "love it" camp. The biggest takeaway for me from Big Magic was the idea that story ideas come and go, looking for their right home, and if you have an idea and don't write about it, someone else will.
And THAT'S OK.
So we can take the pressure off of ourselves to commit fully to something we started but no longer love. We can rest our creative souls knowing that ideas are abundant and around us all the time.
I think this would be particularly helpful for young writers who dream of writing but aren't sure what the future could look like for them.
Save The Cat! Writes a Novel by Jennifer Brody
Adapted from the original version of Save The Cat! by Blake Snyder for screenwriters, this version is excellent for those who like a breakdown of story structure.
I found this book supremely helpful after I finished my first draft and wanted to know why my pacing felt off. You never need a degree in writing to be a writer, but understanding basic structure helps you grow as a self-taught writer.
This is a must-read for anyone who wants to learn about pacing, the three act structure, and how to get your characters movin'
The 90-Day Novel by Alan Watt
This is another great resource for those of us who like a breakdown of the writing process. Sometimes we need structure that we can't give ourselves!
Alan Watt's 90-day Novel teaches you how to write a first draft in 90 days. He also has version for screenplays and for rewrites.
What If? by Anne Bernays and Pamela Painter
If you know me at all, you know that Sarah Dessen is my favorite author (along with John Steinbeck, because I have levels).
During the pandemic I attended a virtual writing talk with Sarah Dessen where she mentioned this book and used it to show how she comes up with characters works on character development. Needless to say I immediately bought it because if it works for Sarah Dessen...
What I like about this book though is that it is full of exercises for writers. Many of these books on the list are part memoir or part instruction, and for balance I think we need active guides in the form of questions and prompts we can answer.
On Writing Well by William Zinsser
I haven't read this yet but I got it from my neighborhood's tiny free library box. I live in LA and love the idea that another creative person used this copy and then passed it on when they were finished.
The version I have is for nonfiction, which I'm excited by because I have been dabbling primarily in fiction for the last three years. Zinsser was a writer, literary critic, editor, and teacher with a long career.
He wrote many versions of On Writing Well, seemingly one for every genre. After flipping through it and reading some reviews, it proves to be a great starting point for new writers who want to figure out the sense of style their writing will take as well as ways to get momentum and grow as a writer.
Build Your Best Writing Life by Kristen Kieffer
Kristen Kieffer is an author and creative wellness coach who inspires me so much. Her book Build Your Best Writing Life is all about embracing your creative spirit, working through those inner battles, and finishing projects you're proud of.
Definitely a must read for anyone who struggles with imposter syndrome (hello, it's me) and anyone who is particularly interested in a varied writing career that may not follow any traditional path.
Daily Rituals: How Artists Work by Mason Currey
A screenwriting friend of mine recommended this to me and I am working my way through it. This is a collection of 300+ writers and artists' daily rituals.
I for one love reading about how creatives live their lives and plan their days. Even if it is mundane. It reminds me of the possibilities available to me and also that no two creative paths are the same.
The big takeaway from any and all writing books is that we can be less precious with our writing, get out of our way, stop judging ourselves, and write fast, worry later.
The more time we spend agonizing about being one of the next great writers or caring about if what we are doing is considered good writing will just maim us.
I speak from personal experience -- I wrote my novel in 3 months in 2020 and I've been agonizing about editing it for the past two years.
Don't be like me. Read these books and learn from the collective experiences of successful writers.
