Many people have opinions about which craft books fiction writers should read to take their game to a new level.
You are reading: Best how to write fiction books
we have analyzed the suggestions of the magazine new york, poets & writers, penguin random house, goodreads, author jerry jenkins, and others to create our top 25 craft books for fiction writers. here, in no particular order, are the results.
the list
1. the elements of style by william strunk, jr.
Without a doubt, this tops everyone’s list of must-read books on their shelves to hone their craft. First published in 1918, it’s the style manual everyone turns to when they want to improve their writing skills. this book was the first to promote writing in plain language with readers in mind.
2. on writing: memoirs of the craft of stephen king
an oft-quoted treatise on writing by a bestselling author, you get part memoir, part instruction on how to write well according to the king of terror. King reveals how he got started as a writer and offers his best tips and tools of the trade for writers.
3. history: substance, structure, style, and the principles of screenwriting by robert mckee
Not just for screenwriters, this book includes all the inspiration and expertise McKee brings to his popular screenwriting workshops. writers, producers, development executives, agents, and more attend her lectures and read her book to learn the “magic” of story construction and the relationship between structure and character.
4. Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott
With a wonderful family story behind the title motif, lamott uses his platform to give you a step-by-step guide on how to write and manage a writer’s life. this book teaches you to keep your eyes open and inspires you through writing and life.
5. Steering the Ship: Exercises and Discussions in Story Writing for the Lone Sailor or the Mutinous Crew by Ursula K. the script
le guin compares writing to “steering a boat” down a river of words. she challenges your definition of a story, requiring you to see a story as “change.” this can result from conflict, per le guin, but also from “relate, find, lose, bear, discover, [or] part.”
6. write donald maass breakup novel
As an author and literary agent, Donald Maass offers a practical guide for both the first-time novelist and already published authors. claims that pop-up novels contain the same elements regardless of genre, and can show you writing techniques for writing the next big hit.
7. Story Genius: How To Outline His Novel Using The Secrets Of Brain Science By Lisa Cron
Using science-based insights, this book shows you how story structure is built in your brain and how to plumb the details to generate a scene-by-scene story. in fact, by the end, you’ll get a blueprint for how to write your best novel yet.
8. Desktop Publishing for Fiction Writers: How to Edit Yourself for Print by Renni Browne & dave king
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Two professional editors teach you the editing techniques that turn manuscripts into published novels or short stories. learn the same processes a skilled editor goes through to perfect your manuscript. you’ll also find many examples from hundreds of books they have edited.
9. Writing the Bones: Unleashing the Inner Writer by Natalie Goldberg
By uniquely uniting zen meditation and writing, goldberg believes his writing practice is no different from his zen practice. he is backed by “two thousand years of study of the mind.”
10. save the cat: the last book on screenwriting you’ll ever need by blake snyder
Told by a showbiz veteran, this book reveals the secrets you need to know to sell your script…if you can save the cat. this is just one of his immutable laws to make his idea more marketable and his script more convincing.
11. 45 master characters: mythical models to create original characters by victoria lynn schmidt
here you will find the most common male and female archetypes and instructions on how to use them to create original characters. schmidt also includes how other authors used these archetypes to bring their novels, movies, and television shows to life.
12. stein on sun stein writing
This book is subtitled “A master editor of some of the most successful writers of our century shares his craft techniques and strategies.” For both fiction and non-fiction writers, stein’s advice is good for beginning or experienced authors, hobbyists and professionals.
13. zen in the art of writing by ray bradbury
This book of essential essays on writing and creativity is packed with inspiration from a master storyteller. he gets practical advice on everything from coming up with original ideas to developing his own style and voice. You’ll also get a glimpse of Bradbury’s remarkable career.
14. The Thesaurus of Emotion: A Writer’s Guide to Character Expression by Angela Ackerman
If one of your biggest problems is conveying your character’s emotions, read this book to learn how to do it in a unique and compelling way. With 130 emotions highlighted, you’ll learn about possible body language cues, thoughts, and visceral responses for each emotion.
15. the writer’s journey: mythic structure for writers by christopher vogler
says vogler, “all stories consist of some common structural elements found universally in myths, fairy tales, dreams, and movies.” Based on psychological insights from Carl Jung and mythos insights from Joseph Campbell, the authors use this book to understand what sells and discover a blueprint for creating their own stories.
16. aspects of the novel by e. meter. forster
This collection of Forster’s lectures delivered at Cambridge University in the 1920s helped writers talk about craft elements like flat and round characters, plot elements, and others that are still in use today. you’ll find these essays particularly helpful in thinking about the plot.
17. letters to a young writer by colum mccann
National Book Award-winning author McCann shares his thoughts on crafts, dialogue, characters, and even how to find an agent and select an MFA show. this is the parental guidance of today’s generation of writers on how to live as writers.
18. the artist’s path: a spiritual path to greater creativity by julia cameron
Have you ever heard of “morning pages”? This book guides you through a twelve-week process of building and strengthening your creative life by using your two tools: the Morning Pages and the Artist’s Date. It also includes hundreds of inspirational exercises and activities to get you pumped.
19. the business of being a writer by jane friedman
Everything you need to know about the publishing industry is in this book. Especially if you want a long-term writing career, read this book for detailed, up-to-date information to help you position yourself. You’ll learn fundamental business principles, as well as how to use digital tools and take advantage of online media.
20. motivational talks for writers by grant faulkner
faulkner is the executive director of national novel writing month (nanowrimo) and offers practical advice on writing. Unlike other books that provide vague, artistic explanations, this book gives you practical advice on everything from career choices to plot decisions.
21. 2,000 to 10,000: How to Type Faster, Type Better, and Write More of What You Love by Rachel Aaron
Rachel Aaron explains exactly how she increased her daily writing from 2,000 words to over 10,000 words each day without sacrificing quality or increasing the time she had to write. She gets practical writing tips to boost her daily performance, among other areas like character creation, plot structure, and more.
22. write. post. Repeat: The No Luck Guide to Self-Publishing Success by Sean Platt & johnny b. absent
Whether you’re a seasoned writer or a beginner, you can learn exactly how these two authors became highly successful freelance publishers. they show you how to turn what you love into a logical and sustainable business.
23. structuring your novel: essential keys to writing an outstanding story by k. meter. weiland
In addition to his best-selling book describing his novel, Weiland establishes an understanding of proper story and scene structure. this book helps you identify common structural weaknesses and turn them into surprising strengths.
24. steal like an artist: 10 things no one told you about being creative by austin kleon
you don’t need genius; Just be yourself. kleon claims that creativity is everywhere and for everyone, and he gives you examples, exercises, and more to help you get in touch with your creative side. He also shares the 10 things he wishes someone had told him when he was just starting out.
25. your favorite dictionary/thesaurus
No list would be complete without your favorite dictionary/thesaurus combination. Whether you stick completely with the Oxford Dictionary or prefer Merriam-Webster, you can choose from tons of online and print dictionaries/thesauruses to make sure you have the right word for every situation.
final thoughts
There are so many other great craft books that this list could possibly double. what’s your favorite craft book that wasn’t mentioned? Let’s start a list in the comments below.
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