books in creative writing

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Top 10 books about creative writing

From linguistics to essays by Zadie Smith and Toni Morrison, poet Anthony Anaxagorou recommends some ‘lateral’ ways in to a demanding craft

T he poet Rita Dove was once asked what makes poetry successful. She went on to illuminate three key areas: First, the heart of the writer; the things they wish to say – their politics and overarching sensibilities. Second, their tools: how they work language to organise and position words. And the third, the love a person must have for books: “To read, read, read.”

When I started mapping out How to Write It , I wanted to focus on the aspects of writing development that took in both theoretical and interpersonal aspects. No writer lives in a vacuum, their job is an endless task of paying attention.

How do I get myself an agent? What’s the best way to approach a publisher? Should I self-publish? There is never one way to assuage the concerns of those looking to make a career out of writing. Many labour tirelessly for decades on manuscripts that never make it to print. The UK on average publishes around 185,000 new titles per year, ranking us the third largest publishing market in the world, yet the number of aspiring writers is substantially greater.

Writers writing about writing can become a supercilious endeavour; I’m more interested in the process of making work and the writer’s perspectives that substantiate the framework.

There’s no single authority, anything is possible. All that’s required are some words and an idea – which makes the art of writing enticing but also difficult and daunting. The books listed below, diverse in their central arguments and genres, guide us towards more interesting and lateral ways to think about what we want to say, and ultimately, how we choose to say it.

1. The Hatred of Poetry by Ben Lerner An intellectual meditation on the cultural function of poetry. Less idealistic than other poetry criticism, Lerner puts forward a richly layered case for the reasons writers and readers alike turn to poetry, probing into why it’s often misconceived as elitist or tedious, and asks that we reconsider the value we place on the art form today.

2. Find Your Voice by Angie Thomas One of the hardest things about creative writing is developing a voice and not compromising your vision for the sake of public appeal. Thomas offers sharp advice to those wrestling with novels or Young Adult fiction. She writes with appealing honesty, taking in everything from writer’s block to deciding what a final draft should look like. The book also comes interspersed with prompts and writing exercises alongside other tips and suggestions to help airlift writers out of the mud.

3. Linguistics: Why It Matters by Geoffrey K Pullum If language is in a constant state of flux, and rules governing sentence construction, meaning and logic are always at a point of contention, what then can conventional modes of language and linguistics tell us about ourselves, our cultures and our relationship to the material world? Pullum addresses a number of philosophical questions through the scientific study of human languages – their grammars, clauses and limitations. An approachable, fascinating resource for those interested in the mechanics of words.

4. Madness, Rack, and Honey by Mary Ruefle The collected lectures of poet and professor Mary Ruefle present us with an erudite inquiry into some of the major aspects of a writer’s mind and craft. Ruefle possesses an uncanny ability to excavate broad and complex subjects with such unforced and original lucidity that you come away feeling as if you’ve acquired an entirely new perspective from only a few pages. Themes range from sentimentality in poetry, to fear, beginnings and – a topic she returns to throughout the book – wonder. “A poem is a finished work of the mind, it is not the work of a finished mind.”

5. Feel Free by Zadie Smith These astute and topical essays dating from 2010 to 2017 demonstrate Smith’s forensic ability to navigate and unpack everything from Brexit to Justin Bieber. Dissecting high philosophical works then bringing the focus back on to her own practice as a fiction writer, her essay The I Who Is Not Me sees Smith extrapolate on how autobiography shapes novel writing, and elucidates her approach to thinking around British society’s tenuous and often binary perspectives on race, class and ethnicity.

6. Threads by Sandeep Parmar, Nisha Ramayya and Bhanu Kapil Who occupies the “I” in poetry? When poets write, are they personally embodying their speakers or are they intended to be emblematic of something larger and more complex? Is the “I” assumed to be immutable or is it more porous? These are the questions posited in Threads, which illuminates the function of the lyric “I” in relation to whiteness, maleness and Britishness. Its short but acute essays interrogate whiteness’s hegemony in literature and language, revealing how writers from outside the dominant paradigm are often made to reckon with the positions and perspectives they write from.

7. Mouth Full of Blood by Toni Morrison An urgent set of essays and lectures from the late Nobel prize winner that collates her most discerning musings around citizenship, race and art, as well as offering invaluable insight into the craft of writing. She reflects on revisions made to her most famous novel, Beloved, while also reflecting on the ways vernaculars can shape new stories. One of my favourite aphorisms written by Morrison sits on my desk and declares: “As writers, what we do is remember. And to remember this world is to create it.”

8. On Poetry by Jonathan Davidson Poetry can be thought of as something arduous or an exercise in analysis, existing either within small artistic enclaves or secondary school classrooms. One of the many strengths of Davidson’s writing is how he makes poetry feel intimate and personal, neither dry or remote. His approach to thinking around ways that certain poems affect us is well measured without being exclusive. A timely and resourceful book for writers interested in how poems go on to live with us throughout our lives.

9. Essays by Lydia Davis From flash fiction to stories, Davis is recognised as one of the preeminent writers of short-form fiction. In these essays, spanning several decades, she tracks much of her writing process and her relationship to experimentalism, form and the ways language can work when pushed to its outer limits. How we read into lines is something Davis returns to, as is the idea of risk and brevity within micro-fiction.

10. Essayism by Brian Dillon Dillon summarises the essay as an “experiment in attention”. This dynamic and robust consideration of the form sheds light on how and why certain essays have changed the cultural and political landscape, from the end of the Middle Ages to the present time. A sharp and curious disquisition on one of the more popular yet challenging writing enterprises.

How to Write It by Anthony Anaxagorou is published by Merky Books. To order a copy, go to guardianbookshop.com .

• Creative writing
• Toni Morrison
• Zadie Smith
• Lydia Davis

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The 20+ Best Books on Creative Writing

If you’ve ever wondered, “How do I write a book?”, “How do I write a short story?”, or “How do I write a poem?” you’re not alone. I’m halfway done my MFA program at Vermont College of Fine Arts , and I ask myself these questions a lot, too, though I’m noticing that by now I feel more comfortable with the answers that fit my personal craft. Fortunately, you don’t need to be a Master’s of Fine Arts in Writing candidate, or even a college graduate, in order to soak up the great Wisdom of Words, as I like to call it. Another word for it is craft . That’s because there are so many great books out there on writing craft. In this post, I’ll guide you through 20+ of the most essential books on creative writing. These essential books for writers will teach you what you need to know to write riveting stories and emotionally resonant books—and to sell them.

I just also want to put in a quick plug for my post with the word count of 175 favorite novels . This resource is helpful for any writer.

Now, with that done… Let’s get to it!

What Made the List of Essential Books for Writers—and What Didn’t

So what made the list? And what didn’t?

Unique to this list, these are all books that I have personally used in my journey as a creative and commercial writer.

That journey started when I was 15 and extended through majoring in English and Creative Writing as an undergrad at UPenn through becoming a freelance writer in 2014, starting this book blog, pursuing my MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults at Vermont College of Fine Arts , and publishing some fiction and nonfiction books myself . My point here is not to boast, just to explain that these books have all helped me better understand and apply the craft, discipline, and business of writing over the course of more than half my life as I’ve walked the path to become a full-time writer. Your mileage my vary , but each of these books have contributed to my growth as a writer in some way. I’m not endorsing books I’ve never read or reviewed. This list comes from my heart (and pen!).

Most of these books are geared towards fiction writers, not poetry or nonfiction writers

It’s true that I’m only one human and can only write so much in one post. Originally, I wanted this list to be more than 25 books on writing. Yes, 25 books! But it’s just not possible to manage that in a single post. What I’ll do is publish a follow-up article with even more books for writers. Stay tuned!

The most commonly recommended books on writing are left out.

Why? Because they’re everywhere! I’m aiming for under-the-radar books on writing, ones that aren’t highlighted often enough. You’ll notice that many of these books are self-published because I wanted to give voice to indie authors.

But I did want to include a brief write-up of these books… and, well, you’ve probably heard of them, but here are 7 of the most recommended books on writing:

The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron – With her guided practice on how to rejuvenate your art over the course of 16 weeks, Cameron has fashioned an enduring classic about living and breathing your craft (for artists as well as writers). This book is perhaps best known for popularizing the morning pages method.

The Art of Fiction by John Gardner – If you want to better understand how fiction works, John Gardner will be your guide in this timeless book.

Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott – A beloved writing book on process, craft, and overcoming stumbling blocks (both existential and material).

On Writing by Stephen King – A must-read hybrid memoir-craft book on the writer mythos and reality for every writer.

Reading Like a Writer by Francine Prose – A core writing book that teaches you how to read with a writer’s eye and unlock the ability to recognize and analyze craft for yourself.

Steering the Craft by Ursula K. Le Guin – Many writers consider this to be their bible on craft and storytelling.

Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within by Natalie Goldberg – A favorite of many writers, this book takes an almost spiritual approach to the art, craft, and experience of writing.

I’m aiming for under-the-radar books on writing on my list.

These books are all in print.

Over the years, I’ve picked up several awesome books on creative writing from used bookstores. Oh, how I wish I could recommend these! But many of them are out of print. The books on this list are all available new either as eBooks, hardcovers, or paperbacks. I guess this is the right time for my Affiliate Link disclaimer:

This article contains affiliate links, which means I might get a small portion of your purchase. For more on my affiliate link policy, check out my official Affiliate Link Disclaimer .

You’ll notice a lot of the books focus on the business of writing.

Too often, money is a subject that writers won’t talk about. I want to be upfront about the business of writing and making a living as a writer (or not ) with these books. It’s my goal to get every writer, even poets!, to look at writing not just from a craft perspective, but from a commercial POV, too.

And now on to the books!

Part i: the best books on writing craft, the anatomy of story by john truby.

For you if: You want to develop an instinctive skill at understanding the contours of storytelling .

All I want to do as a writer, my MO, is tell good stories well. It took me so long to understand that what really matters to me is good storytelling. That’s it—that’s the essence of what we do as writers… tell good stories well. And in The Anatomy of Story , legendary screenwriting teacher John Truby takes you through story theory. This book is packed with movie references to illustrate the core beat points in story, and many of these example films are actually literary adaptations, making this a crossover craft book for fiction writers and screenwriters alike.

How to read it: Purchase The Anatomy of Story on Amazon and add it on Goodreads

The art of memoir by mary karr.

For you if: You’re writing a memoir book or personal essays .

Nobody is a better person to teach memoir writing than Mary Karr, whose memoirs The Liar’s Club and Lit are considered classics of the genre. In The Art of Memoir , Karr delivers a master class on memoir writing, adapted from her experience as a writer and a professor in Syracuse’s prestigious MFA program. What I love about this book as an aspiring memoirist is Karr’s approach, which blends practical, actionable advice with more bigger-picture concepts on things like truth vs. fact in memoir storytelling. Like I said in the intro to this list, I didn’t include many nonfiction and poetry books on this list, but I knew I had to make an exception for The Art of Memoir .

How to read it: Purchase The Art of Memoir on Amazon and add it on Goodreads

The emotional craft of fiction by donald maass.

For you if: Plot isn’t your problem, it’s character .

From literary agent Donald Maass, The Emotional Craft of Fiction gives you the skill set you need to master emotionally engaging fiction. Maass’s technique is to show you how readers get pulled into the most resonant, engaging, and unforgettable stories: by going through an emotional journey nimbly crafted by the author. The Emotional Craft of Fiction is a must-have work of craft to balance more plot-driven craft books.

How to read it: Purchase the The Emotional Craft of Fiction on Amazon and add it on Goodreads

How to Write Using the Snowflake Method by Randy Ingermanson

For you if: You need a quick-and-dirty plotting technique that’s easy to memorize .

I first heard of the “Snowflake Method” in the National Novel Writing Month forums (which, by the way, are excellent places for finding writing craft worksheets, book recommendations, and online resources). In How to Write a Novel Using the Snowflake Method , the Snowflake Method is introduced by its creator. This quick yet thorough plotting and outlining structure is humble and easy to master. If you don’t have time to read a bunch of books on outlining and the hundreds of pages that would require, check out How to Write a Novel Using the Snowflake Method for a quick, 235-page read.

How to read it: Purchase How to Write a Novel Using the Snowflake Method on Amazon and add it on Goodreads

Meander, spiral, explode: design and pattern in narrative by jane alison.

For you if: You want to do a deep dive understanding of the core theory of story, a.k.a. narrative.

A most unconventional writing craft book, Meander, Spiral, Explode offers a theory of narrative (story) as recognizable patterns. According to author Jane Alison, there are three main narrative narratives in writing: meandering, spiraling, and exploding. This cerebral book (chock full of examples!) is equal parts seminar on literary theory as it is craft, and it will make you see and understand storytelling better than maybe any book on this list.

How to read it: Purchase Meander, Spiral, Explode on Amazon and add it on Goodreads

The modern library writer’s workshop by stephen koch.

For you if: You’re wondering what it means to be the writer you want to become .

This is one of the earliest creative writing books I ever bought and it remains among the best I’ve read. Why? Reading The Modern Library Writer’s Workshop echoes the kind of mind-body-spirit approach you need to take to writing. The Modern Library Writer’s Workshop doesn’t teach you the nuts and bolts of writing as much as it teaches you how to envision the machine. Koch zooms out to big picture stuff as much as zeroes in on the little details. This is an outstanding book about getting into the mindset of being a writer, not just in a commercial sense, but as your passion and identity. It’s as close as you’ll get to the feel of an MFA in Fiction education.

How to read it: Purchase The Modern Library Writer’s Workshop on Amazon and add it on Goodreads

Romancing the beat by gwen hayes.

For you if: You write or edit the romance genre and want a trusted plotting strategy to craft the perfect love story .

If you’re writing romance, you have to get Gwen Hayes’s Romancing the Beat . This book breaks down the plot points or “beats” you want to hit when you’re crafting your romance novel. When I worked as a romance novel outliner (yes, a real job), our team used Romancing the Beat as its bible; every outline was structured around Hayes’s formula. For romance writers (like myself) I cannot endorse it any higher.

How to read it: Purchase Romancing the Beat on Amazon and add it on Goodreads

Save the cat writes a novel by jessica brody.

For you if: You have big ideas for a plot but need to work on the smaller moments that propel stories .

Jessica Brody’s Save the Cat! Writes a Novel adapts Blake Snyder’s bestselling screenwriting book Save the Cat! into story craft for writing novels. Brody reworks the Save the Cat! methodology in actionable, point-by-point stages of story that are each explained with countless relevant examples. If you want to focus your efforts on plot, Save the Cat! Writes a Novel is an excellent place to go to start learning the ins and outs of what makes a good story.

How to read it: Purchase Save the Cat! Writes a Novel on Amazon and add it on Goodreads

Story genius by lisa cron.

For you if: You’re a pantser and are terrified at outlining yet also realize you might have a “plot problem .”

More than any other book, Lisa Cron’s Story Genius will get you where you need to go for writing amazing stories. Story Genius helps you look at plotting differently, starting from a point of characterization in which our protagonists have a clearly defined need and misbelief that play off each other and move the story forward from an emotional interior and action exterior standpoint. For many of my fellow MFA students—and myself— Story Genius is the missing link book for marrying plot and character so you innately understand the contours of good story.

How to read it: Purchase Story Genius on Amazon and add it on Goodreads

Wonderbook: the illustrated guide to creating imaginative fiction by jeff vandermeer.

For you if: You’re writing in a speculative fiction genre—like science fiction, fantasy, or horror—or are trying to better understand those genres.

Jeff VanderMeer’s Wonderbook is a dazzling gem of a book and a can’t-miss-it writing book for sci-fi, fantasy, and horror writers. This book will teach you all the skills you need to craft speculative fiction, like world-building, with micro-lessons and close-reads of excellent works in these genres. Wonderbook is also one to linger over, with lavish illustrations and every inch and corner crammed with craft talk for writing imaginative fiction (sometimes called speculative fiction). And who better to guide you through this than Jeff VanderMeer, author of the popular Southern Reach Trilogy, which kicks off with Annihilation , which was adapted into a feature film.

How to read it: Purchase Wonderbook on Amazon and add it on Goodreads

Writing picture books by ann whitford paul.

For you if: You’re looking to write picture books and/or understand how they work .

This book is the only one you need to learn how to write and sell picture books. As an MFA student studying children’s literature, I’ve consulted with this book several times as I’ve dipped my toes into writing picture books, a form I considered scary and intimidating until reading this book. Writing Picture Books should be on the shelf of any writer of children’s literature. a.k.a. “kid lit.”

How to read it: Purchase Writing Picture Books on Amazon and add it on Goodreads

Writing with emotion, conflict, and tension by cheryl st. john.

For you if: You need to work on the conflict, tension, and suspense that keep readers turning pages and your story going forward .

Mmm, conflict. As I said earlier, it’s the element of fiction writing that makes a story interesting and a key aspect of characterization that is underrated. In Writing with Emotion, Tension, and Conflict , bestselling romance author Cheryl St. John offers a masterclass on the delicate dance between incorporating conflict, the emotions it inspires in characters, and the tension that results from those two factors.

How to read it: Purchase Writing with Emotion, Tension, and Conflict on Amazon and add it on Goodreads

Part ii: the best books on the productivity, mfas, and the business of writing, 2k to 10k: writing faster, writing better, and writing more of what you love by rachel aaron.

For you if: You struggle to find the time to write and always seem to be a chapter or two behind schedule .

If you’re struggling to find time of your own to write with competing obligations (family, work, whatever) making that hard, you need Rachel Aaron’s 2k to 10k . This book will get you in shape to go from writing just a few words an hour to, eventually, 10,000 words a day. Yes, you read that right. 10,000 words a day. At that rate, you can complete so many more projects and publish more. Writers simply cannot afford to waste time if they want to keep up the kind of production that leads to perpetual publication. Trust me, Aaron’s method works. It has for me. I’m on my way to 10k in the future, currently at like 4 or 5k a day for me at the moment.

How to read it: Purchase 2k to 10k on Amazon and add it on Goodreads

The 3 a.m. epiphany by brian kitele.

For you if: You’re going through writer’s block, have been away from writing for a while, or just want to loosen up and try something new .

Every writer must own an an exercise or prompt book. Why? Because regularly practicing your writing by going outside your current works-in-progress (or writer’s block) will free you up, help you plant the seeds for new ideas, and defrost your creative blocks. And the best book writing exercise book I know is The 3 A.M. Epiphany by Brian Kiteley, an MFA professor who uses prompts like these with his grad students. You’ll find that this book (and its sequel, The 4 A.M. Breakthrough ) go beyond cutesy exercises and forces you to push outside your comfort zone and learn something from the writing you find there.

How to read it: Purchase The 3 A.M. Epiphany on Amazon and add it on Goodreads

The 4-hour workweek by timothy ferriss.

For you if: You think being a writer means you have to be poor .

The 4-Hour Workweek changed my life. Although not strictly about writing in the traditional sense, The 4-Hour Workweek does an excellent job teaching you about how passive income can offer you freedom. I first heard about The 4-Hour Workweek when I was getting into tarot in 2013. On Biddy Tarot , founder Brigit (author of some of the best books on tarot ) related how she read this book, learned how to create passive income, and quit her corporate job to read tarot full time. As a person with a total and permanent disability, this spoke to me because it offered a way out of the 9-to-5 “active” income that I thought was the only way. I picked up Ferriss’s book and learned that there’s more than one option, and that passive income is a viable way for me to make money even when I’m too sick to work. I saw this come true last year when I was in the hospital. When I got out, I checked my stats and learned I’d made money off my blog and books even while I was hospitalized and couldn’t do any “active” work. I almost cried.; I’ve been working on my passive income game since 2013, and I saw a return on that time investment when I needed it most.

That’s why I’m recommending The 4-Hour Workweek to writers. So much of our trade is producing passive income products. Yes, your books are products! And for many writers, this means rewiring your brain to stop looking at writing strictly as an art that will leave you impoverished for life and start approaching writing as a business that can earn you a real living through passive income. No book will help you break out of that mindset better than The 4-Hour Workweek and its actionable steps, proven method, and numerous examples of people who have followed the strategy and are living the lifestyle they’ve always dreamed of but never thought was possible.

How to read it: Purchase The 4-Hour Workweek on Amazon and add it on Goodreads

Before and After the Book Deal: A Writer’s Guide to Finishing, Publishing, Promoting, and Surviving Your First Book by Courtney Maum

For you if: You’re serious about making a living as a writer and publishing with a Big 5 or major indie publisher .

Courtney Maum’s Before and After the Book Deal addresses exactly what its title suggests: what happens after you sell your first book. This book is for ambitious writers intent on submission who know they want to write and want to avoid common pitfalls while negotiating terms and life after your debut. As many published authors would tell you, the debut is one thing, but following that book up with a sustainable, successful career is another trick entirely. Fortunately, we have Maum’s book, packed with to-the-moment details and advice.

How to read it: Purchase Before and After the Book Deal on Amazon and add it on Goodreads

Diy mfa: write with focus, read with purpose, build your community by gabriela pereira.

For you if: You’re stressed out wondering if you really need an MFA .

The MFA is under this header “business of writing” because it is absolutely an economic choice you make. And, look, I’m biased. I’m getting an MFA. But back when I was grappling with whether or not it was worth it—the debt, the time, the stress—I consulted with DIY MFA , an exceptional guide to learning how to enrich your writing craft, career, and community outside the structures of an MFA program. I’ve also more than once visited the companion site, DIYMFA.com , to find a kind of never-ending rabbit hole of new and timeless content on the writing life. On DIYMFA.com and in the corresponding book, you’ll find a lively hub for author interviews, writing craft shop talk, reading lists, and business of writing articles.

How to read it: Purchase DIY MFA on Amazon and add it on Goodreads

Mfa vs. nyc by chad harbach.

For you if: You’re wondering how far an MFA really gets you—and you’re ready to learn the realities of the publishing world .

About a thousand years ago (well, in 2007), I spent the fall of my sophomore year of college as a “Fiction Submissions and Advertising Intern” for the literary magazine n+1 , which was co-founded by Chad Harbach, who you might know from his buzzy novel, The Art of Fielding . In MFA vs NYC , Harbach offers his perspective as both an MFA graduate and someone deeply enmeshed in the New York City publishing industry. This thought-provoking look at these two arenas that launch writers will pull the wool up from your eyes about how publishing really works . It’s not just Harbach’s voice you get in here, though. The book, slim but mighty, includes perspectives from the likes of George Saunders and David Foster Wallace in the MFA camp and Emily Gould and Keith Gessen speaking to NYC’s writing culture.

How to read it: Purchase MFA vs. NYC on Amazon and add it on Goodreads

Scratch: writers, money, and the art of making a living – edited by manjula martin.

For you if: a) You’re worried about how to balance writing with making a living; b) You’re not worried about how to balance writing with making a living .

Scratch: Writers, Money, and the Art of Making a Living is alternately one of the most underrated and essential books on writing out there. This collection of personal essays and interviews all revolve around the taboo theme of how writers make their living, and it’s not always—indeed, rarely—through writing alone. Some of the many contributing authors include Cheryl Strayed ( Wild ), Alexander Chee ( How to Write an Autobiographical Novel ), Jennifer Weiner ( Mrs. Everything ), Austin Kleon ( Steal Like an Artist ), and many others. Recently a young woman asked me for career advice on being a professional freelance writer, and I made sure to recommend Scratch as an eye-opening and candid read that is both motivating and candid.

How to read it: Purchase Scratch: Writers, Money, and the Art of Making a Living on Amazon and add it on Goodreads

Write to market: deliver a book that sells by chris fox.

For you if: You don’t know why your books aren’t selling—and you want to start turning a profit by getting a real publishing strategy

So you don’t have to be an indie author to internalize the invaluable wisdom you’ll find here in Write to Market . I first heard about Write to Market when I first joined the 20Booksto50K writing group on Facebook , a massive, supportive, motivating community of mostly indie authors. Everyone kept talking about Write to Market . I read the book in a day and found the way I looked at publishing change. Essentially, what Chris Fox does in Write to Market is help you learn to identify what are viable publishing niches. Following his method, I’ve since published several successful and #1 bestselling books in the quotations genre on Amazon . Without Fox’s book, I’m not sure I would have gotten there on my own.

How to read it: Purchase Write to Market on Amazon and add it on Goodreads

And that’s a wrap what are some of your favorite writing books, share this:, you might be interested in.

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Sarah S. Davis is the founder of Broke by Books, a blog about her journey as a schizoaffective disorder bipolar type writer and reader. Sarah's writing about books has appeared on Book Riot, Electric Literature, Kirkus Reviews, BookRags, PsychCentral, and more. She has a BA in English from the University of Pennsylvania, a Master of Library and Information Science from Clarion University, and an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts.

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The best books on creative writing, recommended by andrew cowan.

The professor of creative writing at UEA says Joseph Conrad got it right when he said that the sitting down is all. He chooses five books to help aspiring writers.

Becoming a Writer by Dorothea Brande

On Becoming a Novelist by John C. Gardner

On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King

The Forest for the Trees by Betsy Lerner

Worstward Ho by Samuel Beckett

1 Becoming a Writer by Dorothea Brande

2 on becoming a novelist by john c. gardner, 3 on writing: a memoir of the craft by stephen king, 4 the forest for the trees by betsy lerner, 5 worstward ho by samuel beckett.

How would you describe creative writing?

But because it is in academia there is all this paraphernalia that has to go with it. So you get credits for attending classes. You have to do supporting modules; you have to be assessed. If you are doing an undergraduate degree you have to follow a particular curriculum and only about a quarter of that will be creative writing and the rest will be in the canon of English literature . If you are doing a PhD you have to support whatever the creative element is with a critical element. So there are these ways in which academia disciplines writing and I think of that as Creative Writing with a capital C and a capital W. All of us who teach creative writing are doing it, in a sense, to support our writing, but it is also often at the expense of our writing. We give up quite a lot of time and mental energy and also, I think, imaginative and creative energy to teach.

Your first choice is Dorothea Brande’s Becoming a Writer , which for someone writing in 1934 sounds pretty forward thinking.

Because creative writing has now taken off and has become this very widespread academic discipline it is beginning to acquire its own canon of key works and key texts. This is one of the oldest of them. It’s a book that almost anyone who teaches creative writing will have read. They will probably have read it because some fundamentals are explained and I think the most important one is Brande’s sense of the creative writer being comprised of two people. One of them is the artist and the other is the critic.

Actually, Malcolm Bradbury who taught me at UEA, wrote the foreword to my edition of Becoming a Writer , and he talks about how Dorothea Brande was writing this book ‘in Freudian times’ – the 1930s in the States. And she does have this very Freudian idea of the writer as comprised of a child artist on the one hand, who is associated with spontaneity, unconscious processes, while on the other side there is the adult critic making very careful discriminations.

And did she think the adult critic hindered the child artist?

No. Her point is that the two have to work in harmony and in some way the writer has to achieve an effective balance between the two, which is often taken to mean that you allow the artist child free rein in the morning. So you just pour stuff on to the page in the morning when you are closest to the condition of sleep. The dream state for the writer is the one that is closest to the unconscious. And then in the afternoon you come back to your morning’s work with your critical head on and you consciously and objectively edit it. Lots of how-to-write books encourage writers to do it that way. It is also possible that you can just pour stuff on to the page for days on end as long as you come back to it eventually with a critical eye.

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Good! Your next book, John Gardner’s On Becoming a Novelist , is described as comfort food for the aspiring novelist.

This is another one of the classics. He was quite a successful novelist in the States, but possibly an even more successful teacher of creative writing. The short story writer and poet Raymond Carver, for instance, was one of his students. And he died young in a motorcycle accident when he was 49. There are two classic works by him. One is this book, On Becoming a Novelist , and the other is The Art of Fiction: Notes on Craft for Young Writers . They were both put together from his teaching notes after he died.

On Becoming a Novelist  is the more succinct and, I think, is the better of the two. He talks about automatic writing and the idea, just like Dorothea Brande, of the artist being comprised of two people. But his key idea is the notion of the vivid and continuous dream. He suggests that when we read a novel we submit to the logic of that novel in the same way as we might submit to the logic of a dream – we sink into it, and clearly the events that occur could not exist outside the imagination.

What makes student writing in particular go wrong is when it draws attention to itself, either through bad writing or over-elaborate writing. He suggests that these faults in the aspirant writer alert the reader to the fact that they are reading a fiction and it is a bit like giving someone who is dreaming a nudge. It jolts them out of the dream. So he proposes that the student writer should try to create a dream state in the reader that is vivid and appeals to all the senses and is continuous. What you mustn’t do is alert the reader to the fact that they are reading a fiction.

It is a very good piece of advice for writers starting out but it is ultimately very limiting. It rules out all the great works of modernism and post-modernism, anything which is linguistically experimental. It rules out anything which draws attention to the words as words on a page. It’s a piece of advice which really applies to the writing of realist fiction, but is a very good place from which to begin.

And then people can move on.

I never would have expected the master of terror Stephen King to write a book about writing. But your next choice, On Writing , is more of an autobiography .

Yes. It is a surprise to a lot of people that this book is so widely read on university campuses and so widely recommended by teachers of writing. Students love it. It’s bracing: there’s no nonsense. He says somewhere in the foreword or preface that it is a short book because most books are filled with bullshit and he is determined not to offer bullshit but to tell it like it is.

It is autobiographical. It describes his struggle to emerge from his addictions – to alcohol and drugs – and he talks about how he managed to pull himself and his family out of poverty and the dead end into which he had taken them. He comes from a very disadvantaged background and through sheer hard work and determination he becomes this worldwide bestselling author. This is partly because of his idea of the creative muse. Most people think of this as some sprite or fairy that is usually feminine and flutters about your head offering inspiration. His idea of the muse is ‘a basement guy’, as he calls him, who is grumpy and turns up smoking a cigar. You have to be down in the basement every day clocking in to do your shift if you want to meet the basement guy.

Stephen King has this attitude that if you are going to be a writer you need to keep going and accept that quite a lot of what you produce is going to be rubbish and then you are going to revise it and keep working at it.

Do you agree with him?

He sounds inspirational. Your next book, Betsy Lerner’s The Forest for the Trees , looks at things from the editor’s point of view.

Yes, she was an editor at several major American publishing houses, such as Simon & Schuster. She went on to become an agent, and also did an MFA in poetry before that, so she came through the US creative writing process and understands where many writers are coming from.

The book is divided into two halves. In the second half she describes the process that goes from the completion of the author’s manuscript to submitting it to agents and editors. She explains what goes on at the agent’s offices and the publisher’s offices. She talks about the drawing up of contracts, negotiating advances and royalties. So she takes the manuscript from the author’s hands, all the way through the publishing process to its appearance in bookshops. She describes that from an insider’s point of view, which is hugely interesting.

But the reason I like this book is for the first half of it, which is very different. Here she offers six chapters, each of which is a character sketch of a different type of author. She has met each of them and so although she doesn’t mention names you feel she is revealing something to you about authors whose books you may have read. She describes six classic personality types. She has the ambivalent writer, the natural, the wicked child, the self-promoter, the neurotic and a chapter called ‘Touching Fire’, which is about the addictive and the mentally unstable.

Your final choice is Worstward Ho by Samuel Beckett .

This is a tiny book – it is only about 40 pages and it has got these massive white margins and really large type. I haven’t counted, but I would guess it is only about two to three thousand words and it is dressed up as a novella when it is really only a short story. On the first page there is this riff: ‘Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.’

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When I read this I thought I had discovered a slogan for the classroom that I could share with my students. I want to encourage them to make mistakes and not to be perfectionists, not to feel that everything they do has to be of publishable standard. The whole point of doing a course, especially a creative writing MA and attending workshops, is that you can treat the course as a sandpit. You go in there, you try things out which otherwise you wouldn’t try, and then you submit it to the scrutiny of your classmates and you get feedback. Inevitably there will be things that don’t work and your classmates will help you to identify those so that you can take it away and redraft it – you can try again. And inevitably you are going to fail again because any artistic endeavour is doomed to failure because the achievement can never match the ambition. That’s why artists keep producing their art and writers keep writing, because the thing you did last just didn’t quite satisfy you, just wasn’t quite right. And you keep going and trying to improve on that.

But why, when so much of it is about failing – failing to get published, failing to be satisfied, failing to be inspired – do writers carry on?

I have a really good quote from Joseph Conrad in which he says the sitting down is all. He spends eight hours at his desk, trying to write, failing to write, foaming at the mouth, and in the end wanting to hit his head on the wall but refraining from that for fear of alarming his wife!

It’s a familiar situation; lots of writers will have been there. For me it is a kind of obsessive-compulsive disorder. It is something I have to keep returning to. I have to keep going back to the sentences, trying to get them right. Trying to line them up correctly. I can’t let them go. It is endlessly frustrating because they are never quite right.

You have published four books. Are you happy with them?

Reasonably happy. Once they are done and gone I can relax and feel a little bit proud of them. But at the time I just experience agonies. It takes me ages. It takes me four or five years to finish a novel partly because I always find distractions – like working in academia – something that will keep me away from the writing, which is equally as unrewarding as it is rewarding!

September 27, 2012

Five Books aims to keep its book recommendations and interviews up to date. If you are the interviewee and would like to update your choice of books (or even just what you say about them) please email us at [email protected]

Andrew Cowan

Andrew Cowan is Professor of Creative Writing and Director of the Creative Writing programme at UEA. His first novel, Pig , won the Sunday Times Young Writer of the Year Award, the Betty Trask Award, the Ruth Hadden Memorial Prize, the Author’s Club First Novel Award and a Scottish Council Book Award. He is also the author of the novels Common Ground , Crustaceans ,  What I Know  and  Worthless Men . His own creative writing guidebook is  The  Art  of  Writing  Fiction .

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10 Best Creative Writing Books to Read in 2023

Introduction:.

The world of creative writing possesses an extraordinary ability to unleash imagination, craft narratives, and evoke emotions that resonate with readers. Whether you're an aspiring writer or simply someone who appreciates the art of storytelling, consider Oxford Summer Courses. Embark on a transformative journey through our Creative Writing summer school, where you will have the opportunity to explore the art of crafting compelling narratives, experimenting with various writing styles, and honing your literary skills.

Disclaimer:

Please note that the following list of books is recommended reading to broaden your knowledge and deepen your appreciation of creative writing and literature. While some of these books may be included in the Oxford Summer Courses curriculum, the specific content of the summer school can vary. If you wish to study these subjects with us, you can apply to our Creative Writing summer school.

Subscribe to our newsletter to receive helpful tips, tutorials, and thought-provoking articles that can inform and inspire your creative writing journey at Oxford Summer Courses. Sign up here.

1. On Writing, by Stephen King

• "Amateurs sit and wait for inspiration; the rest of us just get up and go to work."
• Published in 2000, "On Writing" by Stephen King is a masterclass in the craft of storytelling. It combines King's personal journey as a writer with practical advice on honing your writing skills during your time at Oxford Summer Courses.
• Discussion: How can Stephen King's advice on discipline and the writing process benefit aspiring writers at Oxford Summer Courses today?

2. Bird by Bird, by Anne Lamott

• "Almost all good writing begins with terrible first efforts. You need to start somewhere."
• Anne Lamott's "Bird by Bird" is an encouraging guide for writers facing the daunting task of putting words on the page. Through humor and personal anecdotes, she offers valuable insights into the writing process during your Creative Writing summer school at Oxford Summer Courses.
• Discussion: How does Lamott's emphasis on "shitty first drafts" resonate with your own experiences as a writer at Oxford Summer Courses?

3. The Elements of Style, by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White

• "Omit needless words."
• A timeless classic, "The Elements of Style" is a concise guide to writing well. It provides essential rules of grammar and composition that every writer should know, especially during their time at Oxford Summer Courses.
• Discussion: How do the principles outlined in "The Elements of Style" apply to various forms of creative writing, from fiction to poetry, at Oxford Summer Courses?

4. The story, by Robert McKee

• "Stories are the creative conversion of life itself into a more powerful, clearer, more meaningful experience. They are the currency of human contact."
• Robert McKee's "Story" is a comprehensive exploration of the principles behind effective storytelling. It's a must-read for anyone looking to understand the structure and elements of compelling narratives during their time at Oxford Summer Courses.
• Discussion: How can the insights from "Story" enhance your ability to construct engaging and impactful stories during your Creative Writing summer school at Oxford Summer Courses?

5. Big Magic, by Elizabeth Gilbert

• "Do whatever brings you to life, then. Follow your own fascinations, obsessions, and compulsions. Trust them. Create whatever causes a revolution in your heart."
• In "Big Magic," Elizabeth Gilbert delves into the creative process and encourages writers to embrace their creativity with courage and curiosity, a valuable lesson during your time at Oxford Summer Courses.
• Discussion: How can Gilbert's philosophy on creativity inspire you to approach your writing with a sense of wonder and daring at Oxford Summer Courses?

6. The Art of Fiction, by John Gardner

• "Fiction seeks out truth. The writer has to go into the dark, quiet spaces of himself and feel around for the truth."
• John Gardner's "The Art of Fiction" offers profound insights into the art and craft of writing fiction. It explores the intricacies of character development, plot, and the writer's role in conveying truth through storytelling during your Creative Writing summer school at Oxford Summer Courses.
• Discussion: How can Gardner's exploration of truth in fiction inform your own creative writing endeavors at Oxford Summer Courses?

7. Writing Down the Bones, by Natalie Goldberg

• "Write what disturbs you, what you fear, what you have not been willing to speak about. Be willing to be split open."
• Natalie Goldberg's "Writing Down the Bones" is a meditative guide to writing practice. It encourages writers to tap into their innermost thoughts and emotions during their Creative Writing summer school at Oxford Summer Courses.
• Discussion: How can Goldberg's approach to writing as a form of meditation help you access deeper layers of creativity in your work at Oxford Summer Courses?

8. The Elements of Eloquence, by Mark Forsyth

• "Rhetoric is the art of dressing up some unimportant matter to fool the audience for the moment."
• "The Elements of Eloquence" explores the art of rhetoric and language play. Mark Forsyth's witty and informative book will inspire you to experiment with language in your writing during your time at Oxford Summer Courses.
• Discussion: How can a deeper understanding of rhetorical devices enhance your ability to craft persuasive and evocative prose at Oxford Summer Courses?

9. Zen in the Art of Writing, by Ray Bradbury

• "Every morning I jump out of bed and step on a landmine. The landmine is me. After the explosion, I spent the rest of the day putting the pieces together."
• Ray Bradbury's "Zen in the Art of Writing" is a collection of essays that celebrate the joy and passion of writing. Bradbury shares his insights on creativity and the writing life during your Creative Writing summer school at Oxford Summer Courses.
• Discussion: How can Bradbury's enthusiasm for writing infuse your own creative process with energy and purpose at Oxford Summer Courses?

10. The Nighttime Novelist, by Joseph Bates

• "Writing is an exploration of the heart."
• "The Nighttime Novelist" by Joseph Bates is a practical guide for writers who balance their craft with busy lives. It offers strategies for maximizing your writing time and making progress on your projects during your time at Oxford Summer Courses.
• Discussion: How can the techniques outlined in "The Nighttime Novelist" help you maintain a consistent and productive writing practice at Oxford Summer Courses?

Oxford Summer Courses invites you to immerse yourself in the enchanting world of creative writing during your time at our summer school. In this blog post, we present a meticulously curated list of 10 classic books that will ignite your imagination and deepen your understanding of the art of storytelling. From Stephen King's practical wisdom in "On Writing" to Ray Bradbury's celebration of the writing life in "Zen in the Art of Writing," these books will serve as your companions on your creative writing journey at Oxford Summer Courses. Through our Creative Writing program, you will have the opportunity to explore these influential texts, share your insights with fellow writers, and refine your craft. Join us on this literary adventure and embark on a transformative experience that will shape your writing skills and inspire your creative spirit during your time at Oxford Summer Courses. Who knows, you might just discover a newfound passion for the art of storytelling and create narratives that resonate with readers for generations to come.

Apply now to join the Oxford Summer Courses Creative Writing summer school and embark on a journey of self-expression and creativity during your time at Oxford Summer Courses. Join a community of passionate writers from around the world and unlock your potential as a storyteller. Apply here.

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Ignite your passion for creative writing at Oxford Summer Courses. Immerse yourself in a carefully curated list of books that will spark your creativity, refine your storytelling abilities, and help you embark on a transformative journey as a writer.

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Best Books on Creative Writing

Written by Eira Edwards

21 january 2024, creative writing.

This post may include affiliate links. That means we may earn a commission if you buy through recommended links. See our full disclaimer policy . 

Whether you’re an experienced writer or a beginner, there’s always something new to discover about creativity and storytelling. That’s where books on creative writing come in.

Reading books about creative writing is a great way to broaden your knowledge and get insights into both the technical and philosophical sides of story. Plus, they can motivate, inspire and ignite your imagination. 

Here, I’ve curated a list of the best creative writing books that are sure to take your craft to the next level. Covering a diverse range of approaches, from practical guidelines to personal anecdotes from revered authors, these literary gems are clear creativity winners. Let’s dive in!

On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft

By stephen king.

Blending autobiography and writing guide, this book delves into King’s writing journey, revealing his challenges, inspirations and techniques. From focusing on the importance of reading to the art of crafting compelling narratives, ‘On Writing’ is a must-read for both King fans and writers looking to improve their craft.

By Elizabeth Gilbert

This delightful book is filled with heartfelt anecdotes and personal insights. Gilbert unpacks the concept of creativity throughout, outlining the attitudes, approaches and habits we need to live our most creative lives. The book presents a concept that I still think about regularly: ideas are living entities and choose you to write them.

zen in the art of Writing

By ray bradbury.

If you’re an aspiring writer, you’d have heard about the legendary author, Ray Bradbury. Did you know he was a student of Zen? Bradbury found inspiration in Zen philosophy and often incorporated it into his writing, like being present and trusting your intuition. This book is not just about writing, it’s also about unleashing your creativity and imagination

Into The Woods

By john yorke.

Yorke explores the creative brilliance behind our favourite fairy tales and how the storytelling structure of these timeless tales can be applied to modern-day writing. The book is a treasure trove of creative insights and an essential read for writers, covering archetypes, character arcs, setting and plot twists.

By Jeff VanderMeer

This remarkable book is overflowing with creativity and will have you bursting with inspiration in no time. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a beginner in the world of writing, this guide will take you on an artistic journey filled with colourful graphics, practical advice and imaginative storytelling.

The Artist's Way

By julia cameron.

Looking to unleash your creative potential? Or have you been stuck in a creative rut, unable to come up with new ideas? If so, you might want to pick up this iconic book. It’s helped artists tap into their inner creativity and find their unique voice, featuring exercises to overcome creative blocks and morning pages to clear your mind.

Writing Down the Bones

By natalie goldberg.

This book teaches you how to unleash your creativity and let your words flow onto paper, as well as how to overcome writer’s block, find your voice and hone your skills. It will inspire you to cultivate a lifelong habit of writing and let you discover your unique voice. 

Bird by Bird

By anne lamott.

This is an excellent resource for any writer looking to enhance their creativity. Lamott encourages writers to focus on writing the first draft and not worry about perfection, take time to observe and embrace one’s unique voice. Ultimately, the book helps you discover the joys of creativity and improve your craft.

The Art of Fiction

By john gardner.

In The Art of Fiction, Gardner has so much to offer writers, from his creative writing exercises to his advice on character development, authenticity and narration. Gardner encourages you to take risks and explore the many ways that imagination can influence storytelling.

Steering the Craft

By ursula k. le guin.

Discover how to improve your writing skills by learning from the masterful techniques of one of the greatest science fiction writers, Ursula K. Le Guin. Focusing on structure, language and dialogue, Le Guin offers practical exercises and advice to help writers of all levels achieve their goals.

The Emotion Thesaurus

By becca puglisi and angela ackerman.

Want something to spark your creativity and accurately portray your characters’ emotions ? Good news, there’s a tool that can help: The Emotion Thesaurus. This book provides writers with a comprehensive guide of emotions, body language and sensory cues to help master the art of emotion and bring your characters to life.

Characters and Viewpoint

By orson scott car.

Orson Scott Card, renowned sci-fi and fantasy writer, approaches characters and viewpoints in an interesting way. Rather than building his characters from scratch, Card takes existing archetypes and gives them a unique twist to make them memorable. There’s lots to learn from Orson Scott Card’s creativity. Why not apply it to your own writing?

The Writer's Journey

By christopher vogler.

This book offers a comprehensive guide for writers looking to tap into their creativity and create stories that are both engaging and impactful. One of Vogler’s central ideas is how every story is essentially a hero’s journey, and he outlines the fundamental elements of a successful narrative. It’s an ideal book for anyone who wants to create a compelling story (that would be all of us, right?).

The Anatomy of Story

By john truby.

This book has helped many writers understand the architecture of a great story. From creating multi-dimensional characters to developing a plot, Truby helps you to enhance your creativity and write better stories.

Story Genius

By lisa cron.

This book is perfect for writers looking to unlock their creative potential and approach writing in a whole new way. Cron’s approach to writing centres around the idea that our brains are wired for storytelling. So if you’re a writer struggling to put pen to paper, give Story Genius a read and see how it can transform your approach to writing.

Written By Eira Edwards

Eira is a writer and editor from the South of England with over five years of experience as a Content Manager, helping clients perfect their copy.

She has a degree in English Literature and Language, which she loves putting to work by working closely with fiction authors.

When she’s not working on manuscripts, you can find her in the woods with her partner and dog, or curling up with a good book.

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11 Best Creative Writing Books (Fiction & Non-Fiction Picks)

Writing is a craft, and like any craft, it requires practice. Aspiring writers need to hone their skills to express their ideas and imagination in a meaningful way. Creative writing books can be a great instrument in helping newbie writers grow and succeed. In this article, we will highlight the best creative writing books for aspiring writers, with fiction and non-fiction genres shown separately below.

Why Creative Writing Books Are Essential for Aspiring Writers

Aspiring writers sometimes struggle to find their voice and develop their skills. It’s essential to understand that writing is a lifelong learning process. Creative writing books can offer guidance and insights into the craft, providing an opportunity for writers to expand their knowledge and develop their skills. These books can help you learn writing techniques, inspire your creativity, and guide you through the publishing process.

Enhancing your writing skills

Have you ever read something and became mesmerized by the prose? Acclaimed authors have developed their writing skills through years of practice. Yet, with the right tools and guidance, aspiring authors can master these skills much faster. Some of the best creative writing books offer insights on grammar and style that can enhance your writing skills.

For example, sifting through “ The Elements of Style ” by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White can help in grammar and guide you in using figures of speech appropriately. This classic book teaches you how to structure your sentences and essays, ideal for writers looking to add a polished finish to their writing skills. Similarly, “ On Writing Well ” by William Zinsser guides writers on how to develop their voice, rhythm, and flow – which are all vital elements in improving writing skills.

Another excellent book that can help you enhance your writing skills is “ Bird by Bird ” by Anne Lamott. This book is full of practical advice and exercises that can help you develop your writing skills. Lamott’s humorous and engaging style makes it an enjoyable read, making it easier to digest the information and apply it to your writing.

Expanding your imagination

Creative writing books not only help you develop your writing skills, but they can also expand your imagination, which is the heart of any great piece of writing. They allow you to explore different worlds and narratives, learn how to describe settings and characters, and master the art of symbolism and metaphor. A great example of a book that can help with this is “ Writing Down the Bones ” by Natalie Goldberg. In this book, Goldberg shares effective techniques to free your mind of any mental barriers and open up your imagination. Through her prompts and writing exercises, Goldberg encourages writers to explore their creative ideas and urges them to take their writing to new heights.

Another book that can help you expand your imagination is “ The Creative Habit ” by Twyla Tharp. Tharp is a renowned choreographer, but her book is not just for dancers. It’s a practical guide to cultivating creativity in any field, including writing. Tharp shares her methods for developing creative habits, such as setting aside time for creativity and finding inspiration in unexpected places.

Learning from the experts

One of the best ways to improve your writing is to read works from successful authors. However, in addition to reading books, you can also learn from the writers themselves by reading their experiences and insights on writing. Through their personal journeys, published writers can offer insight into the industry and what it takes to become a successful author.

For instance, the book “ The Writing Life ” by Annie Dillard delves into the raw and honest realities of being a writer. It’s a must-read for aspiring writers looking for inspiration and guidance, as Dillard offers a unique perspective on the craft of writing. Similarly, “ The Art of Memoir ” by Mary Karr details how to write vivid memoirs, with honest and sometimes painful hints of Karr’s own journey.

Another book that can offer insights into the publishing industry is “ On Writing” by Stephen King. In this memoir, King shares his journey to becoming a successful writer and offers practical advice on writing and publishing. King’s candid and straightforward approach makes it an entertaining and informative read.

Overall, creative writing books are essential for aspiring writers who want to develop their skills, expand their imagination, and learn from successful authors. With the right guidance and tools, you can improve your writing and take your craft to the next level.

Top Fiction Writing Books

Writing fiction is an art that requires skill, creativity, and dedication. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced writer, there are always ways to improve your craft. Reading books on writing can be a great way to gain new insights and techniques that can help you become a better writer. Here are the top 5 fiction writing books that every aspiring writer should read:

“On Writing” by Stephen King

“ On Writing ” by Stephen King is a must-read for any aspiring writer. King shares his personal journey as a writer, from his early struggles to his eventual success. He provides practical advice on everything from grammar and style to the importance of reading and revision. King’s candid and humorous writing style makes this book an enjoyable read that will leave you feeling inspired and motivated to write.

“Bird by Bird” by Anne Lamott

In “ Bird by Bird ,” Anne Lamott offers a refreshing and honest perspective on the writing process. She emphasizes the importance of taking things one step at a time and encourages writers to embrace their imperfections. Lamott’s witty and relatable anecdotes will make you feel like you’re chatting with a friend who understands the struggles of being a writer.

“The Elements of Style” by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White

“ The Elements of Style ” is a classic writing guide that has stood the test of time. Written by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White, this book offers practical advice on grammar, style, and usage. It’s a concise and easy-to-read guide that will help you improve your writing skills and make your prose more polished and professional.

“Writing Down the Bones” by Natalie Goldberg

If you’re looking for a book that will help you tap into your creativity, “ Writing Down the Bones ” is the perfect choice. Natalie Goldberg’s book is a collection of short essays that offer practical advice on writing and creativity. She encourages writers to let go of their inhibitions and write freely, without worrying about perfection. Goldberg’s exercises and prompts will help you develop a daily writing practice that can unlock your full creative potential.

“The War of Art” by Steven Pressfield

“ The War of Art ” is a book that every writer should read. Steven Pressfield’s book is a powerful manifesto on the creative process and the obstacles that writers face. He identifies the internal forces of resistance that can prevent writers from pursuing their dreams and offers practical advice on how to overcome them. Pressfield’s book is a call to action for writers who want to take their craft to the next level.

Reading these books will not only improve your writing skills but also provide you with the inspiration and motivation you need to keep writing. Remember, writing is a journey, and every step you take will bring you closer to your goal of becoming a successful writer.

Top Non-Fiction Writing Books

If you’re looking to improve your non-fiction writing skills, you’re in luck. There are many excellent books out there that can help you sharpen your craft and take your writing to the next level. Here are five of the best non-fiction writing books, each with its unique insights and tips.

“The Art of Memoir” by Mary Karr

“ The Art of Memoir ” by Mary Karr is a must-read for anyone interested in writing memoirs. Karr is a master of the genre, and she draws on her own experiences to provide invaluable guidance on how to craft compelling and vivid stories. In this book, Karr explores the dynamics of memory, the challenges of writing about real people, and the importance of honesty and vulnerability in memoir writing. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting, “The Art of Memoir” is an excellent resource for anyone looking to improve their memoir writing skills.

“The Writing Life” by Annie Dillard

“ The Writing Life ” by Annie Dillard is a classic book on the challenges and rewards of being a writer. Dillard shares her own experiences and insights, offering honest and encouraging guidance to anyone looking to make a career out of writing. In this book, Dillard explores the difficulties and struggles involved in the writing process, as well as the joys and rewards of creating something new. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced writer, “The Writing Life” is an inspiring and insightful read.

“On Writing Well” by William Zinsser

“ On Writing Well ” by William Zinsser is one of the best books out there on writing non-fiction. Zinsser lays out guidelines for clear, concise writing, using excellent examples and insights to help writers craft engaging and compelling pieces. In this book, Zinsser covers everything from grammar and syntax to style and voice, offering practical tips and advice for anyone looking to improve their non-fiction writing skills.

“The Right to Write” by Julia Cameron

“ The Right to Write ” by Julia Cameron is an excellent resource for anyone looking to develop a consistent writing habit. Cameron offers practical tips and exercises to help writers find their voice and develop their writing skills. In this book, Cameron explores the importance of cultivating a writing practice, overcoming writer’s block, and finding inspiration in everyday life. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced writer, “The Right to Write” is an inspiring and practical guide to the writing life.

“The Writer’s Journey” by Christopher Vogler

“ The Writer’s Journey ” by Christopher Vogler is an essential guide for anyone looking to craft engaging non-fiction. Vogler teaches writers how to develop character arcs, build tension, and create compelling stories that keep readers engaged from beginning to end. Whether you’re working on a memoir, a journalistic piece, or any other type of non-fiction, “The Writer’s Journey” is a valuable resource for learning the essential elements of storytelling.

So there you have it – five of the best non-fiction writing books on the market today. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced writer, these books offer invaluable insights and tips for improving your craft and taking your writing to the next level. So pick up a copy, start reading, and get ready to take your writing to new heights!

The Verdict

There you have it, the best creative writing books for aspiring writers out there. Whether you’re passionate about writing fiction or non-fiction, these books offer valuable tips and insights into how to approach the craft. These books aren’t magical solutions to becoming a writer but are incredibly useful aids in the ongoing process of developing your skills and finding your voice. Investing time in studying these books is worth it for anyone looking to grow and develop as a writer.

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100 Must-Read, Best Books On Writing And The Writer’s Life

Nikki VanRy

Nikki VanRy is a proud resident of Arizona, where she gets to indulge her love of tacos, desert storms, and tank tops. She also writes for the Tucson Festival of Books, loves anything sci-fi/fantasy/historical, drinks too much chai, and will spend all day in bed reading thankyouverymuch. Follow her on Instagram @nikki.vanry .

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If you’re a working or aspiring writer, y ou already likely know about the classic best books on writing–King’s  On Writing,  Strunk and White’s Elements of Style– but for a craft as varied and personal as writing, you’ll always benefit from learning from more voices, with more techniques. 

That’s why this list is full of writers not only talking about the bare-bones craft of writing (and there’s plenty of fantastic advice there), but also how becoming a writer changed their lives and what role they believe writers play in an ever-changing world. From craft to writer’s lives, get ready to dig into 100 of the must-read, best books on writing for improving your own work. 

“Written with her trademark lyricism, in these signature pieces the acclaimed author of The House on Mango Street shares her transformative memories and reveals her artistic and intellectual influences. Poignant, honest, and deeply moving, A House of My Own is an exuberant celebration of a life lived to the fullest, from one of our most beloved writers.”

2.  A Little Book on Form    by Robert Hass

“Brilliantly synthesizes Hass’s formidable gifts as both a poet and a critic and reflects his profound education in the art of poetry. Starting with the exploration of a single line as the basic gesture of a poem, and moving into an examination of the essential expressive gestures that exist inside forms, Hass goes beyond approaching form as a set of traditional rules that precede composition, and instead offers penetrating insight into the true openness and instinctiveness of formal creation.”

3. A Personal Anthology by Jorge Luis Borges

“After almost a half a century of scrupulous devotion to his art, Jorge Luis Borges personally compiled this anthology of his work—short stories, essays, poems, and brief mordant ‘sketches,’ which, in Borges’s hands, take on the dimensions of a genre unique in modern letters. In this anthology, the author has put together those pieces on which he would like his reputation to rest; they are not arranged chronologically, but with an eye to their ‘sympathies and differences.'”

4.  A Room of One’s Own by Virginia Woolf

“Virginia Woolf imagines that Shakespeare had a sister—a sister equal to Shakespeare in talent, and equal in genius, but whose legacy is radically different. In this classic essay, she takes on the establishment, using her gift of language to dissect the world around her and give voice to those who are without. Her message is a simple one: women must have a fixed income and a room of their own in order to have the freedom to create.”

“Taking up specifics (When do flashbacks work, and when should you avoid them? How do you make characters both vivid and sympathetic?) and generalities (How are novels structured? How do writers establish serious literary reputations today?), Delany also examines the condition of the contemporary creative writer and how it differs from that of the writer in the years of Hemingway, Fitzgerald, and the high Modernists. Like a private writing tutorial, About Writing treats each topic with clarity and insight.”

6. The Anatomy of Story: 22 Steps to Becoming a Master Storyteller by John Truby

“Based on the lessons in his award-winning class, Great Screenwriting, The Anatomy of Story draws on a broad range of philosophy and mythology, offering fresh techniques and insightful anecdotes alongside Truby’s own unique approach to building an effective, multifaceted narrative.”

7.  Art & Fear: Observations on the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking by David Bayles and Ted Orland

“Explores the way art gets made, the reasons it often doesn’t get made, and the nature of the difficulties that cause so many artists to give up along the way. The book’s co-authors, David Bayles and Ted Orland, are themselves both working artists, grappling daily with the problems of making art in the real world. Their insights and observations, drawn from personal experience, provide an incisive view into the world of art as it is experienced by artmakers themselves.”

8.  The Art of Death by Edwidge Danticat

“At once a personal account of her mother dying from cancer and a deeply considered reckoning with the ways that other writers have approached death in their own work.”

9. The Art of Fiction: Notes on Craft for Young Writers by John Gardner

“Gardner’s lessons, exemplified with detailed excerpts from classic works of literature, sweep across a complete range of topics—from the nature of aesthetics to the shape of a refined sentence. Written with passion, precision, and a deep respect for the art of writing, Gardner’s book serves by turns as a critic, mentor, and friend. Anyone who has ever thought of taking the step from reader to writer should begin here.”

“Karr synthesizes her expertise as professor and therapy patient, writer and spiritual seeker, recovered alcoholic and ‘black belt sinner,’ providing a unique window into the mechanics and art of the form that is as irreverent, insightful, and entertaining as her own work in the genre.”

11. The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity by Julia Cameron

“The seminal book on the subject of creativity. An international bestseller, millions of readers have found it to be an invaluable guide to living the artist’s life. Still as vital today—or perhaps even more so—than it was when it was first published twenty five years ago, it is a powerfully provocative and inspiring work.”

12. Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert

“With profound empathy and radiant generosity, Gilbert offers potent insights into the mysterious nature of inspiration. She asks us to embrace our curiosity and let go of needless suffering. She shows us how to tackle what we most love, and how to face down what we most fear. She discusses the attitudes, approaches, and habits we need in order to live our most creative lives.”

13. Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott

“Lamott’s miscellany of guidance and reflection should appeal to writers struggling with demons large and slight. Among the pearls she offers is to start small, as their father once advised her 10-year-old brother, who was agonizing over a book report on birds: ‘Just take it bird by bird.’ Lamott’s suggestion on the craft of fiction is down-to-earth: worry about the characters, not the plot. “

14. Black Milk: On the Conflicting Demands of Writing, Creativity, and Motherhood by Elif Shafak

“She intersperses her own experience with the lives of prominent authors such as Sylvia Plath, Virginia Woolf, Alice Walker, Ayn Rand, and Zelda Fitzgerald, Shafak looks for a solution to the inherent conflict between artistic creation and responsible parenting. With searing emotional honesty and an incisive examination of cultural mores within patriarchal societies, Shafak has rendered an important work about literature, motherhood, and spiritual well-being.”

“Erdrich takes us on an illuminating tour through the terrain her ancestors have inhabited for centuries: the lakes and islands of southern Ontario. Summoning to life the Ojibwe’s sacred spirits and songs, their language and sorrows, she considers the many ways in which her tribe—whose name derives from the word ozhibii’ige, ‘to write'”—have influenced her. Her journey links ancient stone paintings with a magical island where a bookish recluse built an extraordinary library, and she reveals how both have transformed her.”

16. Bryson’s Dictionary of Troublesome Words: A Writer’s Guide to Getting It Right by Bill Bryson

“An essential guide to the wonderfully disordered thing that is the English language. With some one thousand entries that feature real-world examples of questionable usage from an international array of publications, and with a helpful glossary and guide to pronunciation, this precise, prescriptive, and–because it is written by Bill Bryson–often witty book belongs on the desk of every person who cares enough about the language not to maul or misuse or distort it.”

17. Bullies, Bastards and Bitches: How to Write the Bad Guys of Fiction by Jessica Morrell 

“A truly memorable antagonist is not a one-dimensional super villain bent on world domination for no particular reason. Realistic, credible bad guys create essential story complications, personalize conflict, add immediacy to a story line, and force the protagonist to evolve.”

18. Crazy Brave: A Memoir by Joy Harjo

“In this transcendent memoir, grounded in tribal myth and ancestry, music and poetry, Joy Harjo, one of our leading Native American voices, details her journey to becoming a poet. Narrating the complexities of betrayal and love, Crazy Brave is a memoir about family and the breaking apart necessary in finding a voice.”

19. Eats, Shoots & Leaves: The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation by Lynne Truss

“Former editor Lynne Truss, gravely concerned about our current grammatical state, boldly defends proper punctuation. She proclaims, in her delightfully urbane, witty, and very English way, that it is time to look at our commas and semicolons and see them as the wonderful and necessary things they are.”

“You know the authors’ names. You recognize the title. You’ve probably used this book yourself. This is The Elements of Style , the classic style manual. This book’s unique tone, wit and charm have conveyed the principles of English style to millions of readers. Use the fourth edition of ‘the little book’ to make a big impact with writing.”

21. The Emotional Craft of Fiction: How to Write the Story Beneath the Surface by Donald Maass

“Veteran literary agent and expert fiction instructor Donald Maass shows you how to use story to provoke a visceral and emotional experience in readers. Readers can simply read a novel…or they can experience it. The Emotional Craft of Fiction shows you how to make that happen.”

22. Everybody Writes: Your Go-To Guide to Creating Ridiculously Good Content by Ann Handley

“A  go-to guide to attracting and retaining customers through stellar online communication, because in our content-driven world, every one of us is, in fact, a writer. If you have a web site, you are a publisher. If you are on social media, you are in marketing. And that means that we are all relying on our words to carry our marketing messages. We are all writers.”

23. The First Five Pages: A Writer’s Guide to Staying Out of the Rejection Pile by Noah Lukeman

“With exercises at the end of each chapter, this invaluable reference will allow novelists, journalists, poets and screenwriters alike to improve their technique as they learn to eliminate even the most subtle mistakes that are cause for rejection. The First Five Pages will help writers at every stage take their art to a higher — and more successful — level.”

24. The Forest for the Trees: An Editor’s Advice to Writers by Betsy Lerner

“From blank page to first glowing (or gutting) review, Betsy Lerner is a knowing and sympathetic coach who helps writers discover how they can be more productive in the creative process and how they can better their odds of not only getting published, but getting published well.”

“ Free Within Ourselves is is meant to be a song of encouragement for African-American artists and visionaries. A step-by-step introduction to fictional technique, exploring story ideas, and charting one’s progress, as well as a resource guide for publishing fiction.”

26. Getting Into Character: Seven Secrets a Novelist Can Learn From Actors by Brandilyn Collins 

“Want to bring characters to life on the page as vividly as fine actors do on the stage or screen? Getting Into Character will give you a whole new way of thinking about your writing. Drawing on the Method Acting theory that theater professionals have used for decades, this in-depth guide explains seven characterization techniques and adapts them for the novelist’s use.”

27. The Heart of a Woman by Maya Angelou

“In The Heart of a Woman , Maya Angelou leaves California with her son, Guy, to move to New York. There she enters the society and world of black artists and writers, reads her work at the Harlem Writers Guild, and begins to take part in the struggle of black Americans for their rightful place in the world.”

28. If You Want to Write by Brenda Ueland

“In this book, Ueland shares her philosophies on writing and life in general. She stresses the idea that ‘Everyone is talented, original, and has something important to say.’ Drawing heavily on the work and influence of William Blake, she suggests that writers should ‘Try to discover your true, honest, un-theoretical self.’ She sums up her book with 12 points to keep in mind while writing. Carl Sandburg called If You Want to Write the best book ever written on how to write.”

29. Immersion: A Writer’s Guide to Going Deep by Ted Conover

“Conover distills decades of knowledge into an accessible resource aimed at writers of all levels. He covers how to “get into” a community, how to conduct oneself once inside, and how to shape and structure the stories that emerge. Conover is also forthright about the ethics and consequences of immersion reporting, preparing writers for the surprises that often surface when their piece becomes public.”

“On a post-college visit to Florence, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jhumpa Lahiri fell in love with the Italian language. Twenty years later, seeking total immersion, she and her family relocated to Rome, where she began to read and write solely in her adopted tongue. A startling act of self-reflection, In Other Words is Lahiri’s meditation on the process of learning to express herself in another language—and the stunning journey of a writer seeking a new voice.”

31. In Search of Our Mothers’ Gardens: Womanist Prose by Alice Walker 

“Alice Walker speaks out as a black woman, writer, mother, and feminist, in thirty-six pieces ranging from the personal to the political. Here are essays about Walker’s own work and that of other writers, accounts of the civil rights movement of the 1960s and the antinuclear movement of the 1980s, and a vivid, courageous memoir of a scarring childhood injury.”

32. It Was the Best of Sentences, It Was the Worst of Sentences: A Writer’s Guide to Crafting Killer Sentences by June Casagrande

“Great writing isn’t born, it’s built—sentence by sentence. But too many writers—and writing guides—overlook this most important unit. The result? Manuscripts that will never be published and writing careers that will never begin. So roll up your sleeves and prepare to craft one bold, effective sentence after another. Your readers will thank you.”

33. The Kick-Ass Writer: 1001 Ways to Write Great Fiction, Get Published, and Earn Your Audience by Chuck Wendig

“The journey to become a successful writer is long, fraught with peril, and filled with difficult questions: How do I write dialogue? How do I build suspense? What should I know about query letters? Where do I start? The best way to answer these questions is to ditch your uncertainty and transform yourself into a KICK-ASS writer.”

34. The Language of Fiction: A Writer’s Stylebook by Brian Shawver

“Grand themes and complex plots are just the beginning of a great piece of fiction. Mastering the nuts and bolts of grammar and prose mechanics is also an essential part of becoming a literary artist. This indispensable guide, created just for writers of fiction, will show you how to take your writing to the next level by exploring the finer points of language.”

“Finally, a truly creative―and hilarious―guide to creative writing, full of encouragement and sound advice. Provocative and reassuring, nurturing and wise, The Lie That Tells a Truth is essential to writers in general, fiction writers in particular, beginning writers, serious writers, and anyone facing a blank page.”

36. The Magic Words: Writing Great Books for Children and Young Adults by Cheryl Klein

“Editor Cheryl B. Klein guides writers on an enjoyable and practical-minded voyage of their own, from developing a saleable premise for a novel to finding a dream agent. She delves deep into the major elements of fiction―intention, character, plot, and voice―while addressing important topics like diversity, world-building, and the differences between middle-grade and YA novels.”

37. Making a Good Script Great by Linda Seger 

“Making a good script great is more than just a matter of putting a good idea on paper. It requires the working and reworking of that idea. This book takes you through the whole screenwriting process – from initial concept through final rewrite – providing specific methods that will help you craft tighter, stronger, and more saleable scripts.”

38. Memoirs   by Pablo Neruda

“In his uniquely expressive prose, Neruda not only explains his views on poetry and describes the circumstances that inspired many of his poems, but he creates a revealing record of his life as a poet, a patriot, and one of the twentieth century’s true men of conscience.”

39. The Modern Library Writer’s Workshop: A Guide to the Craft of Fiction by Stephen Koch

“Stephen Koch, former chair of Columbia University’s graduate creative writing program, presents a unique guide to the craft of fiction. Along with his own lucid observations and commonsense techniques, he weaves together wisdom, advice, and inspiring commentary from some of our greatest writers.”

“Packed with insights and advice both practical (‘writing workshops you pay for are the best–it’s too easy to quit when you’ve made no investment’) and irreverent (‘apply Part A [butt] to Part B [chair]’). Naked, Drunk, and Writing is a must-have if you are an aspiring columnist, essayist, or memoirist—or just a writer who needs a bit of help in getting your story told.”

41. Negotiating with the Dead: A Writer on Writing by Margaret Atwood

“In this wise and irresistibly quotable book, one of the most intelligent writers working in English addresses the riddle of her art: why people pursue it, how they view their calling, and what bargains they make with their audience, both real and imagined. To these fascinating issues Booker Prize-winner Margaret Atwood brings a candid appraisal of her own experience as well as a breadth of reading that encompasses everything from Dante to Elmore Leonard.”

42. On Writing by Eudora Welty 

“Eudora Welty was one of the twentieth century’s greatest literary figures. For as long as students have been studying her fiction as literature, writers have been looking to her to answer the profound questions of what makes a story good, a novel successful, a writer an artist.”

43. On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King

“Part memoir, part master class by one of the bestselling authors of all time, this superb volume is a revealing and practical view of the writer’s craft, comprising the basic tools of the trade every writer must have.”

44. On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction by William Zinsser

“Whether you want to write about people or places, science and technology, business, sports, the arts or about yourself in the increasingly popular memoir genre, On Writing Well offers you fundamental principles as well as the insights of a distinguished writer and teacher.”

“Based on the Zen philosophy that we learn more from our failures than from our successes, One Continuous Mistake teaches a refreshing new method for writing as spiritual practice. Here she introduces a method of discipline that applies specific Zen practices to enhance and clarify creative work. She also discusses bodily postures that support writing, how to set up the appropriate writing regimen, and how to discover one’s own ‘learning personality.'”

46. Outlining Your Novel: Map Your Way to Success by K.M. Weiland

“Writers often look upon outlines with fear and trembling. But when properly understood and correctly wielded, the outline is one of the most powerful weapons in a writer’s arsenal.”

47. The Paris Review Interviews, Vols. 1-4 by The Paris Review

“For more than half a century, The Paris Review has conducted in-depth interviews with our leading novelists, poets, and playwrights. These revealing, revelatory self-portraits have come to be recognized as themselves classic works of literature, and an essential and definitive record of the writing life.”

48. The Poet’s Companion: A Guide to the Pleasures of Writing Poetry by Kim Addonizio and Dorianne Laux

“Presents brief essays on the elements of poetry, technique, and suggested subjects for writing, each followed by distinctive writing exercises. The ups and downs of writing life―including self-doubt and writer’s block―are here, along with tips about getting published and writing in the electronic age.”

49. The Poetry Home Repair Manual: Practical Advice for Beginning Poets by Ted Kooser

“Using examples from his own rich literary oeuvre and from the work of a number of successful contemporary poets, the author schools us in the critical relationship between poet and reader, which is fundamental to what Kooser believes is poetry’s ultimate purpose: to reach other people and touch their hearts.”

“Have you always wanted to get an MFA, but couldn’t because of the cost, time commitment, or admission requirements? Well now you can fulfill that dream without having to devote tons of money or time. The Portable MFA gives you all of the essential information you would learn in the MFA program in one book.”

51. Paula: A Memoir by Isabel Allende

“Irony and marvelous flights of fantasy mix with the icy reality of Paula’s deathly illness as Allende sketches childhood scenes in Chile and Lebanon; her uncle Salvatore Allende’s reign and ruin as Chilean president; her struggles to shake off or find love; and her metamorphosis into a writer.”

52. Pen on Fire: A Busy Woman’s Guide to Igniting the Writer Within by Barbara DeMarco-Barrett

“In her fifteen years of teaching, Barbara DeMarco-Barrett has found that the biggest stumbling block for aspiring writers (especially women) is not fear of the blank page but frustration with the lack of time. What woman doesn’t have too much to do and too little time? Finding an hour free of work, children, or obligations can seem impossible.”

53. Pixar Storytelling: Rules for Effective Storytelling Based on Pixar’s Greatest Films   by Dean Movshovitz

“ Pixar Storytelling is about effective storytelling rules based on Pixar’s greatest films. The book consists of ten chapters, each of which explores an aspect of storytelling that Pixar excels at. Learn what Pixar’s core story ideas all have in common, how they create compelling, moving conflict and what makes their films’ resolutions so emotionally satisfying.”

54. Plot & Structure: Techniques and Exercises for Crafting a Plot That Grips Readers from Start to Finish by James Scott Bell 

“How does plot influence story structure? What’s the difference between plotting for commercial and literary fiction? How do you revise a plot or structure that’s gone off course? With Write Great Fiction: Plot & Structure , you’ll discover the answers to these questions and more. Award-winning author James Scott Bell offers clear, concise information that will help you create a believable and memorable plot.”

“In this essay of literary autobiography, V. S. Naipaul sifts through memories of his childhood in Trinidad, his university days in England, and his earliest attempts at writing, seeking the experiences of life and reading that shaped his imagination and his growth as a writer.”

56. Reading Like a Writer: A Guide for People Who Love Books and for Those Who Want to Write Them by Francine Prose

“Long before there were creative-writing workshops and degrees, how did aspiring writers learn to write? By reading the work of their predecessors and contemporaries, says Francine Prose. In Reading Like a Writer , Prose invites you to sit by her side and take a guided tour of the tools and the tricks of the masters.”

57. Romancing the Beat: Story Structure for Romance Novels (How to Write Kissing Books) by Gwen Hayes

“ Romancing the Beat is a recipe, not a rigid system. The beats don’t care if you plot or outline before you write, or if you pants your way through the drafts and do a ‘beat check’ when you’re revising. Pantsers and plotters are both welcome. So sit down, grab a cuppa, and let’s talk about kissing books.”

58. Save the Cat! The Last Book on Screenwriting You’ll Ever Need by Blake Snyder

“This ultimate insider’s guide reveals the secrets that none dare admit, told by a show biz veteran who’s proven that you can sell your script if you can save the cat!”

59. Scratch: Writers, Money, and the Art of Making a Living by Manjula Martin 

“In the literary world, the debate around writing and commerce often begs us to take sides: either writers should be paid for everything they do or writers should just pay their dues and count themselves lucky to be published. It’s an endless, confusing, and often controversial conversation that, despite our bare-it-all culture, still remains taboo. In Scratch , Manjula Martin has gathered interviews and essays from established and rising authors to confront the age-old question: how do creative people make money?”

“From concept to character, from opening scene to finished script, here are easily understood guidelines to help aspiring screenwriters—from novices to practiced writers—hone their craft.”

61. Singing School: Learning to Write (And Read) Poetry by Studying with the Masters by Robert Pinsky

“Quick, joyful, and playfully astringent, with surprising comparisons and examples, this collection takes an unconventional approach to the art of poetry. Instead of rules, theories, or recipes, Singing School emphasizes ways to learn from great work: studying magnificent, monumentally enduring poems and how they are made— in terms borrowed from the ‘singing school’ of William Butler Yeats’s ‘Sailing to Byzantium.'”

62. The Situation and the Story: The Art of Personal Narrative by Vivian Gornick

“Taking us on a reading tour of some of the best memoirs and essays of the past hundred years, Gornick traces the changing idea of self that has dominated the century, and demonstrates the enduring truth-speaker to be found in the work of writers as diverse as Edmund Gosse, Joan Didion, Oscar Wilde, James Baldwin, or Marguerite Duras.”

63. Slay the Dragon: Writing Great Video Games by Robert Denton Bryant and Keith Giglio

“Writing for the multibillion-dollar video-game industry is unlike writing for any other medium. Slay the Dragon will help you understand the challenges and offer creative solutions to writing for a medium where the audience not only demands a great story, but to be a driving force within it.”

64. Something to Declare by Julia Alvarez

“From the internationally acclaimed author of the bestselling novels In the Time of the Butterflies and How the García Girls Lost Their Accents comes a rich and revealing work of nonfiction capturing the life and mind of an artist as she knits together the dual themes of coming to America and becoming a writer.”

“This handbook is a short, deceptively simple guide to the craft of writing. Le Guin lays out ten chapters that address the most fundamental components of narrative, from the sound of language to sentence construction to point of view.”

66. Stein On Writing: A Master Editor of Some of the Most Successful Writers of Our Century Shares His Craft Techniques and Strategies by Sol Stein 

“With examples from bestsellers as well as from students’ drafts, Stein offers detailed sections on characterization, dialogue, pacing, flashbacks, trimming away flabby wording, the so-called ‘triage’ method of revision, using the techniques of fiction to enliven nonfiction, and more.”

67. Story Genius: How to Use Brain Science to Go Beyond Outlining and Write a Riveting Novel by Lisa Cron

“Takes you, step-by-step, through the creation of a novel from the first glimmer of an idea, to a complete multilayered blueprint—including fully realized scenes—that evolves into a first draft with the authority, richness, and command of a riveting sixth or seventh draft.”

68. Story Trumps Structure: How to Write Unforgettable Fiction by Breaking the Rules by Steven James

“All too often, following the ‘rules’ of writing can constrict rather than inspire you. With Story Trumps Structure , you can shed those rules – about three-act structure, rising action, outlining, and more – to craft your most powerful, emotional, and gripping stories.”

69. The Storytelling Animal: How Stories Make Us Human by Jonathan Gottschall

“Humans live in landscapes of make-believe. We spin fantasies. We devour novels, films, and plays. Even sporting events and criminal trials unfold as narratives. Yet the world of story has long remained an undiscovered and unmapped country. Now Jonathan Gottschall offers the first unified theory of storytelling. He argues that stories help us navigate life’s complex social problems–just as flight simulators prepare pilots for difficult situations. Storytelling has evolved, like other behaviors, to ensure our survival.”

“When it comes to writing books, are you a ‘plotter’ or a ‘pantser’? Is one method really better than the other? In this instructional book, author Libbie Hawker explains the benefits and technique of planning a story before you begin to write.”

71. TED Talks Storytelling: 23 Storytelling Techniques from the Best TED Talks by Akash Karia

“Essentially, the best speakers on the TED stage were the ones who had mastered the art of storytelling. They had mastered how to craft and present their stories in a way that allowed them to share their message with the world without seeming like they were lecturing their audience.”

72. This Is The Story of a Happy Marriage by Ann Patchett

“Blending literature and memoir, Ann Patchett, author of State of Wonder, Run, and Bel Canto , examines her deepest commitments—to writing, family, friends, dogs, books, and her husband—creating a resonant portrait of a life in This is the Story of a Happy Marriage. “

73. This Year You Write Your Novel by Walter Mosley

“No more excuses. ‘Let the lawn get shaggy and the paint peel from the walls,’ bestselling novelist Walter Mosley advises. Anyone can write a novel now, and in this essential book of tips, practical advice, and wisdom, Walter Mosley promises that the writer-in-waiting can finish it in one year.”

74. Thrill Me: Essays on Fiction by Benjamin Percy

“In fifteen essays on the craft of fiction, Percy looks to disparate sources such as Jaws , Blood Meridian, and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo to discover how contemporary writers engage issues of plot, suspense, momentum, and the speculative, as well as character, setting, and dialogue. An urgent and entertaining missive on craft, Thrill Me brims with Percy’s distinctive blend of anecdotes, advice, and close reading, all in the service of one dictum: Thrill the reader.”

“Combining more than forty years of lessons from his storied career as a writer and professor, Lopate brings us this highly anticipated nuts-and-bolts guide to writing literary nonfiction. A phenomenal master class shaped by Lopate’s informative, accessible tone and immense gift for storytelling, To Show and To Tell reads like a long walk with a favorite professor—refreshing, insightful, and encouraging in often unexpected ways.”

76. The Tough Guide to Fantasyland: The Essential Guide to Fantasy Travel by Diana Wynne Jones

“Imagine that all fantasy novels—the ones featuring dragons, knights, wizards, and magic—are set in the same place. That place is called Fantasyland. The Tough Guide to Fantasyland is your travel guide, a handbook to everything you might find: Evil, the Dark Lord, Stew, Boots (but not Socks), and what passes for Economics and Ecology. Both a hilarious send-up of the cliches of the genre and an indispensable guide for writers.”

77. Unless It Moves the Human Heart: The Craft and Art of Writing by Roger Rosenblatt

“The revered novelist, essayist, playwright, and respected writing teacher offers a guidebook for aspiring authors, a memoir, and an impassioned argument for the necessity of writing in our world.”

78. Upstream by Mary Oliver

“Throughout this collection, Oliver positions not just herself upstream but us as well as she encourages us all to keep moving, to lose ourselves in the awe of the unknown, and to give power and time to the creative and whimsical urges that live within us.”

79. Video Game Storytelling: What Every Developer Needs to Know about Narrative Techniques by Evan Skolnick 

“Game writer and producer Evan Skolnick provides a comprehensive yet easy-to-follow guide to storytelling basics and how they can be applied at every stage of the development process—by all members of the team.”

“In this classic book, Madeleine L’Engle addresses the questions, What makes art Christian? What does it mean to be a Christian artist? What is the relationship between faith and art? Through L’Engle’s beautiful and insightful essay, readers will find themselves called to what the author views as the prime tasks of an artist: to listen, to remain aware, and to respond to creation through one’s own art.”

81. The Way of the Writer: Reflections on the Art and Craft of Storytelling by Charles Johnson

“Johnson shares his lessons and exercises from the classroom, starting with word choice, sentence structure, and narrative voice, and delving into the mechanics of scene, dialogue, plot and storytelling before exploring the larger questions at stake for the serious writer. What separates literature from industrial fiction? What lies at the heart of the creative impulse? How does one navigate the literary world? And how are philosophy and fiction concomitant?”

82. What I Talk About When I Talk About Running by Haruki Murakami

“While simply training for New York City Marathon would be enough for most people, Haruki Murakami’s decided to write about it as well. The result is a beautiful memoir about his intertwined obsessions with running and writing, full of vivid memories and insights, including the eureka moment when he decided to become a writer.”

83. What Moves at the Margin by Toni Morrison

“Collects three decades of Toni Morrison’s writings about her work, her life, literature, and American society. The works included in this volume range from 1971, when Morrison was a new editor at Random House and a beginning novelist, to 2002 when she was a professor at Princeton University and Nobel Laureate. These works provide a unique glimpse into Morrison’s viewpoint as an observer of the world, the arts, and the changing landscape of American culture.”

84. Where the Past Begins: A Writer’s Memoir by Amy Tan 

“By delving into vivid memories of her traumatic childhood, confessions of self-doubt in her journals, and heartbreaking letters to and from her mother, she gives evidence to all that made it both unlikely and inevitable that she would become a writer. Through spontaneous storytelling, she shows how a fluid fictional state of mind unleashed near-forgotten memories that became the emotional nucleus of her novels.”

“This all-new definitive guide to writing imaginative fiction takes a completely novel approach and fully exploits the visual nature of fantasy through original drawings, maps, renderings, and exercises to create a spectacularly beautiful and inspiring object.”

86. Woolgathering by Patti Smith

“A great book about becoming an artist, Woolgathering tells of a youngster finding herself as she learns the noble vocation of woolgathering, ‘a worthy calling that seemed a good job for me.’ She discovers―often at night, often in nature―the pleasures of rescuing ‘a fleeting thought.’ Deeply moving, Woolgathering calls up our own memories, as the child ‘glimpses and gleans, piecing together a crazy quilt of truths.'”

87. Words for Pictures: The Art and Business of Writing Comics and Graphic Novels by Brian Michael Bendis

“One of the most popular writers in modern comics, Brian Michael Bendis reveals the tools and techniques he and other top creators use to create some of the most popular comic book and graphic novel stories of all time.”

88. Write Naked: A Bestseller’s Secrets to Writing Romance & Navigating the Path to Success by Jennifer Probst

“Learn how to transform your passion for writing into a career. New York Times best-selling author Jennifer Probst reveals her pathway to success, from struggling as a new writer to signing a seven-figure deal. Write Naked intermingles personal essays on craft with down-to-earth advice on writing romance in the digital age.”

89. Write Your Novel in a Month: How to Complete a First Draft in 30 Days and What to Do Next by Jeff Gerke

“Author and instructor Jeff Gerke has created the perfect tool to show you how to prepare yourself to write your first draft in as little as 30 days. With Jeff’s help, you will learn how to organize your ideas, create dynamic stories, develop believable characters, and flesh out the idea narrative for your novel–and not just for the rapid-fire first draft.”

“Explores the powerful relationship between mythology and storytelling in a clear, concise style that’s made it required reading for movie executives, screenwriters, playwrights, scholars, and fans of pop culture all over the world.”

91. Writer’s Market 2018: The Most Trusted Guide to Getting Published by Robert Lee Brewer

“Want to get published and paid for your writing? Let Writer’s Market guide you through the process with thousands of publishing opportunities for writers, including listings for book publishers, consumer and trade magazines, contests and awards, and literary agents. These listings feature contact and submission information to help writers get their work published.”

92. Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within by Natalie Goldberg

“For more than thirty years Natalie Goldberg has been challenging and cheering on writers with her books and workshops. In her groundbreaking first book, she brings together Zen meditation and writing in a new way. Writing practice, as she calls it, is no different from other forms of Zen practice—’it is backed by two thousand years of studying the mind.'”

93. Writing Hard Stories: Celebrated Memoirists Who Shaped Art from Trauma by Melanie Brooks

“What does it take to write an honest memoir? And what happens to us when we embark on that journey? Melanie Brooks sought guidance from the memoirists who most moved her to answer these questions. Called an essential book for creative writers by Poets & Writers, Writing Hard Stories is a unique compilation of authentic stories about the death of a partner, parent, or child; about violence and shunning; and about the process of writing.”

94. The Writing Life by Annie Dillard

“Slender though it is, The Writing Life richly conveys the torturous, tortuous, and in rare moments, transcendent existence of the writer. Amid moving accounts of her own writing (and life) experiences, Dillard also manages to impart wisdom to other writers, wisdom having to do with passion and commitment and taking the work seriously.”

“Culled from ten years of the distinguished Washington Post column of the same name, The Writing Life highlights an eclectic group of luminaries who have wildly varied stories to tell, but who share this singularly beguiling career. Here are their pleasures as well as their peeves; revelations of their deepest fears; dramas of triumphs and failures; insights into the demands and rewards.”

96. Writing Magic: Creating Stories That Fly by Gail Caron Levine

“Gail Carson Levine shows how you can get terrific ideas for stories, invent great beginnings and endings, write sparkling dialogue, develop memorable characters—and much, much more. She advises you about what to do when you feel stuck—and how to use helpful criticism. Best of all, she offers writing exercises that will set your imagination on fire.”

97. Writing Tools: 55 Essential Strategies for Every Writer by Roy Peter Clark 

“Ten years ago, Roy Peter Clark, America’s most influential writing teacher, whittled down almost thirty years of experience in journalism, writing, and teaching into a series of fifty short essays on different aspects of writing. In the past decade, Writing Tools has become a classic guidebook for novices and experts alike and remains one of the best loved books on writing available.”

98. Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand In the Sun and Be Your Own Person by Shonda Rhimes

“This poignant, intimate, and hilarious memoir explores Shonda’s life before her Year of Yes —from her nerdy, book-loving childhood to her devotion to creating television characters who reflected the world she saw around her. The book chronicles her life after her Year of Yes had begun—when Shonda forced herself out of the house and onto the stage; when she learned to explore, empower, applaud, and love her truest self. Yes.”

99. Your Creative Writing Masterclass by Jergen Wolff

“If you dream of being a writer, why not learn from the best? In Your Creative Writing Masterclass you’ll find ideas, techniques and encouragement from the most admired and respected contemporary and classic authors, including Charles Dickens, Jane Austen and Anton Chekhov.”

“Part memoir, part philosophical guide, the essays in this book teach the joy of writing. Rather than focusing on the mechanics of putting words on paper, Bradbury’s zen is found in the celebration of storytelling that drove him to write every day. Imparting lessons he has learned over the course of his exuberant career, Bradbury inspires with his infectious enthusiasm.”

Writing is a big messy topic, so obviously I’ll have missed some of your favorite and best books on writing. Make sure to hit the comments to talk about your favorite books about the writing life and craft. Find more of our posts on the writing life here .

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Blog • Perfecting your Craft

Last updated on May 31, 2022

The 40 Best Books About Writing: A Reading List for Authors

For this post, we’ve scoured the web (so you don’t have to) and asked our community of writers for recommendations on some indispensable books about writing. We've filled this list with dozens of amazing titles, all of which are great — but this list might seem intimidating. So for starters, here are our top 10 books about writing:

• On Writing by Stephen King
• The Kick-Ass Writer by Chuck Wendig
• Dreyer’s Englis h by Benjamin Dreyer
• The Elements of Style by Strunk, White, and Kalman
• The Story Grid by Shawn Coyne
• A Swim in a Pond in the Rain by George Saunders
• Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott
• Mouth Full of Blood by Toni Morrison
• How to Market a Book by Ricardo Fayet
• On Writing Well by William Zinsser

But if you're ready to get into the weeds, here are 40 of our favorite writing books.

Books about becoming a writer

1. on writing by stephen king.

Perhaps the most-cited book on this list, On Writing is part-memoir, part-masterclass from one of America’s leading authors. Come for the vivid accounts of his childhood and youth — including his extended "lost weekend" spent on alcohol and drugs in the 1980s. Stay for the actionable advice on how to use your emotions and experiences to kickstart your writing, hone your skills, and become an author. Among the many craft-based tips are King’s expert takes on plot, story, character, and more.

From the book: “Amateurs sit and wait for inspiration, the rest of us just get up and go to work.” 

2. The Kick-Ass Writer by Chuck Wendig

If you haven’t checked out Wendig’s personal blog, head over there now and bookmark it. Unfiltered, profane, and almost always right, Wendig’s become a leading voice among online writing communities in the past few years. In The Kick-Ass Writer , he offers over 1,000 pearls of wisdom for authors, ranging from express writing tips to guidance on getting published. Written to be read in short bursts, we’re sure he’d agree that this is the perfect bathroom book for writers.

From the book: “I have been writing professionally for a lucky-despite-the-number 13 years. Not once — seriously, not once ever — has anyone ever asked me where I got my writing degree… Nobody gives two ferrets fornicating in a filth-caked gym sock whether or not you have a degree… The only thing that matters is, Can you write well? ” 

3. Find Your Voice by Angie Thomas

Taking advice from famous authors is not about imitation, but about finding your own voice . Take it from someone who knows: Thomas is the New York Times #1 Bestselling author of The Hate U Give , On the Come Up , and Concrete Rose . While she’s found her calling in YA literature , she has plenty of insight into finding your own voice in your genre of choice. Written in the form of a guided journal, this volume comes with step-by-step instructions, writing prompts, and exercises especially aimed at helping younger creatives develop the strength and skills to realize their vision.

From the book: “Write fearlessly. Write what is true and real to you.” 

4. The Forest for the Trees by Betsy Lerner

Since its publication in 2000, The Forest for the Trees has remained an essential resource for authors at various stages in their careers. As an editor, Lerner gives advice not only on producing quality content, but also on how to build your career as an author and develop a winning routine — like how writers can be more productive in their creative process, how to get published , and how to publish well . 

From the book: “The world doesn't fully make sense until the writer has secured his version of it on the page. And the act of writing is strangely more lifelike than life.”

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5. How to Write Like Tolstoy by Richard Cohen

From the book: “Great writers can be inhibiting, and maybe after one has read a Scott Fitzgerald or Henry James one can’t escape imitat­ing them; but more often such writers are inspiring.”

6. Feel Free: Essays by Zadie Smith

Smith is well-known for her fiction, but she is also a prolific essay writer. In Feel Free , she has gathered several essays on recent cultural and political developments and combined them with experiences from her own life and career. In “The I Who Is Not Me”, she explores how her own lived experience comes into play in her fiction writing, and how she manages to extrapolate that to comment on contemporary social contexts, discussing race, class, and ethnicity.

From the book: “Writing exists (for me) at the intersection of three precarious, uncertain elements: language, the world, the self. The first is never wholly mine; the second I can only ever know in a partial sense; the third is a malleable and improvised response to the previous two.”

Books about language and style 

7. dreyer’s english by benjamin dreyer.

A staple book about writing well, Dreyer’s English serves as a one-stop guide to proper English, based on the knowledge that Dreyer — a senior copy editor at Random House — has accumulated throughout his career. From punctuation to tricky homophones, passive voice, and commas, the goal of these tools should be to facilitate effective communication of ideas and thoughts. Dreyer delivers this and then some, but not without its due dosage of humor and informative examples. 

From the book: “A good sentence, I find myself saying frequently, is one that the reader can follow from beginning to end, no matter how long it is, without having to double back in confusion because the writer misused or omitted a key piece of punctuation, chose a vague or misleading pronoun, or in some other way engaged in inadvertent misdirection.”

8. The Elements of Style (Illustrated) by William Strunk, Jr., E. B. White, and Maira Kalman

A perfect resource for visual learners, this illustrated edition of The Elements of Style has taken the classic style manual to a new, more accessible level but kept its main tenet intact: make every word tell. The written content by Strunk and White has long been referred to as an outline of the basic principles of style. Maira Kalman’s illustrations elevate the experience and make it a feast for both the mind and the eye. 

From the book: “A sentence should contain no unnecessary words, a paragraph no unnecessary sentences, for the same reason that a drawing should have no unnecessary lines and a machine no unnecessary parts.”

9. Sin and Syntax by Constance Hale

If you’re looking to bring a bit of spunk into your writing, copy editor Constance Hale may hold the key . Whether you’re writing a work-related email or the next rap anthem, she has one goal: to make creative communication available to everyone by dispelling old writing myths and making every word count. Peppered with writing prompts and challenges, this book will have you itching to put pen to paper.

From the book: “Verbose is not a synonym for literary.”

10. The Sense of Style by Steven Pinker

Combining entertainment with intellectual pursuit, Pinker, a cognitive scientist and dictionary consultant, explores and rethinks language usage in the 21st century . With illustrative examples of both great and not-so-great linguistic constructions, Pinker breaks down the art of writing and gives a gentle but firm nudge in the right direction, towards coherent yet stylish prose. This is not a polemic on the decay of the English language, nor a recitation of pet peeves, but a thoughtful, challenging, and practical take on the science of communication. 

From the book: “Why is so much writing so bad, and how can we make it better? Is the English language being corrupted by texting and social media? Do the kids today even care about good writing—and why should we care?”

11. Eats, Shoots, & Leaves: The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation by Lynne Truss

From the book: “A panda walks into a cafe. He orders a sandwich, eats it, then draws a gun and fires two shots in the air. "Why?" asks the confused waiter, as the panda makes towards the exit. The panda produces a badly punctuated wildlife annual and tosses it over his shoulder. "I'm a panda," he says, at the door. "Look it up." The waiter turns to the relevant entry and, sure enough, finds an explanation. Panda. Large black-and-white bear-like mammal, native to China. Eats, shoots and leaves.”

Books about story structure

12. save the cat by blake snyder.

Best known as a screenwriting manual, Save the Cat! is just as often named by authors as one of their most influential books about writing. The title comes from the tried-and-true trope of the protagonist doing something heroic in the first act (such as saving a cat) in order to win over the audience. Yes, it might sound trite to some — but others swear by its bulletproof beat sheet. More recently, there has been Save the Cat! Writes a Novel , which tailors its principles specifically to the literary crowd. (For a concise breakdown of the beat sheet, check this post out!)

From the book: “Because liking the person we go on a journey with is the single most important element in drawing us into the story.” 

13. The Story Grid by Shawn Coyne

Shawn Coyne is a veteran editor with over 25 years of publishing experience, and he knows exactly what works and what doesn’t in a story — indeed, he’s pretty much got it down to a science. The Story Grid: What Good Editors Know outlines Coyne’s original “Story Grid” evaluation technique, which both writers and editors can use to appraise, revise, and ultimately improve their writing (in order to get it ready for publication). Coyne and his friend Tim Grahl also co-host the acclaimed Story Grid podcast , another great resource for aspiring writers.

From the book: “The Story Grid is a tool with many applications. It pinpoints problems but does not emotionally abuse the writer… it is a tool to re-envision and resuscitate a seemingly irredeemable pile of paper stuck in an attack drawer, and it can inspire an original creation.”

14. Story Structure Architect by Victoria Schmidt

For those who find the idea of improvising utterly terrifying and prefer the security of structures, this book breaks down just about every kind of story structure you’ve ever heard of. Victoria Schmidt offers no less than fifty-five different creative paths for your story to follow — some of which are more unconventional, or outright outlandish than others. The level of detail here is pretty staggering: Schmidt goes into the various conflicts, subplots, and resolutions these different story structures entail — with plenty of concrete examples! Suffice to say that no matter what kind of story you’re writing, you’ll find a blueprint for it in Story Structure Architect .

From the book: “When you grow up in a Westernized culture, the traditional plot structure becomes so embedded in your subconscious that you may have to work hard to create a plot structure that deviates from it… Understand this and keep your mind open when reading [this book]. Just because a piece doesn’t conform to the model you are used to, does not make it bad or wrong.”

15. The Writer's Journey  by Christopher Vogler

Moving on, we hone in on the mythic structure. Vogler’s book, originally published in 1992, is now a modern classic of writing advice; though intended as a screenwriting textbook, its contents apply to any story of mythic proportions. In The Writer’s Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers , Vogler takes a page (literally) from Joseph Campbell’s Hero of a Thousand Faces to ruminate upon the most essential narrative structures and character archetypes of the writing craft. So if you’re thinking of drawing up an epic fantasy series full of those tropes we all know and love, this guide should be right up your alley.

From the book: “The Hero’s Journey is not an invention, but an observation. It is a recognition of a beautiful design… It’s difficult to avoid the sensation that the Hero’s Journey exists somewhere, somehow, as an external reality, a Platonic ideal form, a divine model. From this model, infinite and highly varied copies can be produced, each resonating with the essential spirit of the form.”

16. Story Genius by Lisa Cron

From the book: “We don't turn to story to escape reality. We turn to story to navigate reality.”

17. A Swim in a Pond in the Rain by George Saunders

More than just a New York Times bestseller and the winner of the Booker Prize, A Swim in a Pond in the Rain is a distillation of the MFA class on Russian short stories that Saunders has been teaching. Breaking down narrative functions and why we become immersed in a story, this is a must-read for anyone wanting to understand and nurture our continued need for fiction.

From the book: “We’re going to enter seven fastidiously constructed scale models of the world, made for a specific purpose that our time maybe doesn’t fully endorse but that these writers accepted implicitly as the aim of art—namely, to ask the big questions, questions like, How are we supposed to be living down here? What were we put here to accomplish? What should we value? What is truth, anyway, and how might we recognize it?”

Books about overcoming obstacles as a writer

18. bird by bird by anne lamott .

Like Stephen King’s book about writing craft, this work from acclaimed novelist and nonfiction writer Anne Lamott also fuses elements of a memoir with invaluable advice on the writer’s journey. Particularly known for popularizing the concept of “shitty first drafts”, Bird by Bird was recently recommended by editor Jennifer Hartmann in her Reedsy Live webinar for its outlook take on book writing. She said, “This book does exactly what it says it will do: it teaches you to become a better writer. [Lamott] is funny and witty and very knowledgeable.”

From the book: “Perfectionism is the voice of the oppressor, the enemy of the people. It will keep you cramped and insane your whole life, and it is the main obstacle between you and a shitty first draft.”

19. Take Off Your Pants by Libbie Hawker 

From the book: “When it comes to the eternal quandary of pantsing or plotting, you can keep a foot in each camp. But if your goals will require you to write with speed and confidence, an effective outline will be your best friend.”

20. Writing into the Dark by Dean Wesley Smith 

And for those who eschew structure altogether, we’ll now refer you to this title from profile science fiction author Dean Wesley Smith . Having authored a number of official Star Trek novels, he definitely knows what he’s talking about when he encourages writers to go boldly into the unknown with an approach to writing books that doesn’t necessarily involve an elaborate plan. It might not be your action plan, but it can be a fresh perspective to get out of the occasional writer’s block .

From the book: “Imagine if every novel you picked up had a detailed outline of the entire plot… Would you read the novel after reading the outline? Chances are, no. What would be the point? You already know the journey the writer is going to take you on. So, as a writer, why do an outline and then have to spend all that time creating a book you already know?”

21. No Plot, No Problem by Chris Baty

If you’re procrastinating to the point where you haven’t even started your novel yet, NaNo founder Chris Baty is your guy! No Plot, No Problem is a “low-stress, high-velocity” guide to writing a novel in just 30 days (yup, it’s great prep for the NaNoWriMo challenge ). You’ll get tons of tips on how to survive this rigorous process, from taking advantage of your initial momentum to persisting through moments of doubt . Whether you’re participating in everyone’s favorite November write-a-thon or you just want to bang out a novel that’s been in your head forever, Baty will help you cross that elusive finish line.

From the book: “A rough draft is best written in the steam-cooker of an already busy life. If you have a million things to do, adding item number 1,000,001 is not such a big deal.”

22. The 90-Day Novel by Alan Watt

And for those who think 30 days is a bit too steam cooker-esque, there’s always Alan Watt’s more laid-back option. In The 90-Day Novel , Watt provides a unique three-part process to assist you with your writing. The first part provides assistance in developing your story’s premise, the second part helps you work through obstacles to execute it, and the third part is full of writing exercises to unlock the “primal forces” of your story — aka the energy that will invigorate your work and incite readers to devour it like popcorn at the movies.

From the book: “Why we write is as important as what we write. Grammar, punctuation, and syntax are fairly irrelevant in the first draft. Get the story down… fast. Get out of your head, so you can surprise yourself on the page.”

23. The War of Art by Steven Pressfield

If you feel like you’re constantly in the trenches of your “inner creative battle,” The War of Art is the book for you. Pressfield emphasizes the importance of breaking down creative barriers — what he calls “Resistance” — in order to defeat your demons (i.e. procrastination, self-doubt, etc.) and fulfill your potential. Though some of his opinions are no doubt controversial (he makes repeated claims that almost anything can be procrastination, including going to the doctor), this book is the perfect remedy for prevaricating writers who need a little bit of tough love.

From the book: “Most of us have two lives. The life we live, and the unlived life within us. Between the two stands Resistance.”

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Books about writing as a lifestyle and career

24. steal like an artist by austin kleon.

As Kleon notes in the first section of Steal Like an Artist , this title obviously doesn’t refer to plagiarism. Rather, it acknowledges that art cannot be created in a vacuum, and encourages writers (and all other artists) to be open and receptive to all sources of inspiration. By “stealing like an artist,” writers can construct stories that already have a baseline of familiarity for readers, but with new twists that keep them fresh and exciting .

From the book: “If we’re free from the burden of trying to be completely original, we can stop trying to make something out of nothing, and we can embrace influence instead of running away from it.”

25. Mouth Full of Blood by Toni Morrison

From the book: “A writer's life and work are not a gift to mankind; they are its necessity.”

26. Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg

No matter what stage you’re at in your writing career, Goldberg’s Writing Down the Bones will help you write more skillfully and creatively. With suggestions, encouragement, and valuable advice on the many aspects of the writing craft, Goldberg doesn’t shy away from making the crucial connection between writing and adding value to your life. Covering a range of topics including taking notes of your initial thoughts, listening, overcoming doubt, choosing where to write, and the selection of your verbs, this guide has plenty to say about the minute details of writing, but excels at exploring the author life.

From the book: “Write what disturbs you, what you fear, what you have not been willing to speak about. Be willing to be split open.”

27. Zen in the Art of Writing by Ray Bradbury

What does it take to become a great author? According to the beloved writer Ray Bradbury , it takes zest, gusto, curiosity, as well as a spirit of adventure. Sharing his wisdom and experiences as one of the most prolific writers in America, Bradbury gives plenty of practical tips and tricks on how to develop ideas, find your voice, and create your own style in this thoughtful volume. In addition to that, this is also an insight into the life and mind of this prolific writer, and a celebration of the act of writing. 

From the book: “Every morning I jump out of bed and step on a land mine. The land mine is me. After the explosion, I spend the rest of the day putting the pieces back together. Now, it's your turn. Jump!”

28. The Kite and the String by Alice Mattison

One of the most common dilemmas an author faces is the struggle between spontaneity and control. Literary endeavors need those unexpected light-bulb moments, but a book will never be finished if you rely solely on inspiration. In The Kite and the String , Mattison has heard your cry for help and developed a guide for balancing these elements throughout the different stages of writing a novel or a memoir. Sure, there may be language and grammar rules that govern the way you write, but letting a bit of playfulness breathe life into your writing will see it take off to a whole new level. On the other hand, your writing routine, solitude, audience, and goal-setting will act as the strings that keep you from floating too far away. 

From the book: "Don’t make yourself miserable wishing for a kind of success that you wouldn’t enjoy if you had it."

29. How to Become a Successful Indie Author by Craig Martelle

This one’s for all the indie authors out there! Even if you’ve already self-published a book , you can still learn a lot from this guide by Craig Martelle , who has dozens of indie books — “over two and a half million words,” as he puts it — under his belt. With patience and expertise, Martelle walks you through everything you need to know: from developing your premise to perfecting your writing routine, to finally getting your work to the top of the Amazon charts.

From the book: “No matter where you are on your author journey, there’s always a new level you can reach. Roll up your sleeves, because it’s time to get to work.”

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30. How to Market a Book by Ricardo Fayet 

From the book: “Here’s the thing: authors don’t find readers; readers find books . [...] Marketing is not about selling your book to readers. It’s about getting readers to find it.”

31. Everybody Writes by Ann Handley

The full title of Handley’s all-inclusive book on writing is actually Everybody Writes: Your Go-To Guide to Creating Ridiculously Good Content — which should tell you something about its broad appeal. Not only does Handley have some great ideas on how to plan and produce a great story, but she also provides tips on general content writing, which comes in handy when it’s time to build your author platform or a mailing list to promote your book. As such, Everybody Writes is nothing like your other books on novel writing — it’ll make you see writing in a whole new light.

From the book: “In our world, many hold a notion that the ability to write, or write well, is a gift bestowed on a chosen few. That leaves us thinking there are two kinds of people: the writing haves — and the hapless, for whom writing well is a hopeless struggle, like trying to carve marble with a butter knife. But I don’t believe that, and neither should you.” 

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Books on writing poetry 

32. madness, rack, and honey by mary ruefle.

With a long history of crafting and lecturing about poetry, Ruefle invites the reader of Madness, Rack, and Honey to immerse themselves into its beauty and magic. In a powerful combination of lectures and musings, she expertly explores the mind and craft of writers while excavating the magical potential of poetry. Often a struggle between giving and taking, poetry is, according to Ruefle, a unique art form that reveals the innermost workings of the human heart.

From the book: “In one sense, reading is a great waste of time. In another sense, it is a great extension of time, a way for one person to live a thousand and one lives in a single lifespan, to watch the great impersonal universe at work again and again”

33. Threads by Sandeep Parmar, Nisha Ramayya, and Bhanu Kapil

If you’re looking for something that explores the philosophical aspects of writing, Threads asks big questions about writing and the position of the writer in an industry that has largely excluded marginalized voices. Where does the writer exist in relation to its text and, particularly in the case of poetry, who is the “I”? Examining the common white, British, male lens, this collection of short essays will make it hard for you not to critically consider your own perceptions and how they affect your writing process.

From the book: “It is impossible to consider the lyric without fully interrogating its inherent promise of universality, its coded whiteness.”

34. The Hatred of Poetry by Ben Lerner

Despite its eye-catching title, this short essay is actually a defense of poetry . Lerner begins with his own hatred of the art form, and then moves on to explore this love-hate dichotomy that actually doesn’t seem to be contradictory. Rather, such a multitude of emotions might be one of the reasons that writers and readers alike turn to it. With its ability to evoke feelings and responses through word-play and meter, poetry has often been misconceived as inaccessible and elitist; this is a call to change that perception. 

From the book: “All I ask the haters — and I, too, am one — is that they strive to perfect their contempt, even consider bringing it to bear on poems, where it will be deepened, not dispelled, and where, by creating a place for possibility and present absences (like unheard melodies), it might come to resemble love.”

35. Poemcrazy by Susan G. Wooldridge

If you’ve ever felt that the mysterious workings of poetry are out of your reach and expressly not for you, Wooldridge is here to tell you that anyone who wants to can write poetry . An experienced workshop leader, she will help you find your inner voice and to express it through the written word. Giving you advice on how to think, use your senses, and practice your writing, Wooldrige will have you putting down rhyme schemes before you know it. 

From the book: “Writing a poem is a form of listening, helping me discover what's wrong or frightening in my world as well as what delights me.”

36. Writing Better Lyrics by Pat Pattison

From the book: “Don't be afraid to write crap — it makes the best fertilizer. The more of it you write, the better your chances are of growing something wonderful.”

Books about writing nonfiction

37. on writing well by william zinsser.

Going strong with its 30th-anniversary edition, On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction is an evergreen resource for nonfiction writers which breaks down the fundamental principles of written communication. As a bonus, the insights and guidelines in this book can certainly be applied to most forms of writing, from interviewing to camp-fire storytelling. Beyond giving tips on how to stay consistent in your writing and voice, how to edit, and how to avoid common pitfalls, Zinsser can also help you grow as a professional writer, strengthening your career and taking steps in a new direction. 

From the book: “Don’t try to visualize the great mass audience. There is no such audience—every reader is a different person.”

38. Essays by Lydia Davis

Ironically enough, this rather lengthy book is a celebration of brevity. As one of the leading American voices in flash-fiction and short-form writing, Davis traces her literary roots and inspirations in essays on everything, ranging from the mastodonic work of Proust to minimalism. In both her translations and her own writing, she celebrates experimental writing that stretches the boundaries of language. Playing with the contrast between what is said and what is not, this collection of essays is another tool to the writing shed to help you feel and use the power of every word you write.

From the book: “Free yourself of your device, for at least certain hours of the day — or at the very least one hour. Learn to be alone, all alone, without people, and without a device that is turned on. Learn to experience the purity of that kind of concentration. Develop focus, learn to focus intently on one thing, uninterrupted, for a long time.”

39. Essayism by Brian Dillon

In this volume, Dillon explores the often overlooked genre of essay writing and its place in literature’s past, present, and future. He argues that essays are an “experiment in attention” but also highlights how and why certain essays have directly impacted the development of the cultural and political landscape, from the end of the Middle Ages until the present day. At its heart, despite its many forms, subject areas, and purposes, essayism has its root in self-exploration. Dip in and out of Dillon’s short texts to find inspiration for your own nonfiction writing.

From the book: “What exactly do I mean, even, by 'style'? Perhaps it is nothing but an urge, an aspiration, a clumsy access of admiration, a crush.”

40. Naked, Drunk, and Writing by Adair Lara

From the book: “Write it down. Whatever it is, write it down. Chip it into marble. Type it into Microsoft Word. Spell it out in seaweeds on the shore. We are each of us an endangered species, delicate as unicorns.”

With a few of these books in your arsenal, you’ll be penning perfect plots in no time! And if you’re interested in learning more about the editing process, check these books on editing out as well!

ZUrlocker says:

11/03/2019 – 19:46

I'm familiar with several of these books. But for new authors, I urge you caution. It is very tempting to read so many books about writing that you never get around to writing. (I did this successfully for many years!) So I will suggest paring it down to just two books: Stephen King on Writing and Blake Snyder Save the Cat. Snyder's book is mostly about screenwriting, so you could also consider Save the Cat Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody. Best of luck!

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Creative Writing

General books on writing, finding books using subject headings, search the nyu libraries catalog, call numbers, books beyond nyu.

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The Libraries offer a number of general books on creative writing and writing craft. You can find these through the Libraries' catalog . Below is a small selection of books in our collection; see the rest of this page for guidance on finding more books, both within the NYU Libraries and beyond them.

Subject headings  are words and phrases which constitute a "controlled vocabulary" to categorize books by subject field.  Subject headings often indicate the contents of books in terms that their titles (or your keywords) do not use, which often may be very general.

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Here are some examples of subject headings:

• Creative writing
• Writing & editing guides
• Fiction -- Technique
• Playwriting
• Poetry -- Authorship
• Creation (Literary, artistic, etc.)

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Top 10 Books on Creative Writing

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What is Creative Writing?

Creative writing is where we express our thoughts and ideas in a more imaginary way. Some of its types are poetry, story, songs, plays, personal essays, etc… The most popular creative writing is Story Writing. It will have character development , plot development, and dialogue in a more poetic and polished language. The story will be fiction or nonfiction. Fiction includes novels, short stories, and poetry. Non-fiction includes articles for magazines. There are Four forms of Creative Writing Course . They are Expository, Descriptive, Persuasive, and Narrative.

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o start creative writing you must be a book lover. Always try to read more books so that you will be able to learn and understand the craft of it. The more you read, the better you can develop your knowledge. Reading helps you practice imagination by letting the words describe a certain image while the reader manipulates the picture in the mind.

By reading great writers’ Creative Writing books you can learn how creatively they have written and can get more ideas from them in such a way you can develop your creativity. You can decide the genre you are comfortable with. It might be science fiction, horror, or comic. Then go with the renowned author in that particular genre. Also, it is very simple and quiet if you start plotting about the person whom you already know. They may be your family members, neighbors, or friends. Just think of a person and start designing the character.

Now many books on creative writing are available, you can challenge yourself by completing the exercises given in the books.

Top 10 Creative Writing books and their ranks are listed below which will help you in developing your writing skills

1. Creating the Creative Writers- By Henry Harvin Education

Today, Creative Writing Courses are also offered by many Educational Institutions in India. Because of the recent pandemic, many prefer Online certificate courses. W hen choosing a creative writing course, firstly you must see the Syllabus and Modules of the course. Secondly, you must see how that institute gives certificates and internships.

The best Creative Writing course in India is given by HENRY HARVIN and its certification Ranks #1 in India .

Creating the Creative Writers, this book delves into the nitty gritty of creative writing like fiction, non-fiction, drama, and poetry to name a few aspects. The book is backed by solid work of 36,514 individuals spread over a time of 6 years. The book has excellent anecdotes that enthuse the reader and help to correlate with various topics. 

By spending daily 1 hour, you can begin the journey of creative writing within a period of 1 month. Creating the Creative Writers also is a guide for templates, strategies, and various techniques. 

This book from Henry Harvin Education has a 5-star rating on Amazon

Henry Harvin’s Creative Writing Course allows you to put your thoughts into writing with more polished words. This course helps to develop your vocabulary, get new ideas and will enhance your creative thoughts. This course has been designed to get you about four genres of creative writing as Fiction, Non-Fiction, Poetry, and drama.

To know further details about the Creative Writing Course, click the below link

  Henry Harvin Creative Writing Course  

Other best courses offered by Henry Harvin are

•  Content Writing Course
• Technical Writing Course
• Medical Writing Course
• Art of Negotiation Course

2. On Poetry

“On Poetry” book ranks tenth book among Top 10 creative Writing books. The author was a British civil engineer in the profession and wrote many novels and poems. This book is a good piece for writers who are interested in poetry. In this book, Davidson makes you feel intimate and personal through his poems

3. Feel Free

“Feel Free” ranks nineth book among the top 10 creative writing books. It offers a survey of important recent events in culture and politics, as well as Smith’s own life. Since she burst spectacularly into view with her debut novel almost two decades ago, Zadie Smith has established herself not just as one of the world’s preeminent fiction writers, but also a brilliant and singular essayist. She contributes regularly to The New Yorker and the New York Review of Books on a range of subjects, and each piece of hers is a literary event in its own right.

4. Bird by Bird

An American novelist who has written “Bird by Bird” ranks eighth book among the top 10 creative writing books. In this book, Anne tells about her brother’s school project which is about birds. His teacher gave him three months to write this project. He was just stuck with the ideas by not opening the books and nearly shed tears. Her father who is also a writer sat along with him and said “Bird by Bird” buddy. From there she started her book writing.

5. Linguistics: Why it matters

The seventh book among the top 10 creative writing books is “Linguistics: Why It Matters”. Language is the medium in which you can compose your thoughts, explain your thinking, construct your arguments, and create works of literature. Pullum has explained the basic principles of linguistics in it. It tells about what languages are, how you comprehend language, how AI is being used for languages, and other topics. An approachable, fascinating resource for those interested in the mechanics of words. It has an Index at the back of the book.

6 A Technique for Producing Ideas

Among the top 10 creative writing books, rank six goes to “A Technique for Producing Ideas”.A thought happens when you foster another mix of old components. The ability to bring old components into new blends relies generally upon your capacity to see connections. All thoughts follow a five-venture cycle of gathering material, seriously working over the material in your mind, pulling back from the issue, permitting the plan to return to you normally, and testing your thoughts in reality and changing is dependent on the input.

7. Worstward Ho

 Here comes the fifth book in the top 10 creative writing books is “Worstward Ho”. This is a prose piece implying that humanity exists turned Worstward. This is one of the more poetic of the prose works in terms of images, using his familiar re-emerging of images slightly modified to emphasize his points. 

8. On Becoming a Novelist

This book ranks the fourth book among the top 10 creative writing books. This book was published in the year 2000. Gardner explains the life of a novelist more elegantly and humorously. This book identifies the beginning novelist’s worries, that is, to give reassurance, helpful guidance, and encouragement.

9. The War of Art

“The War of Art “stands the third rank among the top 10 creative writing books. The author is well known for historical fiction, non-fiction, and screenplays. In this book, Pressfield believes that “resistance” is the greatest enemy, and he offers many unique and helpful ways to overcome it. This book is not only for the writers but grasped by actors, dancers, filmmakers, painters, and many more.

10. Find Your Voice

The second book among the top 10 creative writing books is “Find Your Voice”  It is very hard to share your real voice in Creative Writing. In this book, the author Angie Thomas shares his experience to develop true-to-you writing. Best books on creative writing include step-by-step craft tips, writing prompts, and exercises alongside other tips and suggestions to help the writers.

11. Becoming a Writer

“Becoming a Writer” ranks First book among the top 10 creative writing books. This book isn’t just for new writers, likewise experienced writers can also go through it. In this book, Brande tries to explain the writer’s dimensions of their personality. She believes based on the writer’s conscious and subconscious minds, their creativity and imagination will come out. Brande used to say “if you can discover what you truly believe about most of the major matters of life, you will be able to write a story which is honest and original and unique.”

One of the me thods in creative writing is Snowflake method.It is creating a summary like a sentence and from that, you have to start creating the characters of your story. From that, you have to expand your storyline. Few writers will just write whatever comes to their minds without any outlines or notes. This type of writing is called Freewriting. By keeping on writing like this, at one point your creativity in writing will be tremendous. 

This pandemic has changed a lot in our lives. For nearly more than a year all of us are inside the home. School went online, the office goes to WFH and everything totally shut down outside. But many of us utilized this challenged life by spending time with our family members and reading lots of e-books. You can pick any books available digitally and enhance your creativity by sharing your own experience in words. Hope this blog will guide you to find the best creative writing books online.

Also Check Henry Harvin Review:

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FAQ’S

Ans. Creative Writing is one type of writing which doesn’t have rules but imagination plays a major part. Whereas Content Writing will have certain rules and it is for a particular purpose and goal.

Ans. Just start with the scratch and write whatever comes to your mind. You can also pick one of the creative writing books and try doing the exercises given in the book

Ans. It is all about imagination and the vocabulary you use in writing. If you want to improve your vocabulary, just take a Creative Writing Course in a reputed institute like Henry Harvin.

Ans. Yes. Nowadays Online certification courses are provided by many educational institutions like Henry Harvin. You can just join any course in the institution and become aware of the writing styles, tones, and how to handle the tools for writing and then start your career as a Freelance Writer.

Ans. Most technical people will go with the technical writing course given by Henry Harvin from which you will be able to know DITA (Darwin Information Typing Architecture) writing.

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58 comments.

I am beginner looking for the best creative writing books, consider “On Writing” by Stephen King, “Bird by Bird” by Anne Lamott, and “The Elements of Style” by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White. These three books cover everything from the basics of grammar to the nuances of storytelling.Great knowlegable.

I appreciate you giving us access to this list. It’s a fantastic resource, and I’m glad to know that there are resources of this nature available for students in every grade level. I’m ecstatic to know that we can really profit from them. All credit goes to HENRY HARVIN.

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Thank you for compiling this list of the top books on creative writing. I’m excited to read them all and get back in the creative writing game.

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I really appreciate that you took the time to read through it and then share it with your friends. Having a list like this is really important, because it shows students that there are great resources available to them and that we can really benefit from them. Thanks to HENRY HARVIN.

It’s so helpful to have a place to go for recommendations on how to get started, what to read next, and where to find the most accurate information about writing in general.

This is a fantastic list of writing-related books that will be very beneficial to us. We appreciate your effort in compiling a list of all the necessary books for students like us.

Knowing that there are great resources available and that we can really benefit from them makes me very happy. It means a lot to me that you read it and shared it with us, says author, HENRY HARVIN. The list includes all the top books for students at every grade level.

I’d love to hear your recommendations for books on creative writing

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Creative writing books are widely available. But which one should you choose? I was able to find the book I was looking for because of your blog post on the top 10 creative writing books. I’m grateful.

The list created by HENRY HARVIN includes all the top books for students at every grade level. Knowing that there are great resources available and that we can really benefit from them makes me very happy. It means a lot to me that you read it and shared it with us.

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The market is flooded with books on creative writing. Which should you pick, though? Thanks to your blog post on the top 10 creative writing books, I was able to locate the book I was looking for. Thank you!

All the best books for students at every grade level are included in this list compiled by HENRY HARVIN. It makes me so happy to know that there are excellent resources out there and that we can really take advantage of them. I appreciate you reading it and sharing it with us.

Thank you for assembling this list of the top books on creative writing. That will greatly benefit us. When selecting a creative writing course, these books should also be taken into account.

Thank you, Rajni. HENRY HARVIN’s team members are grateful for your kindness and send their best wishes for a successful career and personal life.

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We appreciate your list of the best creative writing books; it is very helpful. These books should be taken into account when selecting a creative writing course, among other things.

A good collection of creative writing books.

We appreciate your kindness in providing this helpful list of creative writing resources. These books should be taken into account when choosing a creative writing course, among other things.

Dear Shaurya, thank you so much for your valuable feedback. HENRY HARVIN wishes you all the best in all your endeavors!

This blog helped me organize the books I will read to develop my creative writing skills.

Thank you so much for your sweet response

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I completed the Creative Writing and got so much out of it. It was very insightful and offered incredible tips, tricks, and templates that I really wish I had known before. I’m recommending this book to everyone who has dreams of being a writer

I have never thought I would be able to complete a course in Creative Writing within 30 days. It was so satisfying and I was more than excited when I was on the verge of completion. The lessons are not difficult but are packed with useful insights that help you develop your writing skills.

Having the Creative Writing book was the best investment for me in writing. It taught me about tips, tricks, and templates that every creative writer should know. The book is very helpful and I love it.

I have to say, I’m impressed. You’ve done a great job with this book. I completed the Creative Writing book within 30 days and learned so many concepts like tips, tricks, and templates that every creative writer should know. Even the cost of the book is very reasonable.

I have been a writer for 4 years, and I have to say that Henry Harvin’s book is one of the best. It is fun and easy to read, and it has some very helpful tips for anyone who wants to be a better writer. I highly recommend this book.

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Henry Harvin Books provided by lots of course books – the best way to read about this topic.

Welcome to the world of creative writing, where you can write fantasy, science fiction, and even short stories that make people smile. Thanks for providing Creative Writing books available on Amazon and Flipkart.

Thanks for your help, Henry harvin. I’ve read the creative writing handbook, and it’s got some fantastic examples that have really opened my eyes to the world of creative writing.

I’m sure this will be a great resource for me in the future!

This is a great list of books on Creative Writing that will help us a lot. Thank you for taking so much efforts to list down all the relevant books for students like us.

Dear Unnati, Many thanks for the excellent feedback regards Henry Harvin

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I have been wanting to read the top books on creative writing and this blog post just pointed me in the correct direction.

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The Creative Penn

Writing, self-publishing, book marketing, making a living with your writing

Facing Fears In Writing And Life With Rachael Herron

posted on April 8, 2024

Podcast: Download (Duration: 1:07:32 — 54.3MB)

Subscribe: Spotify | TuneIn | RSS | More

How can you overcome your fears and make a life change towards your dreams? Or tackle the fears that stop you from writing and publishing your book? Rachael Herron talks about creating despite the fear, and getting unstuck in this interview.

In the intro, Blackberry movie and IP questions; The Copyright Handbook by Steven Fishman; Co-Intelligence: Living and Working With AI by Ethan Mollick; London Screenwriters Festival ; Lessons from my screenwriting course (2018) ; Catacomb on my stor e, and on other stores ; Spear of Destiny Kickstarter .

Today's show is sponsored by  Draft2Digital , self-publishing with support, where you can get free formatting, free distribution to multiple stores, and a host of other benefits. Just go to  www.draft2digital  to get started.

You can also Join my community and support the show at Patreon.com/thecreativepenn .

Rachael Herron is the internationally bestselling author of more than two dozen books, including thrillers, feminist romance, memoir, and nonfiction about writing. She's the host of the Ink in Your Veins podcast, and her latest book is Unstuck: An Audacious Hunt for Home and Happiness .

You can listen above or on  your favorite podcast app  or read the notes and links below. Here are the highlights and the full transcript is below. 

• Tackling fear of the unknown when leaving your job, or making a big life change, or becoming a full-time author, based on Eight lessons learned from eight years as a full-time author .
• Overcoming the fear of the unknown when writing a book and you don't know the outcome
• The writing process when writing memoir vs. fiction
• Fear of judgement when writing memoir
• Writing as flawed and real humans that readers can relate to
• Analogue physical IRL experiences in the digital age
• Different fears that come with launching a Kickstarter

You can find Rachael at RachaelHerron.com and her Kickstarter at RachaelHerron.com/Unstuck

Transcript of Interview with Rachael Herron

Joanna: Rachael Herron is the internationally bestselling author of more than two dozen books, including thrillers, feminist romance, memoir, and nonfiction about writing. She's the host of the Ink in Your Veins podcast. And her latest book is Unstuck: An Audacious Hunt for Home and Happiness . Welcome back to the show, Rachael.

Rachael: I am so thrilled to be here with you, Joanna. Thank you for having me.

Joanna: I'm excited to talk to you today. Now, you were last on the show in July 2023, not that long ago, talking about publishing options . So we're going to jump straight into the topic today. I wanted to talk to you partly because—

You just did an episode on your podcast about eight lessons learned from eight years as a full-time author .

Can you believe it's gone so fast?

Rachael: No, I cannot. It's literally the blink of an eye. You know.

Joanna: I think that is something maybe we'll circle back on, like how fast it comes. One of the things I really noticed as I listened to that episode was how relaxed you seemed in your writing life. You talk about leaping before the net appears, but this is super hard for people. So I want you to start with this fear of the unknown.

How did you overcome your fear of the unknown? Both when you left your job and before you write each book?

Rachael: I love this question, thank you. Fear is something that is ever present for me. I do suffer a little bit of anxiety. I am not a cool and calm kind of person. I tend toward the worrying spectrum.

I have learned over the years that the best things I do are when I do this leap, when I do this jump into the unknown . It is always scary.

So we started writing about the same time. I think I started writing seriously about 2006, and then I sold my first book in 2008, and then I was able to leave my day job in 2016. So for 10 years, I wrote and I worked my day job, night job . I worked for 911 for the fire department.

It got to a point where I desperately wanted to leave my job and write full time . But I was making six figures as a 911 dispatcher, and I was only making about $30,000 as a writer per year. So it was a huge pay cut.

So what we had to do was pay off all the debt , which we did over the course of those 10 years. Then I was able to make the leap.

I have never been more sick about anything. I remember going into my manager's office, and she hadn't seen it coming because it wasn't worth talking about before then, and I told her that I quit. She was shocked, and she offered to keep me on as a consultant, like so she could pull me in for overtime kind of thing. I said yes, because I was so scared.

So really, I quit, but I didn't quit. I honestly had this backup thing . I think I only worked one or two overtime shifts, and they just stressed me out so much that I didn't do them anymore, but I was terrified that we would end up living under a bridge, I would make no money, and we would lose the house .

In that case, I had to cheat. Then my mother-in-law got sick, and if I quit, I could be with her. I could spend more time with her.

Shortly after I quit, I mentioned this on the show, my wife lost her job . I am not sure that if I had still been working my job, and she had lost her job, would I have had the bravery to quit? Or would I have been scared, and I would still be a 911 dispatcher? I don't know.

One of the things that I think about with fear, and I deal with this whenever I'm facing something big, including being scared to write a new book, or being scared to get the book right, is that I do know that leaping into the unknown is always scary.

I feel like I used to think that if I were braver, if I had more courage, then it wouldn't feel that scary. In my case, and I think in the case of many people, it's we don't overcome fear. We don't just talk our way out of it and then feel better about it—

We just learn to live with the fear.

It's okay that it's there. I appreciate fear.

I sometimes think of fear as this entity, this part of me, like fearful Rachael. Fearful Rachael does a really great job and I appreciate her. She is the one that keeps me from eating expired meat, and stepping in front of buses, and taking off my clothes in inappropriate places.

You know, fearful Rachael pays the bills, she makes sure the lights stay on , she makes sure that I work hard enough to bring in X, Y, and Z, but she doesn't get to drive everything.

She gets to have a say in some things, and she's not always right. So I like to thank that little fear, or the big fear, for keeping me safe.

Then a couple of things that I've done in the past to combat fear is I've had a dedicated worry time and a worry journal that I can only write in at a certain time . Like 7:15pm is when I go into my office and I write for 10 minutes about what I'm scared of. When I've been in times of my life where I wake up at two in the morning, and I can't sleep because of fear, I do that.

Then, specifically, so as you know, we took this big jump, and we moved from the United States to New Zealand almost three years ago. It's truly the scariest thing I've ever done in my life. I was so scared.

Tim Ferriss, you know who he is, he has a podcast.

He was talking about his fear setting exercise. Have you ever heard of this?

Joanna: I have, but explain it to people.

Rachael: So he does this fear setting exercise where for the big things, he sits down with a notebook, and he writes about the things that scare him.

Specifically, I have this right in front of me, you ask yourself, “What if I, blank?” What if I leave everyone I know and love, all my family and all my friends behind, and moved to New Zealand?

So you write down the what if, and then you write down every single fear that scares you the most . That's in one column, and then in another column, you write down the prevention for that fear. Then if it happens, in the third column, you write down how to repair it.

I did this when we were moving to New Zealand, and I just learned that there were some things that I couldn't fix. Like, one of my biggest fears was that someone I loved would get sick or hurt and I wouldn't be able to get back to the States in time to say goodbye to them.

I remember sitting with this piece of paper and thinking, how do I prevent this? Okay, there's got to be a way because Tim Ferriss said there will be a way, and there wasn't. What I put in that column was that I will always have enough money in the bank to get the first flight out to get to the States .

Then under repair, there is no repair, but I can also stay in very close contact with the ones that I love.

I am looking at the page here, I had 22 massive fears. From like, what if we get a divorce? What if we get sick and have no friends? I filled out the prevention and the repair columns, and it made me feel so much better to have kind of externalized all those worries.

Then the last thing I'll say about fear is that he says, you ask yourself, what might be the benefits of an attempt, or partial success? Then you rate that one to ten. And what's the cost if I don't do this thing that I'm scared of? Then you rate that one to ten.

For moving to New Zealand, the benefits were huge . We would see more of the world, we would travel, the choices are endless, and that got a 10. The cost of inaction, staying in Oakland with a mortgage we couldn't pay off before we retire, not having good healthcare in the United States, that got a two or three. So, let's go.

Actually, I know that for writers sometimes putting that kind of thing on paper can help a lot.

Joanna: It's interesting. You're right, we did start around the same time, 2006. That was when The 4-Hour Workweek came out, and I was pretty sure that is in that book.

Rachael: Oh, I bet it is. I know it from a TED talk that he did on it.

Joanna: I think it's in that book because I remember it's the, what if I'm homeless, and I'm living in a caravan by the stream, or something like that? Or tent by this by stream? What if I lose everything?

I think everything you said there is really amazing. I do want to just talk about the fear of unknown with a book. So although both you and I have moved around the world to change our lives and quit jobs, a lot of people have this fear of unknown around a book.

When we sit down to write a book, whether it's the first book, or even like you and I right now and this new book, Unstuck , and what you're doing with this book, we don't know the outcome. We don't know whether anyone's going to like it .

If you want to sell to traditional publishing, you don't know if you'll get a deal . If you do, maybe it will flop. I mean, there's a whole load of fear of the unknown around writing a book.

Can we even finish the book? How do we do everything? I feel like a lot of the fear for authors, and I'm sure you get all these emails as well, people are obsessed with, “Oh, well, how do I publish properly? How do I market?” When they haven't even finished a first draft a lot of the time.

I think that's trying to control the fear of the unknown.

Can you just talk about this fear of the unknown with writing a book?

How can we trust that something will emerge in that way?

Rachael: Yes. That's so real. It's hard to have that trust that something will emerge when you haven't gone through the thing before. After you have a few books under your belt, you trust that you will get there. In those first few books, I understand how scary that is.

I love what Becca Syme—I loved hearing her on your show pretty recently—but I love that she always says most of us want more clarity than we can ever have. So again, it's getting more comfortable with this discomfort in making these huge decisions.

You're right, it is fear that makes us ask, is this marketable? Will people buy this? Will people get mad at me for writing this? That's all fear.

So what I like to remember when I am scared to move in the direction of a book is that there is no right or wrong. That sounds so easy and light, but there really truly is no right or wrong. What we have to do is make a decision .

For a lot of us who are over thinkers, shall we put it, we could think forever. We could think forever.

My brain loves thinking so much that I will ask it to think, and it will say, “Great, I'm going to think for a while.” Then it'll give me a great answer, it'll give me a, “100%, we're going to go this way. We're going to write paranormal women's fiction next.” Perfect.

Then about 18 hours later, my stupid soul will ask my brain, “Hey, do you want to think about that again?”

My brain will say, “Yes, I would love to think about it again.” The thing about our brains is that they're so beautiful and so strong, that not only will they think about it all over again, but they will come up with a different, better-for-now answer. They will do that for the next 10 years, and you won't write your book.

So for me, I have to kind of put a time box around a decision window . First I have to notice I'm doing it, but when I notice I'm waffling, I will say, okay, on Monday—I literally do this—on Monday afternoon from 4pm till 4:15, I'm going to sit down with my journal, and I'm going to make a decision on the thing I can't decide about. After 4:15, I cannot change my mind.

The beautiful thing about this is that there's no right or wrong, but we can make the decision that we make right . So somebody said this, and I can't remember who, but don't make the right decision, make the decision right.

So it almost doesn't matter what book I choose to write at 4:15 because I've made the decision, and now I'm moving forward. Now I have a direction .

Then I can give fear a different job. Will I be able to pull this off? Will I get a good plot? How am I going to dial in the characters the way I want? Fear can do something else, but fear doesn't get to keep worrying about should it be a six book series or a nine book series? No, it just needs to be a book first.

So I make a time box around the window for decision making time, and—

Then I just move forward being comfortable with that discomfort.

Another thing I just want to say really quickly about fear as we're talking about it. We can talk about this, and it's fantastic.

I will also say that if fear is a generalized anxiety disorder or a trauma response that you need help with, it's great to do all these things that you and I are talking about, to journal and talk to friends and whatever it is that helps, but also, it's really great to go to a therapist and work through the things that you may need bigger help with in order to get unstuck.

Joanna: Yes, for sure, but we're going to assume that this is different. This isn't specifically about the trauma side.

I mean, I think moving forward is really important. I feel like the circling and circling and circling and not moving forward is the struggle sometimes . I know that's hard for people.

As you say, I mean, you take an action. I mean, I've talked before about skiing down a hill. I don't do much skiing anymore.

You want to go down the hill, but you don't just go in a straight line. You head off in one direction, and then you zigzag back in the other direction. Then maybe you fall over and then you zigzag back the other way. There is no straight path get to what you want to do.

Rachael: The one thing you have done is you've decided which side of the mountain you're going to go down. You're not going up the mountain, when you are skiing down and zigzagging, you're still going towards that end goal.

Joanna: Yes, you've chosen the direction.

Rachael: Yes, I love that analogy. That's perfect.

Joanna: So let's come back to this. So obviously, you journal a lot, you write a lot, but I think you do have a gift for writing memoir. Obviously, you've spent a lot of time writing this stuff, so you've had deliberate practice . You weren't born with it, necessarily.

You are able to write in a real emotionally honest way regularly . I'm part of your Patreon and you send out essays. You recently wrote about building this Adirondack chair, which I thought was lovely. I wondered about your process. So you've mentioned journaling, but—

What is your process for writing personal essays and memoir?

Which you often collect and put into books. How does that differ from your fiction?

Rachael: I love that this whole conversation is really about fear. When we're talking about writing personal narrative of any sort, whether it's an entire memoir like you have done, or even just a personal essay that you're going to put somewhere in the world, there's just this huge level of fear.

That's because when we are writers and we put out any kind of writing, we know that we're putting our soul on display, but it's especially so when we're talking about our real selves .

So first, the number one thing I do when I'm writing a first draft is—I'm quite gullible— I tell myself that no one will ever see it, and I kind of make myself believe it.

Even though now I've done it long enough that I'm like, yes, Rachael, you're going to polish this and put it out somewhere. I do tell myself that it will never escape my computer. Or if you're writing in a journal, it'll never escape the journal.

I make myself tell the truest draft . That's really, really hard because it's a natural state of affairs to want to present ourselves in a good light . Like right now when I'm talking to you, and I know how many people listen to your show, I'm trying not to stutter or mispronounce words because I'm trying to appear semi-cool.

It's hard when you're writing narrative nonfiction to actually put yourself out there, warts and all, with all of our flaws, all of our true flaws . So that's why in that first draft, I try to tell the truest, the darkest, the hardest parts, the places where I suck the most.

I always encourage people if they're doing this, every computer you can password protect even just a document. You can leave your whole computer open for your kids, or your husband, or whoever, but you can password protect that one document, so that you know that nobody could ever see it .

If you were, God forbid, hit by a truck, no one's ever going to find it. So do that in a first draft if this is something that makes you fearful.

Then here's the tip you would expect me to say, “and then you revise it, and you make it into what you want it to be.”

But instead, especially people who are new to this and it's personal memoir, when you go back to reread whatever it is that you wrote, a thing that can be super useful is to —

Circle or highlight the two or three sentences that make you cringe the most, that make you feel the most uncomfortable.

Then instead of deleting those, because that's the obvious thing you want to do, you highlight them .

You go back and ask yourself, why am I uncomfortable? Are they so true that it is making me squirm? Or are they a little bit untrue, and I actually need to be more truthful?

The thing that we have to remember is that readers don't ever judge us for being flawed and human.

They judge us for not being that way. If we talk about our damage, our wounds, and we talk about the stupid things we do because we're just humans, readers lean in and they empathize and they cheer for us. They want to be there for us.

Joanna: That is such a great tip. I love that. That is so valuable that you go through your draft and you circle the things that are like almost too much .

Actually Neil Gaiman has a quote, doesn't he? Something like when you feel like you're walking down the road naked, or something, that you're getting to the heart of it. That's basically what you're saying.

[ Note from Jo: This is the quote ]

“The moment that you feel, just possibly, you are walking down the street naked, exposing too much of your heart and your mind, and what exists on the inside, showing too much of yourself…That is the moment, you might be starting to get it right.” ― Neil Gaiman

It's like if I put this sentence into the world—and this is fear of judgment, which I definitely struggle with— what are people going to think of me?

Yes, people may think something of you, but as you said, generally they're going to feel themselves. They're going to feel seen, they're going to be like, oh, my goodness, that happened to me, or I understand how that feels.

That's why they resonate with your work. That's why memoir is so powerful. So I love that tip. I wonder, then—

With your fiction, do you take these emotional core and build from that? Or do these things emerge in your fiction as well?

Rachael: I think that they emerge naturally. I think that as a writer, and this probably varies from person to person, but I think I'm just braver with giving my characters big and real flaws because I do know that I'm making them up.

If anyone said, “Hey, Rachael, is that you on the page?” I could say, “No, I made that up. I'm better than that,” even though it's not true.

It is still the same thing, that when I write the thing that makes me uncomfortable , when a character says something that I go, ah, do I don't want to put that on the page? That is always an arrow that is either pointing—no, it's almost always pointing to gold, honestly.

I learned this when I wrote A Life in Stitches . My editor was Jennifer Traig, who is a phenomenal memoir writer. She wrote Devil in the Details , and a bunch of others.

I remember writing these essays for A Life in Stitches and sending them to her as I went. I would be so proud of these pieces, and then she would basically—I'm not exaggerating—x out most of what I had sent her, and she would always hone in on the one or two sentences that I had not felt comfortable with.

She always said, “I don't care about the rest, go here.” I think if we have that in mind while we're creating our characters, or while we're writing our characters, how can they be truly flawed, it makes writing fiction so fun.

Going back to fear, writers fear that our readers are not going to like the main character, they're going to be unsympathetic if we make them flawed and real, but I've almost never found that to be the case.

If they did come off a little bit, really unlikable, that's an editor's job. I also like to leave my editors a job to do. The editor can say, “Ah, no, I'm not feeling this. Why don't you change this?” But making them as real as possible, emotionally especially.

Showing them with those flaws is beautiful, and that's what I love to read. I would love to read characters in novels that make me feel like I'm not alone. That's what I love.

Joanna: That is it, isn't it? That's one of the things we look for in reading is certainly to feel that way. I think with memoir, a lot of it is hope, I think, seeing someone else's life transformation in some way that can help you in your own life .

I wanted to come back to the chair. So you made this chair, and you made it with your hands.

It's so interesting, because I booked myself on a stone carving weekend, so I'm going to do that. Of course, it's research for a book because I want to write about a stonemason which, of course, is completely random.

I wondered about this analogue experience. So I've been thinking about this, and I know your business as well is mostly online, but—

These analogue physical experiences are becoming important in this digital age.

With the rise of AI, and we both use AI in different ways as part of our tools, we think it's a tool, but it is changing the digital space. There's part of me that is feeling like I need to incorporate more physical, live-person things into my business, but I'm also afraid.

Since we're using fear as most of this episode, the fear is my energy because I find it hard. Also, hard is sometimes a good thing, and I should push myself into doing hard things.

Also, let's face it, the profit is usually bigger on digital things. So I wondered how you're thinking about this and incorporating that into how you're doing streams of income and all of this kind of thing?

Rachael: This is so good. So the experiences that we're talking about, these physical making experiences. I absolutely love that you're doing this stone carving, and I cannot wait to see pictures on your Instagram about this. The Adirondack chair building course was so unpleasant in so many ways.

I absolutely hated it so much until I really gathered this beginner's mind . I just decided that on the third night—I was in the bathroom crying because I had cut the wrong piece of wood, and now I didn't have enough wood to make the back slats. It was awful, and I knew I'd have to go back to the hardware store.

Then I just decided, look, I am never going to sell Adirondack chairs as a business. This is not going to be my profession. I don't have to be perfect at this.

I just decided that I would ask for help, and I would go talk to the teacher every single time I got confused. It was a lot, I've never done anything like this, and he would help me.

That's where the class really got fun because it put me in connection with him, and with my classmates, and asking them for help . Then they would come and ask me for help, which was really weird because I barely knew what I was doing.

When I think about this, we have been staring at computers for like 30-ish, 30 odd years of the last 200,000 years of human evolution. Up until the Industrial Revolution, every single thing we owned or used had to be made by hand by someone so we always knew someone who could make everything around us.

We were all makers. It's in our bones and our DNA to make, but even more than that, I think it's in our DNA to feel connected while doing the making.

Like, I'm also undertaking sourdough right now, and I'm in communication with a lot of—I know I'm the very last on the block—but with a lot of other people who are talking about this and doing it next to each other.

So my sisters, and I have two sisters, and one just moved to New Zealand not long ago, but the three of us we get together on Zoom a lot. We never hang out on Zoom and just talk, like stare at the computer like we're in a meeting, we do things.

Christie will be mending trousers. I'll be making granola. Bethany will be knitting. Then we'll move around the house and we'll take the computers with us. We're always doing something.

I think that that's how we all lived for so long. When we made things, when we did things, we did them in community. That's how we built community was all of that beautiful conversation that happens while we are doing other things.

I think sitting alone and writing is the polar opposite of how humans evolved.

There's nothing wrong with it. It's just not what we've always done.

Even letter writing in the past, it was still a direct connection. It was a call and response. If I was writing a letter to somebody, I was thinking about them constantly, responding to what they had said in a letter, and then they do the same thing and send it back.

So us writing into the void is such a different experience , that I think that that's why this physical hands-on making is something that can, yes, be very frustrating if we don't know what we're doing, but it also soothes us. It makes us feel very, very human.

So to your question, which I just think is such a good one to think about, is that in our author business, it's so easy, I don't know about you, but it's so easy for me to just get lost in the computer, and lost in my thoughts , and plans, and worries, and what am I going to do next, and looking at my to do list.

To come back to thinking about it like when I am knitting socks on Zoom with my sisters, what is the connection? What am I trying to do with my writing?

Almost all of the people who listen to your podcast, and almost all of the people who listen to my podcast, are writers. There are some people who are not for whatever reason, but most of them are writers, and almost none of them are writers who only want to journal and then burn the pages.

I am sure that there are two or three people who want to do that, but most of the people who listen to these shows are writers who want to meaningfully connect at some point , in some fashion.

When I'm writing, I need to think about who I'm connecting with.

Usually I make that into a specific person. Sometimes it's been my ideal reader whose name is Laura Jean. She's a real person, she loves my books, and she's been a beta reader for me a couple of times. So sometimes I'm writing to her.

More often, I'm writing to me. I'm writing to myself in a different version, in a different universe, at a different age .

What I want to write is what would please me so much if I found this book that I wouldn't want to get out of bed because I'd want to hang out with this exact person. I'd want to hang out with this Rachael. Then I write that.

So what I think about is using writing to connect to ourselves, and when we connect ourselves in that really deep way, then we're going to connect with others .

On top of that, I do think that there is so much use for actual community . Actual community in whatever way that best suits you, which sometimes is not what I want.

I know that I don't want to go to writer's groups. When I do, oh my gosh, I'm so full when I leave. When I go to my RWNZ group, I don't want to go, I've got a bunch of other things I want to do, but if I hang out with people who are thinking about the same things that I am, it just feels good.

Joanna: I find it interesting because I always think about doing more in-person events. I keep getting emails from people who came to my full day workshop here in Bath last year.

I guess I'm thinking, oh, maybe I could do another one, and I know how tiring it is. Yet also, it's so tiring in a good way. I'm planning on going to Las Vegas to Author Nation, and again—

It's a challenge to do these in-person things, but there's so much benefit from doing it.

I mean, you have this “Rachael Says Write” thing where you get on Zoom, and like you're writing and other people turn up and write. I just think that's absolutely crazy. I can't imagine anything worse.

I'm like, that's just weird. Yet, presumably people love it, and you presumably like it if you keep doing it.

Rachael: That's such a good point because I don't like it, I love it. I love it.

Joanna: That's so weird.

Rachael: Here's the thing, like it takes a lot of energy to be on a call of any kind , Zoom of any kind. But not this, because what we do is we talk for like—by we, I mean I give them a quote and I ask how they're doing and they type it in the chat.

Then for two hours, we're silent. Then at the very end, we get back in and we say how it went. I'm not looking at the screen. If I go over to the screen, I love to see their thinking faces.

I know that my thinking face is just bananas, but usually we're not. We're just looking at our work. Knowing that other people are writing at the same time is so cool. It makes me work, which is so dumb because they don't know what I'm looking at. I could be looking at Facebook for all they know.

Joanna: You could be doing email or whatever!

Rachael: I could be putting my screen off and making phone calls, but I'm not. We actually write. It's been so cool and so popular that I used to charge $39 a month for it, and I'm taking a little bit of a pay cut because I want more people to do it.

So I just opened it up to $2 at the Patreon level, and so many people are joining. It's so fun. Okay, so that is one of my favorite connections. Apparently, I got really excited just to think about it, but it wouldn't be your way.

Joanna: I'm not doing that by the way. Anyone listening, I am not doing that!

Rachael: I will say that in terms of like neurocognitive differences, I do have ADHD, and body doubling is a thing that a lot of ADHD people work better if they know that somebody is doing the same thing at the same time . I do attract some neuro-spicy people, and we do that together.

Joanna: I like neuro-spicy. That's awesome.

Well, let's talk about another fear, which is your first Kickstarter launches today as we record this. It still hasn't quite yet gone live, but it will be live when this episode goes out.

I remember how absolutely terrified I was before pressing the button. There's like literally a button to press. You've launched so many books, you've done traditionally published books, you've done indie, you've done a lot of launches. So how are you feeling?

How has this Kickstarter process pushed you more than normal?

Rachael: I've been terrified . It's not a bigger project than I thought it would be because people like you have been really clear. You and Monica have been really clear.

This is a huge thing. This is not a small thing. Don't expect to do this in a weekend or a couple of afternoons. I thought it was cool. I thought it was cool.

Then this morning, I woke up and I was going to go hit the live button, and my finger literally was on the button, and then this thought floated through my head that said, “I put everything in this in US dollars, but what if it's actually New Zealand dollars?” Because I know on the preview page, it shows New Zealand dollars. It defaults to where I am.

Joanna: Just explain why that's an issue, the difference in currency.

Rachael: The New Zealand dollar is probably about 61 cents to the American dollar. So I sent this desperate email out to Kickstarter. They're off today because it's a holiday, but hopefully they come back tomorrow and I'll hit the button.

Everything's lined up to go. Today was the day, but if that went through, it would be such a major error. It would basically be like saying, if I'm planning for 1/3 profit, hopefully, I just cut my profit by a third, plus shipping that I've now put in the wrong currency too.

I would end up, no matter what kind of book I sold, I would end up paying for it. I would pay for every single thing that left the Kickstarter.

Joanna: It's a pretty big possible mistake.

Rachael: My heart rate went through the roof. I screamed, and my wife ran in. She was like, “Is it okay?!” I'm like, I don't know if it's okay.

I haven't felt this kind of fear around a launch in many, many years . I think the fear is bigger because I know that for Kickstarter, you've got to push it. Like I actually have to do promotion, and I, like so many writers, hate promotion.

So, so much of the planning for the Kickstarter has gone into things like planning the emails, planning the social media, planning the extra podcasts that I'm going to put out, planning Patreon posts.

I'm much more comfortable pushing a book out. If it's a self-published book, I like to send one or two emails. Like I send one email, and then maybe a couple of weeks later, I send a second email, and I'm done.

With traditionally published books, I don't do much more than that, either. So doing a Kickstarter has made me have to trust myself more that I will really act like a business person, instead of a writer who likes to do a little business.

Like this is this is serious, and I'm really serious about this book. This is a book that I did not offer to my agent. I love this book, I want to get it out in the world. It's going to be Kickstarter, and then it'll be on my Shopify for a month exclusively, and then it'll go wide.

So I have all the plans in place, but I didn't know I would be this nervous.

Joanna: I mean, I really felt that, having obviously done two now, but also with more coming, that it's a worthwhile push, and that actually, this is really good for us.

In fact, talking about unstuck, I feel like we had been stuck in our processes . Like you said, we've been doing this, I guess almost 20 years now since we started doing this writing for publication and being serious about a career.

I feel like, oh my goodness, I had been stuck in my ways. I'd been stuck in the way I use social media, been stuck in the way I just did email. All of these things we can easily, if we just repeat the same thing over and over again, we can become stuck in that.

So I feel like the Kickstarter process is ‘kicking' us out of that.

What are some of the things you're doing for this Kickstarter that you haven't done before, in terms of marketing?

Or are you just doing a lot more in the period?

Rachael: I'm doing a lot more in the period, but what you say is exactly right. I think that I've just gotten complacent, and that's not a good place to be. For me, that's not a good place to be. I do need to be pushing myself.

This feels like an external push that I am choosing, that will be hard to do, and also so worthwhile. On one hand, it's making me believe in myself.

In the other hand, I think the fear comes from that I'm just scared that I will totally fail. That I will either not hit my goal, which is very low, or that I'll screw up all of the money.

Like your biggest fear is, everybody says, do the shipping, make sure the all of the numbers are right. And what if you do that in the wrong currency? Like there are fears I didn't even know to have.

I could screw this up so badly. No one likes that. No one likes the fear of abject failure.

So what I like about it is it's reminding me, again, to face it and go, “This is uncomfortable, and it's not going to kill me. This is good for me.” I can almost sometimes enjoy that discomfort if I think about it that way.

Joanna: Tell us about Unstuck , your book, and also what people can find in the Kickstarter.

Rachael: Thank you. You can find it at RachaelHerron.com/unstuck , or you can just Google “Kickstarter Unstuck.” I think it's the second one that comes up, it'll be obvious.

It is the memoir about every step of the way, from the moment that my wife and I decided mid-pandemic that we would move to New Zealand, kind of out of the blue. We never really thought we would do this. Then we decided and we went.

It's every step, from selling everything we own, selling the house, moving very quickly because of reasons. We were gone for months after we really made the decision.

Then moving to this new country and finding a home because we didn't know where to live, finding friends because we didn't have any friends. It's the whole exploration of that.

In the Kickstarter, there is obviously the normal things, the eBook and the paperback and the hardcover.

The thing I'm most excited about is that the Kickstarter is allowing me to have the time to do the audio, and I love doing and producing audiobooks. This will be my third, and it's one of my passions.

Also, in terms of perks over there, there's an online writing retreat, and there is coaching with me. That is something I probably haven't done in five years. There's actual coaching. Then there's other fun add-ons like other books I've written and signed things and fun things. I get so nervous just thinking about it.

Joanna: So you narrate the audiobook?

Rachael: Yes, yes.

Joanna: Oh, fantastic. It's interesting, you say that you really enjoy that. It is hard narrating an audiobook, but you really enjoy that.

Rachael: I love everything about it except the editing, just because it just always takes longer than you think it will. You were the one who turned me on to Hindenburg Narrator , which is just the best program ever. I absolutely love Hindenburg.

It just makes a lot of things easier, and because we've been at this game a long time, it's just so nice to get the tools that we've always wanted.

I remember when we had to code ePubs, and it was terrible. So now when the tools roll out, we use them. But yes, I love doing the audio. It's a thrill.

Joanna: That's awesome. Okay, so—

Where else can people find you, and your podcast, and everything you do online?

Rachael: Thank you. The podcast, it is formerly “How Do You Write” and now it is called “Ink in Your Veins” because I think we do all have ink in our veins or we would not continue doing this.

If you're a writer, you may want to get on my writers email list because I try to give away everything that I know. That's over at RachaelHerron.com/write .

If people are interested in the “Rachael Says Write” where we just write together for two to eight hours a week, that's at patreon.com/rachael .

Thank you so much for letting me talk to you about all this stuff, especially the scary stuff, Jo.

Joanna: Thanks for coming on.

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Director of Saint Leo’s Master of Creative Writing Program Awarded 2023 Bronze Medal in Florida Book Awards

Dr. Anne Barngrover’s ‘Everwhen’ poetry collection earns a top prize in the state. Read more about her book and her advice for writers.

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During National Poetry Month, it’s fitting to congratulate Saint Leo University’s Dr. Anne Barngrover, who has been awarded the 2023 Bronze Medal by the Florida Book Awards for her poetry collection, Everwhen.  Barngrover, associate professor of creative writing, and director of the  Master of Arts in Creative Writing Program , will attend the awards ceremony in Tallahassee, FL, at the end of April. 

The Florida Book Awards were established in 2006. The 18th annual competition featured 170 eligible publications submitted across 11 categories for books published in 2023.

Earning the gold medal for poetry was Kweku Abimbola of Tampa for Saltwater Demands a Psalm (Graywolf Press) and the silver medal was awarded to Jessica Q. Stark of Jacksonville for Buffalo Girl .

Barngrover’s Everwhen will be among the other Florida Book Award-winning books on permanent display in the library at the Governor's Mansion in Tallahassee and in an exhibit case on the third floor of Florida State University's Strozier Library.

Published by the University of Akron Press, the award-winning Everwhen is Barngrover’s third poetry collection. Barngrover’s  Brazen Creature was published in 2018 also by the University of Akron Press and was a finalist for the 2019 Ohioana Award for Poetry, and Yell Hound Blues  was published by Shipwreckt Books in 2013. 

Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Barngrover earned her Bachelor of Arts from Denison University, her Master of Fine Arts from Florida State University, and her doctorate in English and creative writing from the University of Missouri.

Q&A with Dr. Anne Barngrover

Q. This is a BIG award! Are you having “all the feelings?” Why do you think the judges selected Everwhen ?

 A:  Thank you! I’m not exactly sure why the judges selected Everwhen. In the writing world, as in other creative pursuits, there’s so much subjectivity and rejection, the rejection far outweighing the acceptances, and oftentimes you never know why your work can get rejected by one literary journal, press, or award and accepted by another. I’ve had to learn a long time ago not to take any of it too personally and to develop a thick skin, to trust my creative instincts, and to keep marching on. That being said, I am so grateful to all those who have supported Everwhen and am very honored to have been chosen for the bronze medal.

Q: Do the poems in Everwhen follow a theme — are they connected? And if so, can you explain the theme?

 A:  I wrote and revised these poems from around 2017-2021, so the images, obsessions, and preoccupations of those years became part of this collection. Everwhen is an anxious book concerned with how our planet is being treated and how vulnerable people, especially women, are treated in tandem. Many of these poems speak as plants or as the Roman goddess Ceres, ruler of agriculture and of women and girls, as imagined in the 21 st century. Ceres’ insistence on truth-telling and resilience are familiar navigations for me. 

As a decade-long Florida resident, I experience this state as verdant, otherworldly, and misunderstood, rife with the manmade horrors of toxic algae, disappearing species and coastlines, dangerous weather patterns, and the highest reports of cyber-attacks in the country, and all of these local concerns are reflected in the poetry of this book. Overall, Everwhen deals with love, grief, and beauty in the apocalypse; the body and mind in peril; and the ecological concept of Deep Time.

Q: What inspires you to write, whether it be poetry or another form of writing?

  A: I am most inspired to write when I am reading other poems that strike me in their imagery, visual form, musicality, and use of the line, or when I am reading evocative prose. I love that poems are made up of both lines and sentences; I am most inspired by the possibility of sentences. 

My daily bike rides around my neighborhood also inspire me because I live in an area that contains a lot of lush and unusual nature. Likewise, I am inspired by the places I travel to, whether that is a nearby beach or a city in Europe. Physically moving outside helps me to meditate, think deeply, and observe the world around me. I bring all of my reading and my observations with me when I come to the page to write, and in doing so, I never face the blank page alone.

Q: What advice do you give to young writers?

 A : Read! My  students know that my mantra is, “Read five times more than you write.” Read within your genre and outside of your genre. Read work that is old and work that is new. Read work that is similar to what you want to write and work that is wildly different. 

Reading gives you permission to try new things in your writing, to experiment with form and perspective, and to re-imagine the possibilities of storytelling and expression. No one can work in a bubble; all successful writers borrow from the writers who came before them. If you do not read, you will stagnate as a writer. What’s more, reading can become one of the greatest loves of your life; I know it has been a great love in mine. 

Leading Micro-credential in Creative Writing This Summer

This summer, Barngrover will lead the 2024 master’s in creative writing summer residency as well as a micro-credential program in creative writing. The micro-credential program will provide feedback from creative writing faculty and peers on what participants are working on — new fiction, creative nonfiction, or poetry. It takes place 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., July 8-13 at Saint Leo’s campus, 33701 County Road 52, St. Leo, FL 33544. The deadline to sign up is June 15. For more information, email  [email protected]

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IALA Announces 2024 Mentorship Program and Annual Grants for Creative Writing and Translation

LOS ANGELES — The International Armenian Literary Alliance’s fourth annual mentorship program will run from July 1 through August 31, 2024, with mentorships for writers of the novel, memoir, creative nonfiction, short story, poetry as well as literary translation from Eastern or Western Armenian into English. Mentors will read and provide feedback on their mentee’s writing and speak virtually with their mentee throughout the program to discuss the writing life, the mentee’s work and how to navigate the publishing industry. At the end of the program, IALA will host an Emerging Writers Showcase to feature the mentees’ work. Applications are now open through April 14, 2024.

“In my role as the director of the mentorship program, I am constantly impressed by the wealth of talent among the emerging writers in the Armenian community,” says IALA’s Mentorship Program director Shahé Mankerian. “Equally inspiring is the dedication of our experienced mentors who volunteer their time to support and uplift our aspiring Armenian voices.”

IALA also announced three new annual grants for one writer and two translators whose work-in-progress show exceptional literary and creative ability. Application opens on September 1st until September 30th, 2024, and winners will be announced in December 2024. Its Creative Writing Grant will award $2,500 annually to one Armenian writer whose work-in-progress shows exceptional literary and creative ability. After awarding poets and fiction writers in previous years, the grant will be awarded in 2024 for a work of creative nonfiction. The 2024 grant will be judged by Susan Barba, Aram Mrjoian and Nadia Owusu.

IALA’s Creative Writing Grant, made possible by a donation from the Armenian Allied Arts Association, is meant to foster the development of contemporary Armenian literature in English through an annual monetary award, and support Armenian writers who have historically lacked resources in the publishing world.

The Israelyan English Translation Grant from IALA will award $3,000 to one translator working from Armenian (either Western or Eastern) source texts into English, whose work-in-progress shows exceptional literary and creative ability. In 2024, the grant will be awarded for a work of literature (in any literary genre) written in Armenian and published any time after 1900.

Given the traumatic history of the Armenian diaspora, many readers are unable to read works in the original Armenian, and therefore, have centuries of literature inaccessible to them. Translators working with Armenian texts have traditionally lacked resources in the publishing world, as well as access to other funding, due to the overwhelming influence of so-called “majority languages.” IALA’s Israelyan English Translation Grant, made possible by a donation from Souren A. Israelyan, supports translators working with contemporary Armenian literature through a monetary award.

The Israelyan Armenian Translation Grant from the International Armenian Literary Alliance will award $3,000 to one translator working from English source text into Eastern Armenian, whose work-in-progress shows exceptional literary and creative ability. In 2024, the grant will be awarded for a work of contemporary literature written by an Armenian in English. The complete list of texts which we would like to see translated feature authors who represent and support the Armenian literary community; their works were selected for their diversity in voices and subject matters.

For more details, visit IALA’s website, www.armenianliterary.org .

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Written by Emily Harstone April 8th, 2024

15 Places That Publish Writing About Writing and Publishing

It felt a little strange to put together this list because we generally focus on opportunities for creative writers, and most of these places only publish nonfiction, and not the creative kind. But they are still a great opportunity for creative writers in terms of promoting their work and their name.

There are also lots of regional organizations of writers that publish articles about writing. If you have a publication you want to add to this list, send us an email at [email protected].

Many of them pay, but not all of them. If they pay I make it clear in my review. Most are open to submissions now, but not all of them.

The SFWA Blog The official blog for the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America. They want nonfiction articles of interest to sci-fi/fantasy writers. They pay $0.10 a word on final draft word count. The articles they publish are usually between 800 and 1000 words. To learn more, read their submission guidelines .

Author An online magazine dedicated to writing, publishing and the creative process in general. They are teamed with the Pacific Northwest Writer’s Association and they publish feature articles by new and established writers.  They publish two types of articles. The first type is practical “How To” focused articles and the second type focuses on the more emotional, inspirational side of writing. To learn more, go here .

Funds for Writers They pay $75 for articles about making a living as a writer. They are open to reprints, although they do pay less for them. Learn more here .

Writer’s Digest This well-respected publication publishes a wide variety of articles that you can learn more about by going here , and scrolling down. They pay varying amounts depending on the content, and prefer pitches to articles written on spec.

Poets & Writers Magazine The most established magazine for writers accepts a wide variety of articles. You can read their complete submission guidelines here . They are a paying market.

CRAFT This respected literary journal also publishes essays on writing craft, critical essays, and book annotations. They pay between $50 and $100 for accepted pieces. Learn more here .

Electric Lit Electric Lit publishes a wide variety of personal essays including essays focused on books, writing, storytelling, as well as interviews with writers and editors. They encourage authors submitting creative work to become a paying member to be able submit more often, which is not ideal, but this is not the case with submitters focused on interviews or cultural criticism. Learn more here . They are a paying market.

Lit Hub A great website with a lot of readers, Lit Hub is open to a wide variety of pitches. Learn more here . It was created by Grove Atlantic and Electric Literature. Reports indicate that they pay, but it’s not clear how much, on their website.

Chill Subs They publish articles and essays about “the windy, wonky, fun, weird, hair-pulling, frustrating, tricky, super-spectacular process of hunting down different journals, lit mags, zines, reviews, and so on to ask them to hang your poem, story, odd or end up on their internet fridge”. They pay $40 per piece, and accept 3 per month. You can learn more here . Brevity Blog Brevity is an established literary journal devoted to flash nonfiction, the Brevity Blog is focused on publishing articles related to writing of creative nonfiction. Their submission guidelines are here and this post contains additional tips for interested writers. Recently, Brevity Craft merged with Brevity Blog, you can read more about that here . And Brevity Magazine charges for creative nonfiction submissions, but not for the blog. Submittable Content for Creatives Submittable is the largest submission platform out there, and their discover blog, which helps writers find places to submit publishes “blog content for creatives! We’re interested in sharing your work about the publishing industry, creativity, digital media, literature, film, photography, and the arts.” They are not currently open to submissions but you can learn more here . They pay $50 per post. The Artisanal Writer This non-profit run online magazine publishes essays on the craft of writing as well as occasional book reviews. They now require everyone to make a free account to access their content. You can learn more about submitting here . Freelance They are the quarterly publication for members of The Saskatchewan Writers’ Guild. They publish articles on the business and craft of writing. Pay is 20 cents per word. To learn more, go here . The Hot Sheet I’m a long-time subscriber to this publication by Jane Friedman. They cover the publishing industry in an interesting and engaging way. They pay very well, but you really need to be familiar with the newsletter before pitching them. They ask you to write them for links before pitching if you aren’t already familiar with what they publish. You can learn more here . Lit Mag News Another publication I’m a long time subscriber of, Lit Mag News is open to submissions from writers and editors about literary journals. They pay 50 for original pieces and 25 for reprints. Read all of the details here .

Authors Publish We pay for articles about creative writing and publishing. We pay $50 for most feature articles and up to $150 for articles like this one (please pitch special issue articles first). To learn more, go here .

Emily Harstone  is the author of many popular books, including  The Authors Publish Guide to Manuscript Submissions ,  Submit, Publish, Repeat , and  The 2023 Guide to Manuscript Publishers . She regularly teaches three acclaimed courses on writing and publishing at  The Writer’s Workshop at Authors Publish . You can follow her on Facebook  here .

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The Moscow Tape Paperback – June 7, 2013

• Print length 356 pages
• Language English
• Publication date June 7, 2013
• Dimensions 5.5 x 0.81 x 8.5 inches
• ISBN-10 1940227089
• ISBN-13 978-1940227085
• See all details

Editorial Reviews

About the author.

Born in 1950, John Nicholas Datesh lived mostly in and around Pittsburgh, PA until early 2009. At Brown University, he took many courses in writing as an excuse for doing just that. Then, at Boston University School of Law, he learned to mix in words and phrases like Hereinafter and It Depends .

After two years of losing reasons to stay, he moved cats Lila and Lucy Liu to a condo a mile east of Naples Bay in Florida. He left a Pittsburgh career in law, business and product development in favor of concentrating on writing fiction, winging blogs and cultivating beach chairs, presumably in that order of dedication.

He began writing fiction with a pencil and published his first three books, the SF/Mystery novel The Nightmare Machine ; the Soft-boiled Detective novel The Janus Murder ; and the International Suspense novel The Moscow Tape , in actual ink. All are evailable in virtual ink at e-book stores on the Web.

Also widely evailable are the short stories The Pro Station (WWII), The Final Equation (SF) and Reruns ad Infinitum (SF/Fantasy). They join the author's definitive Christmas short story, You Could Call It a Christmas Story as works published after the move to Naples.

He concocted a humorous/satiric blog at EmptyGlassFull.com shortly after moving. He has e-published a collection its other early posts, grandly entitled The Very First Blog Posts of All Time.

His 2013 novel, The Girl in the Coyote Coat , ignored the boundaries of mystery/suspense genre for which it was originally intended. No one would call it a romance, either. With a real estate and finance backdrop, the novel exposes how love, sex, money, scams, thievery, drugs, house shopping and fur coats can destroy the lives of complex and intriguing characters.

His four novels are also available in print as Trade Paperbacks.

Coming in the winter of 2014-15 is The Body in the Bog , the first novel in his Death by Condo mystery series.

Product details

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Loiseau Development; 2nd edition (June 7, 2013)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 356 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1940227089
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1940227085
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 12.7 ounces
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.81 x 8.5 inches

About the author

John nicholas datesh.

Born in 1950, John Nicholas Datesh lived mostly in and around Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania until early 2009. At Brown University, he took many courses in writing as an institutionalized rationale for doing just that. Then, at Boston University School of Law, he learned to mix in words and phrases like It Depends and Hereinafter. It is unknown when he learned to use italics every third paragraph.

In Spring 2009, he moved cats Lila and Lucy Liu to a condominium one mile in from the east side of Naples Bay in Florida. He left his Pittsburgh career in law, business and product development in favor of concentrating on writing fiction, winging blogs and cultivating beach chairs, presumably in that order of dedication.

He began writing fiction with a pencil and published, on paper with actual ink, his first three books, the SF/Mystery novel The Nightmare Machine; the Soft-boiled Detective novel The Janus Murder; and the International Suspense novel The Moscow Tape. All three novels are currently evailable in virtual ink at e-book stores on the Web and in trade paperback.

Also widely evailable are the short stories The Pro Station (WWII), The Final Equation (SF) and Reruns ad Infinitum (SF/Fantasy). They join the author's definitive Christmas short story, You Could Call It a Christmas Story as works published after the move to Naples.

He concocted a humorous and/or satiric blog at EmptyGlassFull.com shortly after moving. His Christmas Story started out as post to the blog, and he has e-published a collection its other early posts, grandly entitled The Very First Blog Posts of All Time. As novel writing began to take more of his time, he sent blogging off on long vacation in Naples.

His 2013 novel, The Girl in the Coyote Coat, came to ignore the boundaries of mystery / suspense genre for which it was originally intended. No one would call it a romance, either. With a real estate and finance backdrop, the novel exposes how love, sex, money, scams, drugs, furs, and house-breaking / -shopping can affect the lives of complex and intriguing characters and even kill a few.

2016’s The Body in the Bog is a Sunset Noir mystery novel. It is the first in the author’s planned Death by Condo series starring prematurely retired lawyer Ian Decker. It begins with a body lying dead in a bog. The twists come later

His screenplay The Last Three Minutes was the first piece written partly on the beach and entirely in the Naples Bay scenery, though it is not set there. It is squarely in the cyber supernatural love story thriller genre. The Last Three Minutes has been adapted as a novel, if not a movie, by the author and will be out beginning December 2016, immediately after The Body in the Bog hits the virtual streets.

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CREEES Professional Resources Forum

Center for Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies at The University of Texas at Austin

Grad Program: MA in Creative Writing in Russian (Moscow)

Application opens February 2019

For fiction/non-fiction writers in Russian.

MA “Creative Writing”  is:

• Practical and theoretical/historical courses, such as  Creative Writing Workshop ,  Storytelling in Different Media ,  Literary Editing , Poetics of Novel and Screenwriting ;
• Unique professors and teachers, among them famous Russian writers, screenwriters and critics –  Marina Stepnova ,  Lyudmila Ulitskaya ,  Lev Danilkin ,  Sergey Gandlevsky  and  Maya Kucherskaya  as well as prominent philologists, authors of academic and non-fiction books  Oleg Lekmanov ,  Ekaterina Lyamina  and  Alexey Vdovin ;
• Participation in open readings, discussions and  literary expeditions ,  publications in students’ projects ;
• International exchange  – lectures and workshops of the leading specialists in Creative Writing, students’ exchange in the best world universities;
•  Help and support in the process of  employment  in various publishing houses, editorials, Mass Media, high schools and universities and PR;
• Creation and participation in  cultural projects ;
• Flexible timetable  enabling students to work while studying.

Our graduates already work in the best publishing houses, universities and schools in Moscow. Their writing is published in the authoritative literary magazines. Their projects (such as prize  “_Litblog”  for the best literary blogger and first Creative Writing Internet resource in Russian  “Mnogobukv” and collections of prose) have gained much attention.

Language of instruction: Russian

You can apply to non-paid place as a foreign student in February. Looking forward to seeing you at Higher School of Economics!

More information about the programme:  https://www.hse.ru/en/ma/litmaster