Writing. We all know the key to writing is actually sitting down, pen in hand (or hands on keyboard), and just letting the words flow. That makes it sound so easy, right?
Well, just like how planning and thinking and reading a random romance novel could get the creative juices flowing, reading about writing is helpful too. So why not read some of our favourite books on writing and get that inspiration from a master.
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Top 5 Books on Writing from the Greats
1. Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lammott
This was the book everyone mentioned when I was asking around about books on writing. Definitely the go to resource for anyone who calls themselves (or wants to call themselves) a writer. Both poignant and hilarious, Lammott has a way of bringing the craft to life in a way that doesn’t feel insurmountable.
2. On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King
We can all learn from the master in this book on writing. This was the first book I read when I really wanted to start getting serious about writing. I loved King’s writing so it made sense as a place for me to start. The blending of memoir and advice made the book fly by. It’s a true look into one of the most prolific writers of our time. Oh to have a giant desk in a writing room to whittle your day away at…
3. Consider This: Moments in My Writing Life After Which Everything Was Different by Chuck Palahniuk
This is another book that blends memoir with guidance. Palahniuk brings a new perspective to the craft of writing. His writing isn’t for the faint of heart but the stories he creates are powerful. So for those of us that want to write something that changes the way people think, this is the guide to read.
4. A Swim in the Pond in the Rain: In Which Four Russians Give a Master Class on Writing, Reading, And Life by George Saunders
One of my favourite places to learn about new books and authors is while watching Late Night with Seth Meyers. Meyers often has authors on and one of our first episodes was thanks to Stephanie Wittels-Wach being on his show. Back in spring of 2021, Meyers had George Saunders on to talk about A Swim in the Pond in the Rain and I knew I had to read this book. I have never studied Russian literature but I was intrigued. The book explains how fiction works and how it’s relevant during wild times. And after these past two years, I think we’re all pretty familiar with wild times. Saunders clearly shows how the process of writing is a way to train oneself to be creative and curious.
5. Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within by Natalie Goldberg
Goldberg’s book is full of encouragement and important reminders about getting words onto the page. Don’t stop yourself from writing with edits or overthinking a word choice. Just get that first draft out and go from there. I think this is where a lot of us struggle the most so I’m going to try to take this to heart on my upcoming writing excursion. I love that Goldberg even talks about finding the right place to write, which I always evaluate in the local coffee shops I scout for writing stints.
Finding Writing Inspiration and Energy this Spring
I know every year we talk about how this is the year we write more, but maybe this really is the year. Yes, we’re a few months in but it’s spring and we’re starting fresh. Reading these books on writing are lighting the fire within me and I’m looking forward to a week of coffee shops and writing. If you’re looking for inspiration, check out our blog from earlier this year — 52 Writing Prompts for a Year of Short Stories.
Do you have a favourite book about writing that we didn’t mention here? Let us know in the comments!
