I recall while attending creative writing in my bachelor’s, my professor would mention the foremost important thing to do before writing is to read, and not just mere reading. But actually delving yourself into the pages to be able to write by yourself when you’re ready.
The practice of reading, be it any genre, any piece of work.
But the process gradually helps a lot in building the writer deep inside you.
You’ll see the difference yourself.
First thing first, read a lot. Then find the writer in YOU.
If you’re looking for tips to elevate or advance your writing skills, you’re certainly at the right place.
Here, in this blog post, I’ve listed few books that are written for new writers who are looking to paving their ways into the writer’s world.
You will get a brief idea about getting your inspiration and also being really consistent with your process of creating art.
To be able to put your idea into the pages, for the world to read them out aloud. Here are few best books on writing for aspiring writers that I have ever read.
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List of 10 Best Books on Writing For Aspiring Writers You Would Ever Need
1. On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft
by Stephen King
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On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King — What’s better than to start the list with the king himself. Stephen King has marked himself as a well-reputed novel writer who has successfully written wonderful novels through ages.
Not only successful as a writer but he is truly an exception for his storytelling capability. On Writing by Stephen king dwell upon his own experiences of writing which deals with how he came to be known as the famous writer he is today. He also shares the different kinds of tools and experiences he had while he was on his writing journey. He lets the new readers or writers know about the various aspects of a writer’s world which is not just as it may look but has so much more depth into it. He throws light upon the reality of this profession which may not be that easy but is worth venturing on if you find yourself truly comforting in the words you create and ideas you come across.
This book is perfect for someone who wants to get some inspiration from the king himself on his/her new journey to become a writer and to all the sacrifices and efforts he or she needs to put into the process. Grab this one, for a new outlook towards the writing process. Read More
2. Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear
by Elizabeth Gilbert
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Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert — A magical mixture of mysticism and rationality defining the power of art and creation. Elizabeth Gilbert has created this beautiful book full of enchanting stories to inspire the new writers. She inspires the new writers to find ideas within themselves and to discover their creative shelves which are deep hidden in themselves.
She asks the writer to seek deep within themselves, and find those jewels of art to create a work of art without fearing how others may receive it. This book is a captivating one to get the sole idea of creativity. She states how creating is far better than just dwelling upon the thought of whether it’s good or not. She claims the writers to be daring to be able to write their hearts out.
All in all, a wonderful book by Gilbert to make you understand the beauty and truth of creating art for your own sake and happiness and creating it with your whole heart. If you’re questioning your thoughts and creative process, then you must dwell in her chapters of mystical inspiration. Read More
3. Monkeys with Typewriters
by Scarlett Thomas
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Monkeys with Typewriters: How to Write Fiction and Unlock the Secret Power of Stories by Scarlett Thomas — Scarlett Thomas’s book is about the process of writing fiction and also the various steps that come with it. She focuses on the various aspects of writing fiction as well as the method of creating a character. She inspires the writers to be able to create a strong character and the development process of those characters over the progress of that fiction.
It may seem hard that creative writing cannot be taught to others but here Thomas proves through her book that even the process of creating something new can also be taught to new readers and writers through her tips and experiences. As far as the plot building goes she then tries to make the readers understand the process of characterization on how to build a perfect character and how to make them bold enough to mark their ways into the heart of readers. These processes are important for someone who is going to write a fiction of their own. Whether you are someone who is a student or is learning ways to create your piece of art this is the book for you where you get to learn the various aspects of writing fiction and also staying in your creative liberties while following the steps she mentions. Read More
4. How Fiction Works
by James Wood
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How Fiction Works by James Wood — This book by James Wood would be fascinating for any literature student or anyone who is thinking of writing their own fiction. He took references from various other books and then molded them together with the instructions and various aspects of fiction and what truly makes it different from any other genre of writing. Includes chapters for the various important factors such as narration narrative characters details concessional and various includes chapters for the various important factors such as narration narrative characters details consciousness and language of fiction. It is more of an analytical book which deals with the different features of fiction.
The way James word have explains the different styles and then author’s choice in his Novel as well as the importance of language that can build its own life in the fiction splendidly. This book must be given a chance if you are looking to write a fiction of your own to know the different sides of creating new work especially when it’s fiction. Read More
5. Bird by Bird
by Anne Lamott
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Bird by Bird Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott — Anne Lamott gift us this book with basic instructions including step by step guide on how to write and the tricks to manage the life of a writer. She tends to focus on the preliminary aspect such as the writer’s block and Publication houses. Her humor enriches the writing in this book which makes it an easy read for anyone of academic field or anyone out of it.
If you are keen to know that how does the life of writer works and also the contents of the imagination needed to be able to become a writer then you need to go through this book. Lamott goes on to reveal the importance of being out in nature and the daily life experiences on how it affects a person’s imagination and thought process. Simple events in one’s life can be a big part of their imagination and would lead to finding new ideas to be able to write their creative piece of work. Anne Lamott becomes the funny teacher whose classes are never missed. If you are new to this journey you should definitely give this funny yet eye-opening read a chance so that you get to know what Lamott has to offer about the writing process and let her guide you through this process of creativity. Read More
6. On Writing Well
by William Zinsser
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On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Non-fiction by William Zinsser — This book by Zinsser provides his advice to the readers and writers about good writing and insight into creative thinking. He focuses on how good writing is associated with the inner life and moral virtues of an author. Even though it may seem a book only for the writers of non-fiction but the lessons and teachings can be easily portrayed into writing fiction as well.
The lessons regarding ‘travel writing’ also beautifully innovate the ideas to write stories about traveling. Promoting new ideas to the writers. Zinsser offers practical and precise guidance through this book on how you can be effortlessly natural with your language while writing your book. Read More
7. The Elements of Style
by William Strunk, Jr. and E.B. White
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The Elements of Style by William Strunk, Jr. and E.B. White — William Strunk’s guidebook on how to write a clear and concise book. A detailed and close study of this book will make the writers realize the benefits of communication in providing clarity in their writings. He goes on explaining about the various use of voices in sentence structure.
Having a positive attitude towards crafting an idea. Even though this book may have an abundance of rules to teach about grammar, writing styles, and composition don’t think too harshly of them. These methods are to structure your writing properly and to develop your skills, at the end of the day you should write what makes you truly happy. Read More
8. Plot & Structure
by James Scott Bell
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Plot & Structure: Techniques and Exercises for Crafting a Plot that Grips Readers From Start to Finish by James Scott Bell — This book by James Scott Bell would tell you one of the most important features of writing a novel which is the construction of an amazing plot. James explains the importance of structuring a plot that will hook the reader from the very beginning to the end of the story.
The various steps for generating new plot ideas and constructing them into a storyline sturdy enough to hook the readers from the time they start reading the book. Before writing a book or a story a writer should know how important it is to build a concrete plot over which the story will lay its foundation. This book will teach you how to create an outstanding beginning to a story, the middle, and also the ending which will change the essence of the book in a manner that will make the reader go through it again and again. James also focuses on the common plot mistakes that a writer tends to make and how they must be avoided to create remarkable work. James also references other renowned authors for their ways which are astonishingly splendid in the world of writing. You will definitely praise this book for the amount of knowledge it will provide you in your writing venture. Read More
9. Writing Short Stories
by Courttia Newland and Tania Hershman
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Writing short Stories by Courttia Newland and Tania Hershman — This book can be easily considered as an essential guide to the writers looking forward to writing short fiction.
The book is divided into three parts for a better explanation of different perspectives regarding writing short stories.
Part 1, starts with exploring the new ideas for writing as well as the nature of structures and thorough research of the ideas.
Part 2, includes tips and suggestions by the renowned authors of short stories such as Alison Moore, Jane Rogers, Edith Pearlman, Vanessa Gebbie, Adam Thorpe, and Elspeth Sandys.
Part 3, provides practical advice on structuring the plot and characters and also fighting writer’s block.
An exceptional help for new writers out there to start writing their first short story. Read More
10. I Should Be Writing: A Writer’s Workshop
by Mur Lafferty
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I should be Writing: A Writer’s Workshop by Mur Lafferty — A simple motivating book for the writers, to give them a kick-start in their new journey. A quick inspirational guide, if you’re struggling to decide where to start from. The second part of the book is like a workbook with lines to get your hands practiced.
She emphasizes how writing should be fun and just sit and get started with your writing endeavor.
To deal with self-doubt, self struggle and distractions you must give this one a read to clarify your doubts regarding writing. Read More
Conclusion
This is a list of few books which will help any new writer to start their journey of writing.
To help you get through the struggles of a writer’s block.
To get new ideas about developing writing skills and various aspects of writing starting from structuring plot to creating characters and writing your own book.
The satisfaction of creating your own piece of work, fulfilling with your own ideas and creativity.
Get motivated through this list of books, where the authors share their experiences and tips regarding writing fiction, non-fiction and short stories.
You can visit Wikipedia to learn more about Writing.
You can easily clear your doubts regarding any of the writing prospects, and clear your pathways for your writing adventure. A little list of inspiration for the writers to get past their doubts and be motivated in their writing journey. Go for it!
In case you do not find your favorite book here, you can always leave it in the comment section. We will for sure include it in our next update in the article titled – 10 Best Books on Writing For Aspiring Writers.
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