15 Best Books on Writing | Must Read for Authors

Reading books is construed as absolute, objective, and incontrovertible proof for the best result, for any individual headed to become an exceptional author. 

Authoring is an offspring for an intensive reading of the distinct books that guide the budding writers in the offing.

Therefore, this article will explain the 15 Best Books on Writing.

What education is needed to become an author? 

 A college degree in English, Communications, or Journalism is a prerequisite for a full-time position as a writer or author.

So, the experience gained through internships or any writing improves skill, such as blogging is beneficial.

What is the best book for writing a novel?

On-Writing: by Stephen King, Partly a guidebook, Partly a memoir.

In this classic book, King discusses how he came to be the writer we know today, and also shares the basic writing tools that every writer needs.

I, therefore, personally recommend this book to all aspiring authors.

Read: The power of Now Book Summary | 2023 Review

Is writing a good career?   

Yes! But it takes very strong writing skills to stand out among the thousands of aspiring writers. It also takes a lot of creativity, hard work, investment in yourself, and a humble attitude. 

There’s a lot of scope for freelance content writers in today’s world. With the increase in the number of websites, the demand for quality content writers has also increased.

How do I start my writing career?  

I would put this in 8 steps;

  1. Don’t wait to call yourself a writer. You don’t have to be published to be a writer.
  2. Don’t quite at anytime!Make sure you have a vision. 
  3. Write from your passion,write like it matters and it will.
  4. Work and improve on it everyday. 
  5. Make sure that you create your writer’s website. 
  6. Look for opportunities. Opportunities don’t find you in your comfort zone.
  7. Seek like-mended writers.
  8. Network! 

What are the best books for writing flash fiction?  

  1. Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck. A classic for a reason, Steinbeck’s George and Lennie loom large in American literature. Dusty California, a dream of a better life, hand-to-mouth labor, and a tragedy you’ll never forget.
  2. Things fall apart by Chinua Achebe. An epic novel that tackles Europe’s colonization of Africa. Okonkwo, a wealthy and powerful Igbo warrior comes face to face with the religious and political forces that will end his way of life.
  3. Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. This is also one of the best books for writing flash fiction. The author talks about Ifemelu who leaves Nigeria for the United States and is suddenly confronted with a new identity _ being black in America. She drives into academia and into her adoptive country’s history and racial issues.  

Basically, the above can be guiding books on writing flash fiction.

Read Also: 15 Best Books of the Decade | 2023 List

What are the 15 best books on writing? 

The following books on writing reveal intimate details of the ins and outs of what it means to define yourself as a writer. 

1. Dreyer’s English by Benjamin Dreyer.

Dreyer has upheld the standards of the legendary publisher for over two decades. He is beloved by authors and editors alike.

He distills everything he has learned from the myriad books he has copyedited and overseen into a useful guide for writers and everyone who wants to be a pro in prose. 

2. Zen in the art of writing by Ray Bradbury. (Xanax)

The author puts together this book of essays portraying his passion for the craft. This book was published in the ’90s but still offers aspiring authors vivid advice and content.

3. Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott. 

The author knows from writing. She has authored 7 novels, and 9works of non-fiction, many of which are best sellers.  

4. Naked, Drunk and Writing by Adair Lara.

It’s a must-read for any memoirist or personal essayist with experience as a teacher, editor, and of course writer. The perfect mix of tough love, comic relief, and passion.

Lara’s book is invaluable for anyone who needs some help telling their story.

Read: 15 Best Self Help Books of all Time | 2023 List

 5. Writer’s Market 2020

Want to get published and paid for your writing? Let writer’s Market 2020 guide you through the process of publishing and publishing opportunities for writers including listings of book publishers trade magazines and others.

These listings feature contracts and submitting information to help writers get their work published.  

6. Sin and Syntax by Constance Hale.

Copy Veteran Constance Hale is on a mission to make creative Communications, both lyrical and unlawful, an option for everyone.

The novel’s crisp, witty tone covers grammar’s ground rules while revealing countless unconventional Syntax secrets (such as how to use Gasp!-interjections or when to pepper your prose with slang)that make for sinfully good writing. 

 7. Poem Crazy by Susan G. Wooldridge.

Though some may sit back and pull a poem from thin air, that’s not the case for most people.

Writing workshop leader Wooldridge uses her own experience in writing and helping others write to share this compilation of prompts,  ideas, and more.

This book is a guide that any budding poet will use because it’s one of the best books for writing. 

8. Writing better lyrics by Pat Pattison.

It has been a staple for songwriters for nearly 2 decades.

Now, this revised and updated 2nd edition provides effective tools for everything from generating ideas, to understanding the form and function of a song to fine-tuning lyrics. 

9. The Forest for the Trees (Revised and updated) by Betsy Lerner 

The publishing house can seem like a jungle for both established and prospective authors alike. Luckily, Betsy is here to lead a safari, citing her vast collection of experiences as an editor as her field guide.

The book is one of a kind, one of the best writing books, because it motivates writers by helping them get over their fear of the unknown.

It’s less about taming the wilderness and more about facing the demons of self-doubt and sloth that live in every person’s own mind.

10. The elements of style illustrated by William Strunk, Jr.and E.B White

It’s so widely known. The only style guide to ever appear on a bestseller list, this book should be your go-to if your writing needs an infusion of clarity.

11. Walking on Water(Madeleine L’Engle) 

The author has mastered the art of wearing faith into fiction.

In the book, the late author explores what it is to be a Christian artist and touches on the influence of science on her writing life.

This is truly a book that will hold appeal for writers and readers alike.

12. On-Writing by Stephen King

Partly memoir, partly guidebook, this classic book appeals even to those who avoid his renowned horror-packed tales.

King discusses how he came to be the writer we know today, and also shares the basic tools of writing that every writer needs.

13. Story Genius by Lisa Cron.

So much of writing is creativity. But let’s not forget about the scientific piece of the puzzle.

In her new book, Story Genius, Lisa Cron addresses just that, examining cognitive storytelling strategies’ role in writing and how you can put them to work for yourself. 

14. I Should Be Writing: A Writer’s Workshop by Mur Lafferty.

For writers who should be writing, this book is like a personal writing workshop condensed into a flexibound journal.

The author shares writing exercises to help the strength of your writing blossom, plus writer’s prompts on how to refine your creative process and home your craft.

It is also considered one of the best writing books.  

15. The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead. 

This novel, winner of the National Award, follows Cora, a runaway slave.

In Whitehead’s world, the Underground Railroad is literal, the secret of transportation whisks Cora and her friend out of slavery and into a terrifying escape.

Read: 15 Best Books Every Teacher Should Read | 2023 List

FAQS on15 Best Books on Writing:

Do writers need to go to college?

For one to be competitive, they need a degree in any of the writing genres like technical writing, copywriting and others

What do authors and writers do?

They create and develop written content for various types of media.

Should a writer have a blog?

Yes, they should!

What is the working environment for writers? 

They may work anywhere they have access to a computer. Many writers and authors are self-employed.

Do writers work on contracts?

Yes, though some do work as full-time writers for some industries. 

Conclusion

The above 15 books are the best for budding writers and optimistic authors. 

You can get all the above books from penguinrandomhouse.com

In conclusion, the above books have insight and wisdom that can support you at all stages of your writing process. So blossom up with them!

References

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