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8 of the Best Books for Aspiring Authors
As an aspiring author, navigating the vast ocean of books on writing can be overwhelming. From memoirs to craft guides, there is no shortage of advice, inspiration, and guidance. But how do you know which books are truly worth your time and investment?
Fear not! As a fellow fiction writer, I’ve read some of the best books on writing. In this post, I’m sharing my favorites.
These books will give you practical tools, creative insights, and invaluable information from experienced writers and editors in the industry. So grab a cup of coffee (or tea), find a cozy spot, and dive into some of the best books to read for aspiring authors!
Overcoming Writing Obstacles
The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
Looking for a book that will help you overcome writing resistance and self-sabotaging habits? “The War of Art” by Steven Pressfield is a must-read book for aspiring authors who want to take their craft to the next level. Whether you’re an artist, writer, musician, or just someone who wants to live a more fulfilling life, “The War of Art” will give you the tools you need to overcome the obstacles that stand in your way.
Pressfield’s book is about the battle between the creative process and the forces trying to hold us back. He argues that we all have an inner critic that tells us we’re not good enough, will never make it, and should give up before starting. Pressfield shows us how we can overcome these obstacles and achieve our goals.
One of the great things about “The War of Art” is that it’s a quick and easy read. Pressfield uses plenty of examples to illustrate his points.
So if you’re ready to take control of your creative life and overcome resistance and self-sabotaging habits, “The War of Art” is the book for you. It’s a powerful and inspiring read that will leave you feeling motivated and ready to tackle whatever challenges come your way. So pick up a copy today and start your journey toward creative freedom!
Best Craft Books for Beginning Writers
If you need writing motivation or are struggling to tackle that daunting first draft, look no further than Anne Lamott’s Bird by Bird. This gem is one of the best books to read for aspiring authors. Lamott’s witty, honest, and relatable writing style will have you hooked from the very first page, and her insights into the writing process will leave you feeling inspired and empowered.
Bird by Bird offers a wealth of practical advice on everything from finding your voice and overcoming writer’s block to the importance of writing shitty first drafts (yes, you read that right). Lamott’s no-nonsense approach to writing is refreshing and encouraging, and her ability to seamlessly blend humor and wisdom is unparalleled.
But what makes Bird by Bird truly special is Lamott’s ability to connect with her readers on a personal level. She understands the struggles and doubts of being a writer and offers a comforting and reassuring voice that will make you feel like you’re not alone in your writing struggles.
So, if you’re looking for a book that will help you find the motivation to write and guide you through the process of writing the first draft, then Bird by Bird is a perfect choice. Trust me! You won’t regret it.
On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King
What better way to improve your writing skills than to learn from one of the most successful authors of our time? Stephen King’s On Writing is a book every writer should read.
Part memoir and part writing guide, On Writing, offers a unique insight into King’s writing process, from his early days as a struggling writer to his later success as a prolific author. King shares his story of becoming a writer and tips and tricks for crafting compelling stories.
But what makes this book truly special is King’s down-to-earth and conversational writing style. He doesn’t sugarcoat the realities of the writing life but offers honest and practical advice for overcoming obstacles and finding success.
Books on Story Structure
Save the Cat! Writes a Novel: The Last Book on Novel Writing You’ll Ever Need by Jessica Brody
If you’re an aspiring author, you’ve heard the phrase “story structure” thrown around quite a bit. It refers to the basic architecture of a story, the framework that holds everything together. And if you’re serious about writing, you need to understand story structure. That’s where Jessica Brody’s “Save the Cat! Writes a Novel” comes in.
Based on the popular screenwriting book “Save the Cat!” by Blake Snyder, Brody’s book takes the principles of story structure and applies them to the world of novel writing. She breaks down the elements of a story – like the opening image, the catalyst, the midpoint, and the finale – and shows you how to use them to create a compelling narrative that will keep readers engaged from beginning to end.
One of the standout features of this book is Brody’s use of the “beat sheet,” a tool that helps writers map out their story structure clearly and concisely. By breaking the story into manageable chunks, writers can ensure that each scene serves a purpose and contributes to the overall narrative.
But “Save the Cat! Writes a Novel” is more than just a dry textbook on story structure. Brody’s writing is engaging and fun, and she uses plenty of examples from popular books and movies to illustrate her points.
“Save the Cat! Writes a Novel” is a book that will help you master the art of story structure and take your writing to the next level. So, if you’re ready to write a novel that will keep readers on the edge of their seats, pick up a copy of this book today.
Story Engineering by Larry Brooks
Larry Brooks’ Story Engineering is a game-changer for writers looking to up their storytelling game. Like Save the Cat!, this book provides a story structure guide that helps take any flat story into a successful novel.
Brooks breaks down the art of storytelling into six essential elements, from concept to character arcs. What sets his book apart is that he emphasizes the importance of a strong story concept and premise, arguing that these elements are the foundation for any successful story. Without a solid foundation, your story will lack direction and purpose.
But Brooks doesn’t just preach about the importance of a good story concept and premise – he shows you how to create them. He provides practical exercises and examples to help you develop your unique story ideas. And once you have a strong concept and premise, he guides you through the rest of the elements, from character development to plot structure.
Story Engineering is a perfect book for any beginning writer because of its emphasis on the mechanics of storytelling. Brooks doesn’t just tell you what makes a good story – he explains why and how it works. He gives you the tools to analyze your writing and identify improvement areas.
Story Engineering is a comprehensive guide to crafting compelling stories that will keep your readers coming back for more. So, pick up a copy and get ready to take your writing to the next level.
Books on Writing Faster
2k to 10k: Writing Faster, Writing Better, and Writing More of What you Love by Rachel Aaron
“2k to 10k: Writing Faster, Writing Better, and Writing More of What You Love” by Rachel Aaron is a viral blog post-turned-writing guide. Every writer, at one point, needs help with meeting their word count goals. This book walks you through a simple process to double your word count and meet your goals faster than ever. This book shows you how to enjoy writing by becoming a writing machine.
Aaron’s book is a quick and engaging read, making the concepts she presents easy to understand. She breaks down the writing process into manageable steps, offering practical tips and tricks to help streamline your workflow and increase your output.
But “2k to 10k” isn’t just a book about writing faster – it’s about writing better. Aaron emphasizes the importance of planning, outlining, and developing strong characters and plotlines. She also offers advice on staying motivated and avoiding burnout, which is crucial for anyone pursuing a career in writing.
“2k to 10k” is a valuable resource for writers of all genres and skill levels. Aaron’s insights will help you become a more efficient writer. So what are you waiting for? Add this book to your reading list today!
Books on Editing
Self-Editing for Fiction Writers: How to Edit Yourself into Print by Renni Brown and Dave King
Written by professional editors, “Self-Editing for Fiction Writers” by Renni Brown and Dave King is the perfect book for writers unsure of where to start with editing.
The authors provide practical advice and clear examples for writers of all levels, from beginners to seasoned professionals. They cover everything from dialogue and point of view to pacing and character development. The book is easy to read and engaging, making it a great resource for writers struggling with editing.
One of the most valuable aspects of Self-Editing for Fiction Writers is emphasizing the importance of self-editing. The authors stress that writers should be their own first editors and provide the tools and knowledge to do so effectively. By following the techniques in this book, writers can save time and money by self-editing before submitting their work to publishers.
Overall, Self-Editing for Fiction Writers is an essential read for any writer looking to get their manuscript submission ready. It is informative, engaging, and practical, making it the perfect addition to any writer’s toolkit. So, grab a copy and start editing your way to success!
The Forest for the Trees: An Editor’s Advice to Writers
Betsy Lerner’s The Forest for the Trees: An Editor’s Advice to Writers reveals what editors look for in books they acquire. This book is a manual for navigating the publishing industry that provides advice to help you get published. Lerner, a seasoned editor, offers invaluable insights and insider knowledge to help you navigate the publishing world.
This book is a must-read for writers looking to improve their craft and increase their chances of getting published. Lerner’s advice is practical, honest, and often humorous, making reading a joy. She covers everything from finding an agent to dealing with rejection, and her anecdotes from her time in the industry are entertaining and enlightening.
One of the biggest benefits of reading The Forest for the Trees is that it demystifies the publishing process. Lerner’s insider knowledge gives readers a behind-the-scenes look at what goes on in the publishing world. She offers a glimpse into the minds of agents and editors and reveals what they are looking for in a manuscript.
Lerner’s advice is timeless and will help you confidently navigate the publishing world. So, if you’re looking for an entertaining and informative read to help you get published, pick up a copy of The Forest for the Trees today.
Conclusion
For aspiring authors, the abundance of books on writing can be overwhelming. With a variety of memoirs and craft guides available, it can be tough to decide which ones are worth investing your time in. But fret not, my fellow writers! The books I have shared today will give you the tools and insights to overcome writing blocks and get your manuscript submission ready.
Reading books by successful authors is a great way to overcome writing blocks and get that first draft done! Whether you’re looking for inspiration, motivation, or practical advice, these books can help you become a published author. So, don’t hesitate and pick up one of these best books to read for aspiring authors!
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As it’s summer now and I will have more time to read. Thanks for the recommendations.
So many books here to suit different needs. Thank you for such a comprehensive list of books – honestly I had no idea there were so many. Just focus on your niche and find the book here that will help you 🙂
Great post! The book “2k to 10k” seems just up my alley! I could use to write fast while learning to avoid burnout. Thanks so much for sharing!
Thank you for this!