I have to say I am obsessed with books about the craft of writing. It is my dirty little secret. Maybe it’s even a tool I use to procrastinate on doing the actual writing. I do have to say I have gained a ton from the five books in this list though. I think the best way to become good at something, or at least proficient, is number one, by doing it, but number two, you have to keep learning and listen to the greats that have come before you.

So here is my list of the 5 must-have books on writing.

5) Wonderbook, by Jeff Vandermeer, Illustrations by, Jeremy Zerfoss

This is the kind of writing book I wish I would have had in school. It is part textbook, and part looks into another dimension. This book flips any preconceived notions you had about writing on their heads.

The book is full of wonderful illustrations and pictures, as well as helpful tips that keep the material fun and never dull.

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4) The War of Art, by Steven Pressfield

This book is not just for writers. It’s for anyone who has a passion to do art. The single biggest thing that keeps the writer or artist from producing their talent is something called resistance. It is the silent killer of all things creative. Pressfield goes in-depth on the subject, and you come out the other end of this book ready to do battle with resistance. I recommend the audio version because it has great uplifting music.

Get The war of Art

 

3) Voice: The Secret Power of Great Writing, by James Scott Bell

One of the best teachers of the craft of writing. James Scott Bell has made a career out of writing books on doing just that, writing. This is one of my favorites because it deals with something most young writers struggle with, finding your voice. His books are well written and easy to use. Definitely a tool to put in your writing arsenal.

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2) On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft, by Stephen King

I read this when it first came out. I have the first edition of it, and an actual cassette tapes audio version of it. Analog forever! There is only one other book that can rival this, and I’ll reveal it shortly. This book taught me about coming prepared when you sit down to write. Part story, part grammar lesson, On Writing, is a must-have.

Get On Writing

 

1)Zen and the Art of Writing, by Ray Bradbury

Remember in the last paragraph I said there was only one book better than Stephen King’s On Writing? Well, it goes without saying that Ray Bradbury was one of the best writers of the last century. This book is more about the joy of writing and why it is so important to do it. Ray brings loads of enthusiasm that makes you want to write the next best thing.

Get Zen and the Art of Writing

 

Once again, there ya have it, my friends. If you want to write a book do it! These reads will get you on the right track. And as always, check out my reads HERE.