Our Favorite Writing Books

An intentional writer is always on the lookout for books that will help her expand her creative horizons or inspire her to keep going despite setbacks. In this post, the columnists of Almost an Author share their favorite books on writing. We hope they will help you in your writing journey as much as they have aided us.

Books to encourage you on your writer’s journey

Bird by Bird : Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott

“This is one of the first books on the writing process that I discovered, and the lessons she shares about how to approach writing have stuck with me ever since.”

Five Pages a Day by Peg Kehret

An autobiography by an author of many children’s books. Written for children but full of inspiration and encouragement for writers of all ages.

On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King

“I absolutely recommend On Writing the most. Hearing how Stephen King faced rejection as he was starting was encouraging to me. I love how he shares his story of being a writer. He is humble and honest with his faults, and then he gives practical advice for writing.”

Story Craft: Reflections on Faith, Culture and Writing from the Author of Hank the Cowdog by John R. Erickson

Part memoir, part philosophy on art, part helpful advice. All from a perspective of faith.

Writing for the Soul: Instruction and Advice from an Extraordinary Writing Life by Jerry B. Jenkins

Part autobiography, part advice on the writing process. Jerry has had a long and successful career and the advice in this book will inspire you whether you are a fan of his novels or not. One columnist called this book “Priceless!”

Books on Craft and Editing

Book Proposals That Sell: 21 Secrets that Speed Your Success by W. Terry Whalin

Advice from an expert on how to craft a book proposal that provides industry professionals with the information they need to favorably consider your manuscript.

Children’s Writer’s Word Book by Alijandra Mogilner

This helpful resource helps children’s writers determine whether their vocabulary and language are appropriate for their audience.

The First Five Pages: A Writer’s Guide to Staying Out of the Rejection Pile by Noah Lukeman

This book will help writers avoid common mistakes, improve their craft, and attract the attention of agents and editors.

The Emotion Thesaurus by Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi

This book got the most votes of any in the list. If you’ve ever wished you had a thesaurus that provided creative ways to describe emotions, this is the book.

“I love The Emotion Thesaurus as it gives great thoughts on body language for different moods. Helps us write more in deep POV.”

Also look for their companion books, including The Emotional Wound Thesaurus.

Proofreading Secrets of Bestselling Authors by Kathy Ide

A concise, easy to use reference book on grammar, mechanics, and style.  
Self-Editing for Fiction Writers : How to Edit Yourself Into Print by Renni Brown and Dave King

Easy to read, straightforward advice from two professional editors on how to edit your manuscripts.  Upbeat and filled with real-world examples.

Wired for Story: The Writer’s Guide to Using Brain Science to Hook Readers from the Very First Sentence by Lisa Cron

“We writers know a good story when we see it, but that doesn’t mean we know how to write one. This book shows us why some stories are good and why others don’t work. Very enlightening.”

Word Magic for Writers: Your Source for Powerful Language that Enchants, Convinces, and Wins Readers by Cindy Rogers

Full of tips, techniques and exercises to improve your writing.

Word Painting: The Fine Art of Writing Descriptively by Rebecca McClanahan

This book takes writers from the art of observation to lessons in crafting beautiful descriptive prose.

Writing is an art. There is always room to grow, try new things, and push our craft to a new level.

Writing is also tough. Sometimes we need encouragement and advice from others who have gone before us.

We hope these books will help you grow in both areas.

Thanks to the following columnists for their contributions:

Michele Medlock Adams, Kelly Barr, Lisa Betz, Elaine Cooper, Martin Johnson, Tisha Martin, Sarah Rexford, Rachel Schmoyer, Donna L. H. Smith, and Darlene Turner

Lisa E. Betz believes that everyone has a story to tell the world. She loves to encourage fellow writers to be intentional about their craft and courageous in sharing their words with others. Lisa shares her words through dramas, Bible studies, historical mysteries, and her blog about intentional living. You can find her on Facebook  LisaEBetzWriter and Twitter @LisaEBetz