The best books on writing (from a NY Times best selling author)

By Denise Kiernan

Who am I?

Denise Kiernan is a multiple New York Times bestselling author of narrative nonfiction books including The Girls Of Atomic City, The Last Castle, and We Gather Together. With more than 25 years of experience writing newspaper and magazine articles, books, and more, Kiernan also travels the country speaking at schools, universities, corporations, and more about her work and about the writing process. She created and hosts the series CRAFT: Authors in Conversation, during which she dives into the psyches, habits, and hopes of writers from all walks. For the series, she has interviewed bestselling authors, award-winning journalists, television writers, and Academy Award winners about how they do what they do, and what writing means to them.

My channel is...

CRAFT: Authors In Conversation

CRAFT’s concept is simple:

After years of interviewing fellow authors at my local indie bookstore, Malaprop’s, here in Asheville, NC, I wanted to create a conversation series that would move beyond the longstanding setting and parameters of the typical book tour and provide a much more intimate experience for readers. In non-COVID times, I sit down with a writer in my local speakeasy, Little Jumbo. Presently, CRAFT streams live on Crowdcast. However, no matter the setting, I talk to my guest writer not only about their latest publication, but also the craft of writing itself. For each featured author—whether interviewed in person or streaming online—the Little Jumbo staff creates a specialty cocktail (or mocktail) inspired by either the author’s featured book or the author themselves.

The books I picked & why

Shepherd is reader supported. We may earn an affiliate commission when you buy through links on our website. This is how we fund this project for readers and authors (learn more).

On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft

By Stephen King,

Why this book?

If there is one book on or about writing that I, personally, have read over and over, it is this one. King’s book is truly a writer’s memoir, but he infuses this writer’s life story with frank and accessible information about the craft itself. By candidly sharing his own struggles as a human and a writer, King shows by example on the page what it takes to be a great storyteller.

On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft

By Stephen King,

Why should I read it?

12 authors picked On Writing as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Twentieth Anniversary Edition with Contributions from Joe Hill and Owen King

ONE OF TIME MAGAZINE’S TOP 100 NONFICTION BOOKS OF ALL TIME

Immensely helpful and illuminating to any aspiring writer, this special edition of Stephen King’s critically lauded, million-copy bestseller shares the experiences, habits, and convictions that have shaped him and his work.

“Long live the King” hailed Entertainment Weekly upon publication of Stephen King’s On Writing. Part memoir, part master class by one of the bestselling authors of all time, this superb volume is a revealing and practical view of the writer’s craft, comprising the basic tools of the…

Explore

Topics

Genres

Coming soon...

If You Want to Write: A Book about Art, Independence and Spirit

By Brenda Ueland,

Why this book?

One of the more moving and inspiring books on writing ever. As a journalist and author, Ueland’s writing style is lovely and completely engaging. As she shares stories of her time spent as a teacher of writing, the idea of what “art” or “good writing” takes on a very human and compelling air. The anecdotes illustrate the dedication, breadth, and challenges faced by her wide variety of students, ultimately giving hope to us all.

If You Want to Write: A Book about Art, Independence and Spirit

By Brenda Ueland,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked If You Want to Write as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Brenda Ueland was a journalist, editor, freelance writer, and teacher of writing. In If You Want to Write: A Book about Art, Independence and Spirit she shares her philosophies on writing and life in general. Ueland firmly believed that anyone can write, that everyone is talented, original, and has something important to say. In this book she explains how find that spark that will make you a great writer. Carl Sandburg called this book the best book ever written about how to write. Join the millions of others who've found inspiration and unlocked their own talent.

Explore

Topics

Genres

Coming soon...

Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life

By Anne Lamott,

Why this book?

I love Anne Lamott’s writing so much I once accosted her in the baggage claim area of the San Francisco International Airport. She was unbelievably gracious. When I was frustrated and anxious and filled with doubt about my writing career, I turned to her book. Again. Beautifully written, authentic, and truly uplifting and inspiring when a writer needs it most.

Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life

By Anne Lamott,

Why should I read it?

8 authors picked Bird by Bird as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • An essential volume for generations of writers young and old. The twenty-fifth anniversary edition of this modern classic will continue to spark creative minds for years to come. Anne Lamott is "a warm, generous, and hilarious guide through the writer’s world and its treacherous swamps" (Los Angeles Times).

“Superb writing advice…. Hilarious, helpful, and provocative.” —The New York Times Book Review

For a quarter century, more than a million readers—scribes and scribblers of all ages and abilities—have been inspired by Anne Lamott’s hilarious, big-hearted, homespun advice. Advice that begins with the simple words of wisdom…

Explore

Topics

Genres

Coming soon...

Writing for Story: Craft Secrets of Dramatic Nonfiction

By Jon Franklin,

Why this book?

For anyone who has ever struggled with or merely wanted to hone their abilities to craft a compelling story structure, Franklin’s book is a gem. Examples taken from Franklin’s own Pulitzer Prize-winning work adds an instructive clarity that allows the reader to step inside the decision-making process that went into some of his most lauded work. Any writer—fiction, nonfiction, academic—can use this book to up their storytelling game.

Writing for Story: Craft Secrets of Dramatic Nonfiction

By Jon Franklin,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Writing for Story as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The new "nonfiction" the adaptation of storytelling techniques to journalistic articles in the manner of Truman Capote, Tom Wolfe, and John McPhee is an innovative genre that has been awarded virtually every Pulitzer Prize for literary journalism since 1979. And now Jon Franklin, himself a two-time Pulitzer Prize winner and undisputed master of the great American nonfiction short story, shares the secrets of his success. Franklin shows how to make factual pieces come alive by applying the literary techniques of complication/resolution, flashback, foreshadowing, and pace. He illustrates his points with a close analysis and annotation of two of his most…

Explore

Topics

Genres

Coming soon...

Dreyer's English: An Utterly Correct Guide to Clarity and Style

By Benjamin Dreyer,

Why this book?

Everyone needs a style guide to occasionally lean on while writing. As longtime copy chief at Random House, Dreyer has more than a little knowledge about how to make a sentence stylishly sing. Anyone and everyone can benefit from this book, no matter what they need to type or pen. Best of all, it is also a fun read. There have been many of these kinds of books to come and go over the years, but Dreyer’s is what sits on my desk. (Gosh, I hope this didn’t have any typos!)

Dreyer's English: An Utterly Correct Guide to Clarity and Style

By Benjamin Dreyer,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked Dreyer's English as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

'An utterly delightful book to read, Dreyer's English will stand among the classics on how to use the English language properly.' ELIZABETH STROUT

'A complete joy. For those who care about words - and for those who don't - Dreyer's English is the book we have all been waiting for. Wise, funny, no-nonsense, stylish and brilliantly practical.' RACHEL JOYCE
_____________
An indispensable, New York Times-bestselling guide to the craft of writing from Random House's long-time copy chief and one of Twitter's leading language gurus.

We all write, all the time: books, blogs, tweets, emails, emails, emails - and we all…

Explore

Topics

Genres

Coming soon...

5 book lists we think you will like!

The best books to inspire beginning writers

The best books on writing provocative, dramatic dialogue

The best books for effective communication

The best books to learn how to write effectively

The best books for extraordinary life stories about ordinary people

Interested in writer's block, writing, and authors?

7,000+ authors have recommended their favorite books and what they love about them. Browse their picks for the best books about writer's block, writing, and authors.

Writer's Block Explore 19 books about writer's block

Writing Explore 48 books about writing

Authors Explore 97 books about authors

And, 3 books we think you will enjoy!

We think you will like The Artist's Way, Big Magic, and Letters to a Young Poet if you like this list.

The Artist's Way

By Julia Cameron,

Recommended by Marge Pellegrino

From Marge's list on creative jump starts whatever your medium.

When I first heard about The Artist’s Way, I doubted that this was a book for me. Was I wrong! Over the next year, I met monthly with a visual artist to process each chapter. We discussed prompts, our artist date, or what we wrote from the suggested journaling. The invitations at the end of each chapter led me to work that fed my spirit. Transforming theory into action exercised my creative muscles. The variety of creative engagements encouraged a rich body of work and a new confidence, while the book’s quotes introduced me to other thinkers. Artist’s-Way work not only strengthened my words on the page, but my nonprofit and library work flourished as well. I credit The Artist’s Way for pushing my work into award-winning territory.

The Artist's Way

By Julia Cameron,

Why should I read it?

6 authors picked The Artist's Way as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The Artist's Way provides a twelve-week course that guides you through the process of recovering your creative self. It aims to dispel the 'I'm not talented enough' conditioning that holds many people back and helps you to unleash your own inner artist. Its step-by-step approach enables you to transform your life, overcome any artistic blocks you may suffer from, including limiting beliefs, fear, sabotage, jealousy and guilt, and replace them with self confidence and productivity. It helps demystify the creative process by making it a part of your daily life. Whatever your artistic leanings, this book will give you the…

Explore

Topics

Genres

Coming soon...

Big Magic

By Elizabeth Gilbert,

Recommended by Emily A. Francis

From Emily's list on encouragement for creative and spiritual souls.

I recommend this book, Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear, especially on audio because it is read by the author and it feels like going to tea with your very best friend mixed with your spiritual ferry Godmother. This book is my anthem. I have listened to it well over fifty times. It drives me to go forward not just in my own writing career, but in my whole life. It asks me to question who I am and what I want for my life. It asks me to examine what fears might be holding me back and then move beyond them in pursuit of a life of creativity and passion. This book makes me feel like I’m not alone in my quest to write quality books and get them out into the world. She captures the life of the creative so exquisitely. It’s a must-read, or rather, a must-listen. I recommend this to every friend who wants to do something more with their life.

Big Magic

By Elizabeth Gilbert,

Why should I read it?

14 authors picked Big Magic as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Readers of all ages and walks of life have drawn inspiration from Elizabeth Gilbert's books for years. Now, this beloved author shares her wisdom and unique understanding of creativity, shattering the perceptions of mystery and suffering that surround the process - and showing us all just how easy it can be. By sharing stories from her own life, as well as those from her friends and the people that have inspired her, Elizabeth Gilbert challenges us to embrace our curiosity, tackle what we most love and face down what we most fear. Whether you long to write a book, create…

Explore

Topics

Genres

Coming soon...

Letters to a Young Poet

By Rainer Maria Rilke, MD Herter Norton,

Recommended by Mark David Gerson

From Mark's list on unlikely books to help you through creative blocks.

There’s nothing in Letters to a Young Poet about craft, writer’s block, or any of the recognizable challenges faced by twenty-first-century writers. Yet this slender volume published more than a century ago speaks to writers everywhere and in every era, who so often work in isolation and, if they are to be true to their art and authentic within themselves, must rip open their souls and spill the contents onto the page without regard for others’ judgment and criticism. In fact, it speaks to anyone, non-writer as well as writer, whose sensitivity and feelings of not belonging make it sometimes feel impossible to express themselves out in the world. In the end, isn’t that what writer’s block is all about. It certainly was for me!

Letters to a Young Poet

By Rainer Maria Rilke, MD Herter Norton,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Letters to a Young Poet as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Born in 1875, the great German lyric poet Rainer Maria Rilke published his first collection of poems in 1898 and went on to become renowned for his delicate depiction of the workings of the human heart. Drawn by some sympathetic note in his poems, young people often wrote to Rilke with their problems and hopes. From 1903 to 1908 Rilke wrote a series of remarkable responses to a young, would-be poet on poetry and on surviving as a sensitive observer in a harsh world. Those letters, still a fresh source of inspiration and insight, are accompanied here by a chronicle…

Explore

Topics

Genres

Coming soon...