Unearth 7 Invaluable Books on Creative Writing Techniques
Book RaiderThere's a reason that solitary attic room, faintly lit by a romantic, dusty lamp, with the rustling sound of paper is an age-old writer stereotype. Let's be honest- we all dream of it. Staring out of that window, pen in hand, feeling like Twain and Hemingway are looking over our shoulder with gleeful anticipation of our next sentence. But somedays, we open our laptops only to stare at that blinking cursor, metaphorically scratching our heads on how to make our characters, setting or plot more compelling.
That's where the grand treasure trove of books on creative writing swoops in to save the day, and your protagonist. Like hearty bowls of literary chicken soup for the desperate writer’s soul, these books impart wisdom, advice and techniques to help make our stories richer and our writing stronger. So, sit back, imagine you're in that attic, and let's dig into the gold mine of wisdom these invaluable books on creative writing are ready to offer.
On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft
by Stephen King
Why On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft is on this list: Crafting gripping tales isn't just for natural-born storytellers. It's a skill you can learn, and who better to learn from than the master of horror himself, Stephen King? In his surprisingly down-to-earth guide, he unravels the secrets behind his bewitching writing style.
Half memoir, half masterclass, 'On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft' gives you a backstage pass into Stephen King's writing process. He delves deep into his personal journey, the highs and lows of his career, and even the nitty-gritty of grammar. Plus, any book that includes the phrase 'the adverb is not your friend' is a friend of ours.
What readers like: Readers love King's frankness and approachability. He dishes out advice with a generous side of wit, making the lessons on creative writing easy to digest. Plus, they appreciate how he uses examples from his own work to make complex concepts relatable. His practical tips and tricks are the stuff of writing legend, making this book a valuable addition to your creative writing toolkit.
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Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life
by Anne Lamott
Why Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life is on this list: This book is a gem when it comes to creative writing techniques. It's as if Anne Lamott has bundled up decades of writing experience, and has generously shared it with us in a witty, conversational style.
'Bird by Bird' is a deeply human book about navigating the world of writing. Lamott tackles everything from writer's block to excessive self-reliance, teaching you to trust your instincts and find your own voice. The book gets its title from her father's advice to her brother: to tackle a difficult task 'bird by bird', or, in writing terms, 'word by word'.
What readers like: Readers love how Lamott goes beyond the logistics of writing and imparts wisdom on dealing with despair, frustration, and isolation one can feel in their creative journey. Some have found it to be just as much a guide to life as it is to writing. So don't be surprised if you find yourself nodding along, chuckling, or feeling oddly seen, possibly all at the same time.
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Writing Fiction: A Guide to Narrative Craft
by Janet Burroway
Why Writing Fiction: A Guide to Narrative Craft is on this list: This gem of a book by the great Janet Burroway hits the bullseye in respect to techniques for creative writing. So, if you're aiming to inject that edge of creativity into your pieces, this guide can be one heck of a handy tool.
Fair warning, this book is not your run-of-the-mill writing guide. It's a treasure chest filled to the brim with incisive advice, practical examples and exercises from Janet herself and from accomplished authors. The book covers a wide range of craft issues, from character development, plot design to the voice and style; it's like having a personal writing tutor on your bookshelf. No matter what creative ignition you're aiming for - novels, plays, short stories or poems, this book schools you on how to pull the strings of narrative craft very deftly.
What readers like: Readers dig this book for its fantastic blend of theory, practicality and a dash of wit sprinkled here and there. It's like a college course in a book, minus the exams and morning classes. The standout feature for most readers is its top-notch writing exercises that truly provide an opportunity to harness and master the art of creative writing.
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From Where You Dream: The Process of Writing Fiction
by Robert Olen Butler
Why From Where You Dream: The Process of Writing Fiction is on this list: From Where You Dream is a crash course in understanding the mechanics and magic of fiction writing. This is a book that dives deep into writing techniques, probably just what you yearn for if you're hell-bent on improving your creative writing skill.
It's a bit like taking a seat in a master class, where Pulitzer Prize winner Robert Olen Butler schools you on the nitty-gritty of writing fiction. He talks about the dreamspace, a level of unconscious where impactful fiction originates, and how to access this place while writing. The book shows you how to truly SEE your characters and your story, rather than just thinking about them.
What readers like: Readers appreciate the book's out-of-the-box approach to teaching writing, and many have attested to the effectiveness of Butler's methods. They also love his breakdown of student works, as it provides practical and relatable examples of how the dreamspace theory applies to actual writing.
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The Anatomy of Story: 22 Steps to Becoming a Master Storyteller
by John Truby
Why The Anatomy of Story: 22 Steps to Becoming a Master Storyteller is on this list: This book makes the cut as it's designed for all types' of writers hoping to unlearn uninspiring writing methods and learn or better, relearn how to relay a great story.
John Truby's 'The Anatomy of Story' guides you through 22 intensive steps of storytelling. It's like having a map of story-telling land, showing where to place your interesting characters, navigate your plots and unleash your narrative arc. It gets you thinking beyond the typical three-act structures, focusing on profound psychological journey of your characters and enlightening you on how they transform over the course of the story. It's nowhere near the usual 'do this, don't do that' sort of creative writing guide.
What readers like: Readers have loved the detailed blueprint to crafting a compelling and psychological rich story. They appreciate how it's enriched their storytelling skills, and how it's more than just another 'how to write' guide. With Truby's book, it's all about 'here's how to think deeply about your story and make it as good as it can be'. And that, dear friend, is a whole different kettle of fish.
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Nail Your Novel: Why Writers Abandon Books and How You Can Draft, Fix and Finish With Confidence
by Roz Morris
Why Nail Your Novel: Why Writers Abandon Books and How You Can Draft, Fix and Finish With Confidence is on this list: For all the brave hearts endeavoring to come up with their own novel, this book is a sweetened dose of confidence and craftsmanship. The focus of our list is creative writing techniques, and Roz has this theme in spades in her book.
Imagine having a battle-tested priestess of prose offering you guidance and assurance right when you feel you've lost sight of your story. Roz Morris does just this, showing you why novels commonly hit the wall and more importantly, how to break through it. She gives a detailed breakdown of what makes a story tick like a Swiss watch and provides practical tips on getting your novel to the finish line. Think of this book as your personal pit stop crew in the race to draft, fix and finish your novel.
What readers like: Readers have particularly appreciated the way Morris demystified the writing process, sprinkling it with relatable examples and a cheeky sense of humor. They also loved the sense of reassurance the book gave them, letting them know that even when their drafts are throwing tantrums like a toddler, it is all part of the beautifully chaotic process of crafting a novel.
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Reading Like a Writer: A Guide for People Who Love Books and for Those Who Want to Write Them
by Francine Prose
Why Reading Like a Writer: A Guide for People Who Love Books and for Those Who Want to Write Them is on this list: Hey, remember when the teacher said, 'Read widely to become a better writer'? Well, Francine polished that advice and sold it to us as a book. It nudges your imagination about using nifty writing techniques and proves that creative writing is not some ancient magical rite, but a skill shaped with practice.
Picture a cozy room buzzing with the secret lives of characters and plots where you're not merely a reader, but a detective deciphering the art of writing. That's exactly what our friendly guide, Francine, invites us to. In her book, she navigates through paragraph construction, dialogue, and details, illustrating with examples from classic books. It’s like attending a mini masterclass by Jane Austen and Chekhov.
What readers like: Readers love how Francine breaks down the mystique of writing into tangible pieces, making it less of a daunting mountain and more of a climbable hill. The examples and the 'Reading for Courage' chapter have been applauded for their absorbable and motivating tones. So, if you're keen to soak up some writing wisdom from the masters through a bookworm's lens, snap this one up.
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