The Art of Writing
Here is a selection of books that real writers (as in published writers) read to improve on their craft.
The Elements of Style by Strunk & White
This classic is a compendium of dos and don’ts writers need to be aware of to make their writing clear and alive.
On Writing Well by William Zinsser
This is undoubtedly the classic guide to writing non-fiction; second only to The Elements of Style. Reading this book will lead you to discover new writing ideas and even mistakes you have been making unconsciously. You’ll never see writing the same way. A good book to re-read every few years if you want your writing to matter.
Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the writer within by Natalie Goldberg
Goldberg shares her thoughts, advice and approach about writing in short chapters. A must read for serious writers. Philosophy and spirituality is discussed as writing is presented as a deeply engaging activity at many levels. There is surely something here that everyone can take home.
Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott
Lamott drizzles instructions to writing as she rambles on about her views on life. Maturity is required to appreciate her wry humour. She doesn’t paint writing as fun and easy but acknowledges that it can be a painful and difficult process. Although this book is not brimming with writing techniques, it infuses a practical, matter-of fact, just take it word by word (bird by bird) kind of approach that many professional writers find encouraging.
On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King
You don’t need to like Stephen King’s books to enjoy this book. An autobiographical account of his journey as a writer in the first 100 pages will inform and amuse you. In the second half of the book, King discusses good writing points with examples.
A Writer’s Notebook by Ralph Fletcher
Every writer need to have a writer’s notebook. If you think it is a diary, then you’ll have to read this book. A writer’s notebook is much more than that. It is more a personal collection of writing ideas. It lets you be a writer not just in school but anywhere you are. Fletcher goes into details how anybody can start and maintain one.
