#WriteTip: 4 Classic Books on Writing Every Writer Should Read by Nicola Reynor

by JeriWB Guest | Sep 11, 2017 | Writing Tips | 25 comments

This guest post on a handful of classic books on writing will undoubtedly jog your memory of the many books on writing you have happened upon over the years. I amassed quite a collection in my graduate school days, and when I make a trade at the used book store, I almost inevitably come away with a handful of writing-related books. One of my all-time favorites has been Adios Strunk and White for its out-of-the-box approach to writing exercises. Nicola Reynor has also provided great links within this post if you have the time to check them out.

Official Bio: Nicola Reynor is a passionate blogger who loves to write about fashion, beauty, travel, health, fitness, wedding, and lifestyle trends. When in leisure time, she prefers to spend time traveling with friends and family.

Classic Books on Writing

by Nicola Reynor

If you’re an aspiring writer, then you already know that the best ways of improving your writing is by writing more often and reading what others have written. These habits are proven to enhance your writing skills and accentuate your understanding of the intricacies involved in writing compelling, absorbing, and page-turning content.

As a novice, I’m always on the lookout for books that can transform me into a better writer. I secretly look for books that help increase my self-confidence and restore the faith that I’m refining my skills, and remove the silent self-doubt that I’m still not good enough. With every good book, my confidence receives a boost, but so does the thirst to improve and get better at what I do.

Books have that uncanny power of transporting readers from present reality into a life that is beyond ordinary. To write a book that speaks to the reader’s heart and creates an impact requires mastering the craft of writing through incessant reading, and upgrading yourself from the current stage of knowledge and creativity. It’s a never-ending journey.

Here are four classic books on writing that you should read to improve your hold on your craft and become a better writer.

1. On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction by William Zinsser

First published in the year 1976, ‘On Writing Well’ has since been regarded as one of the best books for aspiring writers. The book has been praised the world over for its sound advice on the craft of writing, especially in the nonfiction genre. Whether it is writing on sports or travel, or even penning a memoir, the book offers great insights with several examples on how to remove clutter and make your writing crisp and impactful. The book beautifully defies the myth that writing is a gift more than a skill. For me, it is one of the best self-improvement books on writing in the nonfiction category. (View on Amazon)

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

The mega-selling author, Stephen King needs no introduction. He has authored some of the best horror fictions ever written (my favorites- ‘IT’ and ‘The Stand’), and one of his all-time bestsellers is his book on the craft of writing, ‘On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft.’ Even after a decade of its first published edition, the book is considered to be the most pragmatic guide to writing fiction. With moving accounts of wild stories from his childhood that inspired him to become a writer, King teaches a crucial aspect of the art of writing in his book: story elements are all around you, you just have to see them. Read the book for a fresh take on gathering writing inspiration and story imagination. (View on Amazon)

3. The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles by Steven Pressfield, edited by Shawn Coyne

“The most important thing about art is to work. Nothing else matters except sitting down every day and trying.” ― Steven Pressfield, The War of Art

This quote almost sums up the entire book, ‘The War of Art.’ Resistance is one of the biggest enemies of a writer and this book elaborately tells you how to fight it and shut your defeatist inner voice. It is a straightforward book that allows you to come face-to-face with your shortcomings and boosts your potential to become a better writer by persistently following your passion. The book has helped me on various occasions when I needed motivation to overcome the writer’s block and get back to weaving my thoughts into words. (View on Amazon)

4. Stein on Writing: A Master Editor of Some of the Most Successful Writers of Our Century Shares His Craft Techniques and Strategies by Sol Stein

Offering a bouquet of savvy advice, ‘Stein on Writing’ gets straight to examples, tips, and shortcuts about writing. From critically analyzing the first sentences to understanding the depth that goes into the creation of characters, plotting, and storytelling, Sol Stein aims at making every writer a great self-editor. It is widely accepted as a book of usable solutions that explains how to fix writing flaws, improve writing skills, and deploy useful fiction and non-fiction writing techniques to make the draft more fascinating. (View on Amazon)

Conclusion

The above-mentioned classic books on the art of writing constantly remind us that becoming an accomplished writer is not just about learning syntax and grammar, nor is it only about practice. It is about learning the art of well-rounded communication that is required to make an impact on the hearts and minds of readers.

You can connect with Nicola Reynor on Twitter.

What classic books on writing should every writer read? @ReynorNicola

Tweet This

What classic books on writing would you add to this list?

Image credit: Book and Glasses. Please share responsibly. Jeri Walker, 2017.

25 Comments

Glynis Jolly on at 9:31 AM

I have Stephen King’s book on my list to buy. My problem is finding the money for it and, once obtained, quiet time to read it. I read On Writing Well almost 20 years ago. I lost the book in one of the several moves I have made since then.
Reply
- Nicola on at 1:48 AM
  
  Hi Glynis,
  
  Thanks for your comment!!!
  Reply
Julia Whitmore on at 11:22 AM

Nice list! Thanks. I would add Natalie Goldberg, Writing Down the Bones.
Reply
- Nicola on at 1:49 AM
  
  Hi Julia,
  
  Your suggestion sounds nice!
  Reply
- My Inner Chick on at 4:22 PM
  
  LOVE
  Writing Down the Bones)))!!
  And I adore Goldberg!
  Reply
Barbara Lorna Hudson on at 12:43 PM

I treasure “How Not to Write a Novel” by Sandra Newman and Howard Mittelmark (Harper Collins and Penguin 2008). Superbly funny, e.g. section entitled The Lost Sock – where the plot is too slight.
Reply
- Jeri Walker on at 10:36 PM
  
  Thanks, Barbara. I’ll check Newman’s and Mittelmark’s book out.
  Reply
Alex J. Cavanaugh on at 2:07 PM

I have the Stephen King book but I’ve not read it yet.
Reply
RoseMary Griffith on at 3:18 PM

Good list. I’ll hit the library and see what’s available for winter reading. One that I love is “Bird by Bird,” by Anne Lammot. She really has a good teaching style.
Reply
Susan Cooper on at 3:56 PM

I love the list. I’m familiar with the book by Stephen King. I plan for n check out the other books mentioned.
Reply
Marquita Herald on at 3:40 AM

Great list! I’ve read two of these (love King’s book) but the others are new to me so I’m going to add them to my reading list for the rest of this year. Thanks!
Reply
Christy B on at 2:53 PM

I’ve read “On Writing Well” and have wanted to read that Stephen King book for ages. Appreciate the recommendations!
Reply
Phoenicia on at 6:46 PM

Great article.

Absolutely agree that the art of writing is not just about good grammar and punctuation but the way in which the writer reaches out to the reader.

Reading broadens ones horizons allowing one to become familarised with a host of words.

As a blogger, I find reading other blogs most inspiring. There are many talented writers all over the world and each one of us has something to offer.
Reply
lisa thomson on at 9:04 PM

Hi Jeri, thanks for hosting Nicola here. Thanks for these recommendations, nicola. I really want to get that Stephen King book. Also, I haven’t heard of most of these so thanks for the new titles. The one Barbara mentioned in comments sounds interesting too. One can never have too many self-help books.
Reply
Balroop Singh on at 9:57 PM

Thank you Nicola and Jeri for this writing tip. I believe in embellishing our skill of writing and would like to admit that it is a life-long process, each day we learn something new and different. I would surely check out these books.
Reply
dgkaye on at 10:45 PM

Love all of William Zinsser’s books. I would also add Natalie Goldberg to this list. 🙂
Reply
Meredith @ The Palette Muse on at 11:32 PM

This is a great list and it makes me want to spend time with each one of them!
Reply
Moumita De Sarkar on at 3:58 AM

Books really help a person in so many different ways. Especially when you are aiming to write one, then you should carry all your right gears to start the journey. I am sure the list will prove useful to those who are passionate abut writing. There is always a room left for improvement 🙂
Reply
Donna Janke on at 10:12 AM

I love the Stephen King book and highly recommend it. I’ve read The War of Art a couple of times and am still ambivalent about it. This post reminded me that I have On Writing Well, but haven’t read it yet. I’ve pulled it out of my bookshelf now. I’ve not heard of the Stein on Writing book before, but will look for it. Thanks.
Reply
Loni Townsend on at 12:12 PM

I’ve listened to the Stephen King audiobook (narrated by him, actually). It was good!
Reply
Erica on at 12:52 PM

Great guest post by Nicola. And OK, I guess I’m finally gonna give in and check out The War of Art. When I first started my business, I was studying with Marie Forleo and she recommended that book extremely highly for entrepreneurs. And I meant to check it out, but didn’t. But hearing of its value a second time, I’m convinced. I don’t really consider myself a writer (though I’ve written a blog for 3 years.) But I get the sense that book is helpful to so many different types of people with a passion.
Reply
Aquileana on at 8:43 PM

Thank you for sharing these recommendations… I am sure many writers will appreciate it. I like the fact that the author defines writing as a “never-ending journey”, by the way… Beautiful definition! 😀 Love & best wishes!
Reply
Doreen Pendgracs on at 11:22 PM

We can never get too good at writing! I’ve been writing for 25 years and still learn something every day. Thx for sharing your favourite writing books. for me, the biggest help has been being a member of a number of great writers’ associations.
Reply
William Rusho on at 10:35 AM

On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King is probably one of the best I have read. It is worth any writer to check it out no matter how successful you are.
Sometimes the best advice you can get, are not written in a book form. I have read some interviews from authors, and they give great advice. One of my favorites is Richard Matheson, his interviews always had some advice about being an author and writing.
Reply
My Inner Chick on at 4:21 PM

Well,
I’ve read 2 of them.
Thanks for the other recommendations.
My favorite is Bird by Bird.
I’ve read it several times.
I just can’t get enough of Anne!
xx
From Duluth.
Reply