3 books every writer must read
If you’re a writer, then chances are you’re a reader, too. And if you’re not, you need to be. Reading naturally augments our writing abilities. For generations, writers didn’t have prompts, guides, or classes— they had books. They immersed themselves in prose and found their voice through the reading process. This article explores why now, as much as ever, writers need to be keen readers. And I’ll offer you three books every writer must read.
Story Genius: How to Outline your Novel Using the Secrets of Brain Science by Lisa Cron
The War of Art: Breaking Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles by Steven Pressfield
Your favorite book(s) (not kidding)
These three books will help any writer at any stage in their journey. They will motivate, inspire, and teach what’s fundamental to story structure and spark your creative spirit.
I digress, those aforementioned writing tools are beneficial, yes, and I advocate for them. I offer those tools for you here, but if none of that seems to be working, it’s time to go back to the dustjacket. Go back to the place that sparked your passion for prose: books. Now, let’s dive into why I chose these three books every writer must read to enhance their writing.
Disclaimer: This post may include affiliate links. If you purchase through my link, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. See my full disclosure policy, here.
For structure, outlining, and character creation
Story Genius: How to Outline your Novel Using the Secrets of Brain Science
by Lisa Cron
Lisa Cron's non-fiction book is a step-by-step guide to the craft with direct instructions on how to write a gripping novel. She revises a story outline that helps writers avoid pitfalls while teaching them how to outline their own. We learn how to create characters that have internal conflict and weave that into a plot that revolves around their arc. All good stories are character-driven, and you want to execute them correctly with what Cron calls brain science. Trust me, you won’t regret picking up this book.
Truthfully, Story Genius helped me understand how crucial outlining is to the writing process— particularly by utilizing scene cards. If you’re struggling to outline, like I was, I recommend this book. It's guaranteed to help you write a fully structured novel so you're not ripping your hair out, or lost in the abyss. I suggest keeping this book around your desk for reference, even after you’ve finished it. I still do this and it helps tremendously.
After you read this book, check out one of my favorite YouTubers/Authors, Abbie Emmons. She dives into character internal conflict and other writing advice videos that also evolved my writing. Her videos are also extremely inspirational and helpful to any author.
For reconnecting with your creative spirit and finding inspiration
The War of Art: Breaking Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles
by Steven Pressfield
Steven Pressfield writes about the internal struggles artists face. These concepts may sound familiar to you, they are known as: resistance, procrastination, self-doubt, criticism, and fear. The author expresses how to overcome these adversities in your creativity so you can write the book you want to share with the world. If you’re feeling uninspired, or without any drive to create– pick up this book. I guarantee it will bring your creative spirit back to life.
For inspiration and finding your voice
Your favorite book(s)
Yes, re-read your favorite book(s). Do this for two reasons: reason #1: it will inspire you, and reason #2: you naturally will write what you read. Your favorite books are just that for a reason— they are the stories that inspired you to become a writer in the first place. J.K. Rowling expresses that there is nothing wrong with writing like our favorite authors, by doing so, we can find our own voice.
** Please do not copy anyone else's work and attempt to sell it as your own— that's plagiarism.**
Immerse yourself in your favorite stories because your voice is in there somewhere.
And that’s it!
The three books every writer must read to transform their writing and find inspiration. Comment below and share other writing books that helped you on your journey. Also, tell us your favorite book!
