1. ON WRITING BY STEPHEN KING
Like him or not, Stephen King is one of the greatest modern living writers. In terms of financial success and literary quality, Stephen King has enjoyed a career that spans several decades and has generated over 100 novels, nearly 70 film adaptations, and 30 television series. King is a master of storytelling both in communication of the craft and also in sheer volume of productivity. His personal memoir On Writing reveals some of the best practices that have allowed him to become the literary expert that he is today.
On Writing is a great book for anyone just starting out, as well as experienced scribes looking to improve their craft. Filled with tips ranging from basic lessons in English grammar and usage, smart writing and clever expression, and even some of the more intimate details of how to convert the whisperings of one’s soul into words on the page, On Writing offers a full course curriculum on how to become the best writer you can be.
Click here to order On Writing
2. STORY BY ROBERT MCKEE
To be fair, Story is a book focused on screenwriting, but as any screenwriter will tell you––a strong movie begins its journey as a strong story. In his book Story, McKee gives a masterful breakdown of the unseen beats that guide narratives and will leave audiences (readers and viewers alike) feeling engaged, thrilled, and ultimately, satisfied.
Some of its elements are derived directly from Aristotle, but much of the insight is modern and updated for current audiences. McKee turns the esoteric magic of writing into a rigid science, complete with structural analysis and literary logic that can help guide even the most frustrating narratives.
Click here to order Story
3. POETICS BY ARISTOTLE
Aristotle was a Greek philosopher who lived in the late 4th century BCE. During his time he had an illustrious career dabbling in the arts of science, medicine, psychology, philosophy and writing. He is also known for being personal tutor of Macedonian emperor Alexander the Great. However, Aristotle’s contributions to the literary world are equally impressive.
Some might argue that the first examination of story structure as we understand it began with Aristotle. Weighing in at about 100 pages, Poetics embodies the maxim that less is more. Poetics teaches its readers that storytelling and performance are largely scientific processes that yield emotional results. Aristotle was among the first to rigorously examine the three act structure along with concepts such as rising action, climax, falling action, and most importantly the cathartic release that an audience needs to feel upon finishing a story. In terms of the basics of writing and storytelling, there is no greater instruction manual than Poetics.
Click here to order Poetics
4. THE HERO WITH A THOUSAND FACES BY JOSEPH CAMPBELL
The Hero with a Thousand Faces is a fun book for anyone who is interested in mythology and the effects that stories have had on culture over time. Joseph Campbell was a writer best known for illuminating the many stages along what he called “The Hero’s Journey.” The Hero with a Thousand Faces will help you outline the overall trajectory of your hero, using familiar beats that have entertained humanity for centuries. Prominent story creators such as George Lucas and many others have spoken out greatly on their appreciation for The Hero’s Journey.
Click here to order The Hero with a Thousand Faces
5. ON WRITING WELL BY WILLIAM ZINSSER
As many of us know, writing isn’t all fun and games. At the end of the day, we write to communicate––a story, a dream, a wish or an idea and effective writing is judged as a function of effective communication. On Writing Well by William Zinsser stands the test of the time as one of the leading authorities on how to, well, write well.
Beginning with the basics of the craft, Zinsser leads his readers through trying bouts of mental jiu-jitsu designed to make your writing stand up against heavy scrutiny. Can you justify using this particular adverb? Are prepositional phrases really necessary? Part minimalist textbook and part anecdotal memoir, On Writing Well transforms its readers from simple communicators into writers.
Click here to order On Writing Well
What are your favorite books on writing? Let us know in the comments!
The Writer Project is an arts and literature program dedicated to mentoring future authors and developing literary talent. We work with writers one-on-one to craft compelling narratives, see projects through to completion, enhance writing & communication skills, and submit polished work for publication. Have a story to tell? Get in touch for a free consultation.