It’s almost two weeks into the new year, and your resolution is write more is lagging a little. If you need some writerly inspiration, check out these great books on writing. My favorite is Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott. She’s encouraging, offers solid advice, and adds more than a dash of humor throughout.
A couple of others I’d add:
- What If? Writing Exercises for Fiction Writers by By Anne Bernays and Pamela Painter
Pam was one of my professor in grad school, so I might be biased, but honestly it’s an excellent book with fantastic examples and exercises. I used it in an undergrad fiction class as well and loved it then. - Reading Like a Writer by Francine Prose
More on the literary analysis side, but still very helpful. - Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg
A workshop classic. Lots of great advice about writing as a practice. - 2012 Children’s Writer’s & Illustrator’s Market by Chuck Sambuchino
A fantastic collection of information on agents, publishing houses, magazines, and more. Plus lots of articles on craft. A new one is released every year, so make sure to get the most up-to-date info.
What are your books for literary inspiration?
I also like Writing Down the Bones. I recently read How to Become a Famous Writer Before You’re Dead by Ariel Gore, and I found it hugely inspiring. It isn’t so much about the nuts and bolts of writing. It’s more encouraging writers to put themselves out there and get published. I loved it.
I haven’t read How to Become a Famous Writer When Your Dead–it sounds fantastic, and perfect for people who’ve already read books about the nuts and bolts. Thanks for the recommendation!