Books That Transformed My Writing
Writers are known for their voracious reading about their craft, which reflects the lifelong nature of learning to write. For those without access to costly creative writing degrees, here are a few books that have been instrumental in my writing journey.
Writing Down the Bones
by Natalie Goldberg
Natalie Goldberg’s Writing Down the Bones is, in my opinion, the most transformative book on writing I’ve ever encountered. Although it isn’t specifically about fiction writing, its core message—to write without fear of self-judgment or external criticism—is fundamental. It grants you permission to write purely for the joy of it, which I believe is the essential first step for any writer.
Ernest Hemingway on Writing
by Larry W. Phillips
Despite its title, this book isn’t a how-to guide written by Hemingway himself. Disregarding multiple requests, Hemingway never authored a book on writing, viewing writing as an intensely personal journey. Instead, this book was compiled by Larry W. Phillips, who drew from Hemingway’s letters to friends and family. Nevertheless, the book is filled with remarkable writing tips.
First You Write a Sentence
by Joe Moran
Crafting clear, well-structured, and elegant sentences is a challenge—one I know well. My first draft often resembles a tangled mess of words. The editing phase, where I attempt to sculpt these sentences, often feels like navigating a maze. This book offers practical suggestions and, as an added bonus, is written in beautiful sentences, making the reading experience a pleasure.
Henry Miller on Writing
by Henry Miller
Regardless of personal opinions on Henry Miller, his brilliance as a writer is undeniable. After discovering his Eleven Commandments, I purchased his book on writing, which turned out to be a treasure trove of wisdom. The book not just about writing; it’s a profound exploration of life, particularly the unique experience of being a writer.
Storycraft
by Jack Hart
While Storycraft is primarily focused on journalism, this book provides invaluable lessons that seamlessly translate to fiction writing. Filled with real-life examples and insightful quotes from renowned authors, it offers a narrative as engaging as any novel.
The Emotion Thesaurus
by Becca Puglisi & Angela Ackerman
This isn’t a book for cover-to-cover reading; it’s a practical reference, particularly useful during the editing phase. This collection of character expressions helps transform dialogue tags, moving beyond “he said, she said.” Keeping a digital copy accessible while editing a draft makes rewriting significantly easier.