Books For Writing Fiction
The best way to learn how to
write fiction is
to read a lot of fiction. I hear this advice repeatedly, and I
wholeheartedly agree.
Sometimes, though, when
you’re after a bit of extra guidance, it can be helpful to have some explicit
advice on hand.
Though there can be some
alarming and even strange advice out there (write every day or you are destined
to fail! Always write your first draft by hand!), I’m yet to find a single book
on writing from which I haven’t gained a nugget of inspiration.
If you’re overwhelmed by all
the choices out there in the wide world of writing about writing, the following
list focuses on some of the best books I have come across on how to write
fiction, particularly if you’re just beginning.
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I began writing poems and short stories, published several, which provided the courage to move on. I did that through writer’s groups and reading every writing book I could find.
The books I’ve chosen
include a range of:
· Practical strategies
· Creative exercises
· Structural guidance
· Tips on how to foster creativity and flow
· Grammar rules
· Industry advice
The books range from
inspiration through to learning to write and perhaps build a novel, then
pursuing a writing career.
Zen in the Art of Writing: Releasing the Creative Genius Within You by Ray Bradbury
This book is outstanding for
creative inspiration
Ray Bradbury is a master
storyteller, so a book full of essays on writing, which also provides a glimpse
into Bradbury’s career.
This book provides practical
tips for:
· Finding original ideas
· Developing your unique style and voice
· Characterization
· Descriptions
· Other storytelling essentials
It’s broken up into
different essays, so it’s easy to pick up when you need it.
Bradbury also encourages
reading short stories. Reading begets writing and can help you get your
head around the overarching structure of a narrative.
Steering the Craft: A 21st Century Guide to Sailing the Sea of Story by Ursula K. Le Guin
This book is brilliant for: Bringing
words and stories to life
Ursula K. Le Guin is one of
my favorite authors. She’s a master of the sound of language, sentence
construction and point of view.
Le Guin’s book will make
your stories come alive, helping you maintain the excitement and
passion.
· Pace and Rhythm
· Story structure
· Characterization
· Narrative writing
Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative by Austin Kleon
This book is great
for: When
you’re worried, your ideas aren’t original enough
One way I became comfortable
with my creativity in writing, and developing character backstories, was using elements from
some of my favorite writer's works.
He isn’t advocating for
plagiarism. But he also doesn’t get hung up on ideas needing to be perfectly
original. Instead, he concentrates on helping you harness your creativity,
trust your creative instincts.
Writing is about creating
fresh perspectives and exciting twists, and following fresh paths and ideas on
what is ultimately a road that’s been walked before.
For new writers, Kleon also
provides tips that he wishes he had received when he was starting out.
The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr. and E. B. White
This book is impressive for: Learning the laws of
English grammar
William Strunk was E. B.
White’s English professor in 1919, but this book published
by Macmillan until after Strunk’s death in the late 1950s, it was on White’s
list of required textbooks.
This book is the Bible of
English grammar rules but remember, these are modern times. That said, The
Elements of Style is a must for your writing toolkit. If you want
to break the rules of writing, you must learn them first.
BONUS TIP: You should also
use Grammarly or ProWritingAid to assist your work.
In this book, with each
rule, they succinctly explain and provide clear examples of proper and improper
usage.
On Writing: a memoir of the craft by Stephen King
This book is outstanding for: Practical, ‘no BS’ advice from a famous and prolific writer.
If you want expert advice on
writing, Stephen King is at the top of the game.
It starts: ‘Fiction writers, present company included, don’t
understand very much about what they do – not why it works when it’s good, not
why it doesn’t when it’s bad.’
His advice includes reading
lots and writing lots or only having one day off when you’re a beginner. This
will help you naturally build your vocabulary, rather than forcing it.
He follows some hard and
fast rules that are widely accepted, like using active verbs, avoiding adverbs
and unnecessary dialogue tags, and showing, not telling. Most professional writers
advocate the same.
There is a lot of helpful,
easily applicable advice in On Writing, including
some useful guidelines, like ‘Write 1,000 words six days per week’, and
that your second draft should be your first, minus ten percent.
But even putting this aside,
it’s an interesting and incredible memoir of the craft, and of Stephen King’s
life.
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