6 Writing Books For Aspiring Writers

Writing guides that helped me become a better writer

Reading books about writing were a valuable part of my early years as a writer. Because I didn’t study creative writing, I sought to educate myself about the craft. Aside from the popular titles like Anne Lamott’s Bird by Bird or Stephen King’s On Writing, most of my knowledge came from those Writer’s Digest “Write Great Fiction” and “Elements of Fiction Writing” books.

Rather than focus on the inspirational books about the craft as I did in a previous article, I wanted to share some of the more practical guides that helped me early in my writing journey.

“Conflict and Suspense” by James Scott Bell

Of all the Writer’s Digest Elements of Fiction Writing titles writing books I read, thriller author James Scott Bell’s Conflict and Suspense was one of my favorites. This one covers one of the most crucial elements to creating a story.

Bell offers techniques and exercises to help others craft page-turning fiction. He breaks down the essence of conflict and suspense, how they show up in various elements of fiction like characters, plot, structure, and more.

Not only was this an informative read, but it was also entertaining. Bell provides details, examples, and exercises to illustrate his points. While other Writer’s Digest guides focus on one element, I liked how Conflict and Suspense covers them all, showing how they’re all intertwined. If there’s only one book from this series you can read, check out Conflict and Suspense.

“Plot and Structure” by James Scott Bell

Similar to the Elements of Fiction Writing books, I also read the Write Great Fiction series which also features books written by James Scott Bell. Having focused more on plot-driven, genre fiction earlier in my writing career, Plot and Structure served as a valuable writing resource.

Bell presents an informative and entertaining book about the nuances of plotting and structure of stories. This volume consists of 14 chapters including the how to come up with plot ideas, scenes, complex plots, character arcs, and plotting systems. Each chapter includes exercises to apply the ideas covered.

Although most of these how-to guides generally cater towards plotters, Plot and Structure covers key information for fiction writers, especially first-time novelists. It can be helpful to map out where you’re going so the process can feel less daunting. Although some information overlaps with Bell’s Conflict and Suspense, I’d recommend this guide for aspiring novelists, especially those writing genre fiction.

“Self-Editing for Fiction Writers” by Renni Browne and Dave King

I picked up Self-Editing for Fiction Writers after an instructor for a publication course claimed it was required reading for writers. Self-editing is a crucial skill I used to dread, but learned to embrace. After all, the bulk of writing is rewriting, making this book a must-read.

Browne and King pull from their experience as professional editors. They cover various areas like showing vs. telling, characterization and exposition, point of view, dialogue, interior monologue, and voice. Each chapter is followed by a helpful checklist of main points and exercises for easy reference.

After reading writing books on building a story, it was refreshing to read one about the other side of the creative process. Self-editing is a necessary skill for any writer, especially if you’re aiming for publication. I highly recommend Self-Editing for Fiction Writers for anyone looking to sharpen their editing skills and improve their own work.

“Lessons from a Lifetime of Writing: A Novelist Looks at His Craft” by David Morrell

As a bestselling writer with decades of experience known for his thrillers, David Morrell has much to share about the craft. Despite the title, Lessons from a Lifetime of Writing has plenty of practical advice in addition to inspiration.

The book begins with Morrell asking why one wants to be a writer. We write because we have to. He covers useful strategies on getting focused such as having dialogues with yourself. As far as the technical elements, he dedicates chapters to plot, character, structure, viewpoint, description, and dialogue.

Although Morrell explores similar territory to many writing books, I gained plenty of new insights. I also found more practical parts helpful, especially the sections about research, dealing with writer’s block, and publishing. As a whole, Lessons from a Lifetime of Writing presents both the technicalities and the personal insights of writing.

“Between the Lines” by Jessica Page Morrell

Between the Lines is one of the best writing books I’ve read. Unlike other how to guides which focus on more well-known elements of fiction, Between the Lines is about subtlety. Writing instructor, Jessica Page Morrell explains how good writing is subtle and unobtrusive.

Morrell describes how effective storytelling comes from many elements, particularly ones that are hard to spot, but give a story its wholeness. She shows writers how to master subtle storytelling techniques such as imagery, sensory details, surprises, interruptions, and layered subplots.

I liked how this book covered more ground than a typical writing guide. One of the best takeaways was how Morrell encourages readers to ask themselves what effect are they going for — whether in a particular scene even in how you build a sentence or choose a word. If you want to learn more about subtlety in the craft of writing, I highly recommend Between the Lines.

“Writing Alone, Writing Together” by Judy Reeves

If you haven’t already, join a writer’s group. They were a transformative experience for me. While preparing to organize my first writer’s group, I borrowed a copy of this book from another writer. For those interested in groups — whether joining, starting one, or are already a member — Writing Alone, Writing Together is a fantastic resource that’s both informative and inspirational.

The book covers a range of topics such as writing alone, creating a group, and participating in conferences and retreats. For those new to groups, Reeves details considerations for structure, organization, and different types. She also discusses the importance of finding a community as a writer.

I appreciated how Reeves begins by saying how you need to claim yourself as a writer. It’s hard to feel like a legitimate writer if you’ve never shared your work. She does a great job demystifying how groups work and outlines the options. Even if you’re the biggest introvert, writers need some form of community. And it’s up to you to find that balance between writing alone and together.