Books for Writers

I am always looking for ways to become a better writer and the one piece of advice I hear most is to read more! Here’s a list of the books that I think have helped me improve my craft this year.

The Way of the Fearless Writer by Beth Kempton

This book isn’t being released in the U.S. until the summer, but you can buy a copy on Book Depository now.

I love Beth Kempton’s books, and this, her first book on creating a writing life, is one of the most unique books on creativity and writing I’ve read in a long time. Beth is a Japanologist and applies Eastern wisdom to the practice of writing. It’s a unique and gentle way to approach writing. The book is jam-packed with writing prompts that have inspired quite a few essays for me.

If you liked Anne Lamott’s Bird by Bird or Natalie Goldberg’s Writing Down the Bones, you’ll love this book.

Bonus! Beth has a podcast where she talks about some points from the book and gives writing prompts. She also has a free writing e-course (Winter Writing Sanctuary) starting at the end of the month.

Maps and Legends: Reading and Writing Along the Borderlands by Michael Chabon

I’ll admit that I picked this book up at my library because I loved the cover. It’s a gorgeous book! So much so that I am thinking I may need to buy a copy for my home library. But the essays inside the cover are worth the read too. I love reading about a writer’s thoughts on reading and writing, don’t you?

A Swim in the Pond in the Rain by George Saunders

I’ve been slowly reading this book all year. I’m not going to lie, it’s a challenging read, but it is worth the brainpower. Set-up like Saunders’s MFA class at Syracuse University, the book explores Russian short stories and leads you through analyzing them to improve your own writing. I’m learning a lot both as a writer and reader with this book.

DIY MFA by Gabriela Pereira

I’ve been playing around with the idea of going back to school to get my MFA, but first I need to get my daughter launched on her own college career. As fate would have it, I found this gem of a book at my library’s used book sale. It’s full of tips for creating a self-guided MFA program without the harrowing tuition. I’ve just started the book and Pereira’s suggestions for creating a sustainable writing practice have already changed the way I approach my writing.

Bonus! Gabriela has an excellent website with lots of information on it for writers who want to educate themselves on their craft.

What is your favorite book on writing?

A note about my recommendations: I am not affiliated and receive no compensation from any of the companies, authors, or links I shared in this post.

If you want to get a book I recommend, why not think outside the box and buy from your local bookstore? In this day and age, independent shops need our support more than ever. I live in the Portland, Oregon area and highly recommend Powell’s Books-they ship anywhere. If you can’t get to your local shop, try out Bookshop.org which shares a percent of the sale with the local shop of your choice. And finally, there’s always your local library.