There comes a time in every writer's career when he or she realizes that it is time to read up on the craft of writing. Below is a list of creative writing books that I have found very useful in getting my own stories onto the page and they could all be called a creative writing guide since they each, in a slightly different way allow you to prefect your own creative writing skills. Some offer writing advice, others will teach you the fundamental principles of creative writing, offer creative writing prompts, exercises and ideas or simply provide a way for you to get in touch with your own creativity.

Now I know what they say, they say that no one can teach you how to write, that you just have to be born able, but I disagree. There are many very useful things to learn from books about writing, none of which will ever claim that it will teach you how to be a writer (and if they do they are lying). No, just forget what they say and think of these textbooks as a room full of writers exchanging their wisdoms with you. Like talking to Hemingway or Virginia Wolf or Dostoyevsky, getting to pick their brain, learn form them, avoid the mistakes they made, steal their tricks.

The list is separated into sort of categories according to the main purpose of the creative writing book in question. Hopefully the list will help you become a better writer, but remember that the writer's job is simply to write and with practice, practice, practice you will perfect that even without consulting a single creative writing book!

Anyway, here is the list:


First we have  some books that deal with writing from a more philosophical or even mystical standpoint and are therefore equally useful in learning to write.

The Art of Fiction: Notes on Craft for Young Writers by John Gardner

The first part of this book is perhaps too philosophical, but in the second part Gardner explains very important things on symbols and style and such. The exercises are also very good and very useful

From Where You Dream: The Process of Writing Fiction by Robert Olen Butler

This is even more philosophical, but it does try to explain some aspects of writing that even the writers themselves can’t quite put into words.

On Writing by Stephen King

You've probably all read some of his books or at least seen a movie based on one of them, and here he is talking about the process of fiction writing. And with very good insight, too.

Next here are some textbooks, or General all-inclusive textbooks from which you can learn all about such elusive basics as Characterization, Theme, Setting, Pace, Showing not Telling, Plot, Point of View, and more.

Writing Fiction: A Guide to Narrative Craft by Janet Burroway

Apart from excellent explanations of all the elusive basics, this book also contains several very useful exercises to master each of them. As an added bonus it also uses actual stories to drive the points home.

The Elements of Style, Fourth Edition by William Strunk

An excellent and easy to read and to follow guide on effective writing. This book basically teaches you on how to write effectively

How to Write a Damn Good Novel: A Step-by-Step No Nonsense Guide to Dramatic Storytelling by James N. Frey

For all the novel writers among you. This book covers everything from the creative writing basics to work ethic.

Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott

Based on her workshops, it covers everything for getting that first draft down on paper to polishing it into a publication-ready piece of writing.

Self-Editing for Fiction Writers, Second Edition: How to Edit Yourself Into Print by Renni Browne and Dave King

A great book for after all is said and done...well...written, it teaches you how to be your own editor.

And finally some books to improve your writing and help you get over that writer’s block

What If?: Writing Exercises for Fiction Writers by Anne Bernays and Pamela Painter
A wonderful collection of exercises on all the basics of fiction writing.

Plot & Structure: (Techniques And Exercises For Crafting A Plot That Grips Readers From Start To Finish) (Write Great Fiction) by James Scott Bell

Like the title says, this book will help you plot your novel so that is “plot” will grip.

Elements of Writing Fiction - Characters & Viewpoint (Elements of Fiction Writing) by Orson Scott Card

A great book for understanding these two elusive basics and write characters that could be real.

Reading Like a Writer: A Guide for People Who Love Books and for Those Who Want to Write Them (P.S.) by Francine Prose

Writers should read, read and read some more in order to be truly successful, and this book will teach you how to make all that reading count.

The Practice of Poetry: Writing Exercises From Poets Who Teach by Robin Behn

This book is just packed with exercises to help you on your way to becoming a truly prolific poet.

The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity [10th Anniversary Edition] by Julia Cameron

This is actually a 12-week plan on how to free up your creativity and get rid of writer’s block once and for all. I admit I never got past week two, but I do the Morning Pages she suggests regularly and they are helping with my creativity, they really are.

Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within by Natalie Goldberg

Some Zen and some writing tips to teach you how to write for the right here and now, and from your whole being.

Poemcrazy: Freeing Your Life with Words by Susan G. Wooldridge

Another guide on helping you free up your creativity, this time for poets only.

Becoming a Writer by Dorothea Brande

Some old-time tough love, helping you get over your ego and start writing for real.

So anyway, that's the elementary list, and when you get through it you'll probably have lots of new ideas on what you can do to make your writing even better.