Techniques of the Selling Writer by Dwight Swain
By far the best, most complete book about writing that I have ever read. I highly recommend. This introduced the OG concept of “Butter” (he doesn’t call it that, but if you’ve heard of “Butter” you’ll know what I mean and it originated here). Also great info on Scene Structure.
Save the Cat! Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody
An excellent introduction to story structure with lots of modern day examples you’ve probably seen or read recently(ish). Also a great resource for Themes and Reader Expectations by Genre. I struggled to get through this book when I was very new, but really enjoyed it later. If you’re really new, it might be worthwhile to read the bits about Story Structure and come back later for the genre info.
The Fantasy Fiction Formula by Deborah Chester
Anything but formulaic. This was my first introduction to Scene Structure and it’s good stuff. Also loaded with fantastic general storytelling advice, including Story Structure and Character development/arcs. Definitely worth a read, and a re-read (and maybe a few more re-reads after that). This is a reasonable place to start if you’re new to writing. Also, Deborah Chester was Jim Butcher’s mentor, so… she knows what she’s talking about.
The Emotional Craft of Fiction by Donald Maass
Great for when you’re ready to dive deep into the nitty gritty of developing believable and compelling characters, as well as the dynamics of their arc over the course of the story. This book is all about getting deeper than surface level emotions and motivations. Really good stuff. I don’t recommend it if you’re brand new to writing and story structure, but great for when you’ve gotten your feet wet and feel ready for the next step. All of Donald Maass’s other books are fantastic too.
The Elements of Style by Strunk and White
No grammar excuses. If you want to write, you’ve gotta learn this stuff. This is the book to learn it.
ANYTHING by James Scott Bell
Seriously, any book by James Scott Bell is THE place to start for new writers, in my opinion. His books are short, lighthearted, actually funny, and informative. They use popular modern examples, too. This particular book is Super Structure which was maybe the first book of his I ever read. It just lays out structure for you in simple, easy to remember/understand terms. If your budget is higher than free KM Weiland, this is the place to start. (My local library has a bunch of his books in ebook format on Libby!)
KM Weiland/HelpingWritersBecomeAuthors.com
Loads and loads of information on Story Structure, Scene Structure, Character Development, Arcs, etc all FREE on KM Weiland’s writing advice website. Her books are super economical, but they contain the same information that’s free on her website (often verbatim), so unless you really want it all in one place in book form, the website is just as good. I highly recommend this to anyone getting started. Her language is super approachable and she uses great examples to make these complicated concepts sound simple.
Need some motivation? Are you in burnout or block? These books below are for you.
On Writing by Stephen King
Ok. This book is like half writing advice and half memoir, but it’s good. The advice is solid (although plotters might have to lalala a few times). There’s just so much good stuff in here about life and addiction and writing and overcoming rejection. King is one of the greatest for a reason–this book is like a little window into how and why.
The Artists Way by Julia Cameron
Are you suffering from writer’s block or burnout? This is the way out. It’s not easy, but it works (and lets be honest, there’s nothing easy about block or burnout). Incorporate what you can and reap the benefits.
Bird by Bird by Anne Lammott
This book is about the heart and soul of artists. The periods of depression, the angst, the trials. I cried at least twice reading it and laughed way more. If you’re feeling beat up or alone or helpless, this book is like a warm blanket, a box of tissues, and a cup of tea/coffee/cocoa/wine/vodka…