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The thought of reading about writing is enough to make some writer’s eyes glaze over, especially if such reading feels like a distraction from what they ought to be doing: writing. But craft books—books by writers writing about writing—can serve a writer in several ways:
Building a foundation for (or flipping the script on) storytelling basics
Helping to overcome writer’s block
Offering fresh prompts and innovative ways of approaching writing
Guiding a writer through a difficult draft, scene, or even sentence
Inspiring the writer to write and encouraging them to do so
I keep a stack of craft books on the shelf above my writing desk. When I find myself staring at a blank page or fighting the urge to scroll through BookTok, I flip through a craft book to remind myself why I do what I do—and how to do it. This need for guidance is especially true for both seasoned and first-time novelists.
Whether you have your novel fully planned out or haven’t written the first sentence, these five craft books will help your novel-in-progress every step of the way.
1. Refuse to Be Done: How to Write and Rewrite a Novel in Three Drafts by Matt Bell
Matt Bell—acclaimed author of Appleseed and Scrapper draws upon his experiences as a writer/teacher to guide readers through the three phases of novel-writing: writing, rewriting, and revising. The book opens with some much-needed inspiration:
“You are writing a novel. You are writing a book. Go ahead and tell yourself. And then tell yourself again. Maybe say it a few more times, for luck…Don’t diminish, don’t equivocate, don’t find some way to keep from claiming the work. If only to yourself, if only in the tiniest whisper, say it: I am writing a novel.”
In addition to words of encouragement, Bell provides writers with practical steps to turn a generative, exploratory early draft into a polished final one. This craft book is ideal for novelists unsure how to get started, how to move forward, or how to finish.
You can purchase this craft book or learn more here.
2. Steering the Craft: A 21st-Century Guide to Sailing the Sea of Story by Ursula K. Le Guin
Steering the Craft is deceptively simple. Le Guin writes in concise, instructive chapters on subjects such as “The Sound of Your Writing,” “Repetition,” and “Point of View and Voice.” But its simplicity is also its strength; Le Guin combines
examples and exercises to create a writing manual perfect for individuals or groups. For a handbook focused on the fundamentals of narrative, especially at the sentence-level, Steering the Craft is a must-read for novelists everywhere.
You can purchase this craft book or learn more here.
3. Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott
Bird by Bird is a popular craft book and memoir. But did you know its title stems from a dad joke? When Lamott and her brother were children, her brother put off working on a research paper until the very last night. The subject? Birds. As the boy began to panic, their father offered a sage piece of advice: to tackle the assignment “bird by bird.”
Lamott approaches writing in much the same way: chapter by chapter, word by word, bird by bird. Of all the craft books on my shelf, I turn to Lamott’s the most. One key takeaway is the concept of “shitty first drafts”—the result of the ‘write first, make revisions later’ attitude essential to Lamott’s writing process. Reading Bird by Bird is like spending a semester under Lamott’s wing—and your novel will thank you for it.
You can purchase this craft book or learn more here.
4. Craft in the Real World: Rethinking Fiction Writing and Workshopping by Matthew Salesses
Matthew Salesses’ national bestseller questions the very notion of “craft.” If the traditional writing workshop was formed by white male writers for white male writers, is craft really for everyone? Salesses redefines craft terms and suggests there might be more than one way to tell a good story. This craft book is an essential resource for novelists in or outside of the classroom.
You can purchase this craft book or learn more here.
5. On Writing by Stephen King
Part memoir, part writing guide, this craft book is a classic for a reason. On Writing is filled with practical advice such as “the adverb is not your friend” and “the first draft of a book—even a long one—should take no more than three months.” Fans of the author will enjoy the autobiographical details, particularly in the “CV” section, which describes his early childhood and writing career.
But even writers unfamiliar with King’s work will find inspiration and guidance in his words. The “Toolbox” and “On Writing” sections instruct readers in grammar basics and provide storytelling tips for aspiring writers. No craft book collection is complete without On Writing.
You can purchase this craft book or learn more here.
In Summary
Craft books can only get you so far. They aren’t a substitute for what really matters—the actual act of writing. I like to think of craft books as mentors; they share their expertise, give me a solid foundation, and hype me up when needed. These trusted writing guides make the novel-writing process less daunting and far less lonely.
Next time you find yourself struggling with your novel, take a productive break and seek the help of one of these craft books. With their support, you’ll return to your novel with new energy and a new sense of direction.