One of the best ways to learn the craft of novel writing is to read books about it. Then, you can increase your knowledge and implement it in your writing. You’ll be able to find your writing style over time. So, let’s talk about some writing craft books that can help you achieve this.
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What Are Writing Craft Books?
Craft books about writing are exactly what they sound like. They’re informative and educational books that teach you various writing skills.
These skills may vary from essay writing, technical writing, grammar help, creative writing, and everything in between.
I believe the best way to learn how to write is to write. Write for yourself. Write all of your ideas, no matter how farfetched. Over time, you’ll learn more about your writing skills, your writing style, and your preferred writing forms.
It never hurts to pick up a writing craft book, though. For example, if you want to learn more about a specific genre, you can certainly research what other writers do through craft books.
Where To Find The Best Books About Writing
I find the best way to find the best writing books is through word of mouth and recommendations from your writer friends. The writing life is difficult enough, so you should gather a few promising fiction writers to help get you through.
You can find recommendations through book reviews on book blogs or book lists on various websites. BookBub and Goodreads are excellent sources.
Goodreads has various “bookshelves” (or lists) on various topics. For example, you may find a craft book list, the best books about writing fiction, the best books on writing fiction for beginners, the best creative writing textbooks, and more.
Finally, you can visit your local library or nearest bookstore and check out the writing section.
List Of Books To Read On Craft
There are countless writing craft books on the market. Some are certainly better than others, but it’s all subjective. One book that doesn’t necessarily help you may help another author.
With that said, I’m going to list (in no particular order) published writing craft books that I own. Some I haven’t read in a while, and I plan to go through them during the year as a refresher to possibly review.
I’ll add more books to this list as I read through more craft books.
Plot Whisperer Workbook: Step-By-Step Exercises To Help You Create Compelling Stories by Martha Alderson
Turn lackluster plots into irresistible stories. When it comes to writing bestsellers, it’s all about the plot. But creating a captivating storyline that mesmerizes your audience until the very end is easier said than done. With thousands of engaging books on the shelf, you’ll need to set yours apart by developing unique scenarios that leave readers wondering what happens next. [Goodreads Summary]
Now Write! Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror by Laurie Lamson
The fifth volume in the acclaimed Now Write! writing-guide series offers a full toolbox of advice and exercises for speculative fiction writers hoping to craft an engaging alternate reality, flesh out an enthralling fantasy quest, or dream up a bloodcurdling plot twist.
This collection of storytelling secrets from top genre writers—including winners of Nebula, Hugo, Edgar, and Bram Stoker awards—is essential for any writer looking to take a leap beyond the ordinary. [Goodreads Summary]
Now Write! Mysteries: Suspense, Crime, Thriller, and Other Mystery Fiction Exercises by Sherry Ellis
Now Write! Mysteries, the fourth volume in the acclaimed Now Write! writing guide series, brings together numerous bestselling authors-including winners of and nominees for the Edgar, Hugo, and Shamus awards,-for the definitive guide to writing mysteries, thrillers, and suspense stories. Now Write! Mysteries teaches you everything you’ve ever wanted to know about crafting a page-turning mystery-from creating a believable detective hero (or terrifying villain), to using real-life cutting-edge investigative techniques to bring your story to life-with practical exercises taken directly from the pros. [Goodreads Summary]
Writing And Selling Your Mystery Novel by Hallie Ephron
To piece together the puzzle of your mystery novel, you need patience, resilience, a solid understanding of the craft, and a clear blueprint for combining the plot, characters, setting, and more. And while patience and resilience must come from you, the essentials of craft and the plan to execute them are right at your fingertips with Writing and Selling Your Mystery Novel. This completely revised and updated edition features solid strategies for drafting, revising, and selling an intriguing novel that grips your readers and refuses to let them go. [Goodreads Summary]
Writer’s Guide To Character Traits by Linda L. Edelstein
Writer’s Guide to Character Traits, 2nd edition answers all of these questions and many others. With more than 400 easy-to-reference lists of traits blended from a variety of behaviors and influences, you’ll gain the knowledge you need to create distinctive characters whose personalities correspond to their thoughts and actions – no matter how normal or psychotic they might be. [Goodreads Summary]
20 Master Plots And How To Build Them by Ronald B. Tobias
The best stories linger in the hearts and minds of readers for decades. These tales gain their power through plots that connect with the audience on both an emotional and intellectual level.
Inside, Ronald B. Tobias details these 20 time-tested plots. Each is discussed and analyzed, illustrating how a successful plot integrates all the elements of a story. Tobias then shows you how to use these plots effectively in your own work.
Tobias then goes to the next level, showing you how to choose and develop plot in fiction. He shows you how to craft plot for any subject matter, so that you develop your work evenly and effectively. As a result, your fiction will be more cohesive and convincing, making your story unforgettable for readers everywhere. [Goodreads Summary]
Writing Tools: 50 Essential Strategies For Every Writer by Roy Peter Clark
WRITING TOOLS covers everything from the most basic (“Tool 5: Watch those adverbs”) to the more complex (“Tool 34: Turn your notebook into a camera”) and provides more than 200 examples from literature and journalism to illustrate the concepts. For students, aspiring novelists, and writers of memos, e-mails, PowerPoint presentations, and love letters, here are 50 indispensable, memorable, and usable tools. [Goodreads Summary]
No Plot? No Problem! By Chris Baty
Let Chris Baty, founder of the rockin’ literary marathon National Novel Writing Month (a.k.a. NaNoWriMo), guide you through four exciting weeks of hard-core noveling. Baty’s pep talks and essential survival strategies cover the initial momentum and energy of Week One, the critical “plot flashes” of Week Two, the “Can I quit now?” impulses of Week Three, and the champagne and roar of the crowd during Week Four. Whether you’re a first-time novelist who just can’t seem to get pen to paper or a results-oriented writer seeking a creative on-ramp into the world of publishing, this is the adventure for you. [Goodreads Summary]
Save The Cat! Writes A Novel by Jessica Brody
SAVE THE CAT!® by Blake Snyder is a popular screenwriting book series and storytelling methodology used by screenwriters, directors, and studio execs across Hollywood. Now, for the first time ever, bestselling author and writing teacher, Jessica Brody, takes the beloved Save the Cat! plotting principals and applies them to the craft of novel writing in this exciting new “workshop style” guide, featuring over 20 full beat sheets from popular novels throughout time.
Whether you’re writing your first novel or your seventeenth, Save the Cat! breaks down plot in an easy-to-follow, step-by-step method so you can write stories that resonate! [Goodreads Summary]
How To Write A Successful Series by Helen Scheuerer
Whether you’re a new or experienced writer, How To Write A Successful Series is a comprehensive guide that will have you writing addictive, bestselling book series that lay the foundation for a lucrative career. [Goodreads Summary]
13 Steps To Evil: How To Craft Superbad Villians by Sacha Black
Your hero is not the most important character in your book. Your villain is.
Are you fed up of drowning in two-dimensional villains? Frustrated with creating clichés? And failing to get your reader to root for your villain?
Finally, there is a comprehensive writing guide to help you create superbad villains. Whether you’re just starting out or are a seasoned writer, this book will help power up your bad guy and give them that extra edge.
These lessons will help you master and control your villainous minions, navigate and gain the perfect balance of good and evil, as well as strengthening your villain to give your story the tension and punch it needs. [Goodreads Summary]
10 Steps To Hero: How To Craft A Kickass Protagonist by Sacha Black
Are you fed up of one-dimensional heroes? Frustrated with creating clones? Does your protagonist fail to capture your reader’s heart?
Finally, there is a comprehensive writing guide to help you create your perfect protagonist. Whether you’re writing your first story or you’re a professional writer, this book will help supercharge your hero and give them that extra edge.
These lessons will help you master your charming knights, navigate your way to the perfect balance of flaws and traits, as well as strengthen your hero to give your story the conflict and punch it needs. [Goodreads Summary]
The Anatomy of Prose: 12 Steps To Sensational Sentences by Sacha Black
The Anatomy of Prose is a comprehensive writing guide that will help you create sensational sentences. Whether you’re just starting out or are a seasoned writer, this book will power up your prose, eliminate line-level distractions and help you find the perfect balance of show and tell. By the end of this book, you’ll know how to strengthen your sentences to give your story, prose and characters the extra sparkle they need to capture a reader’s heart. [Goodreads Summary]
Which Books Did I Miss?
I’ll add to this list periodically. I have other craft books on my shelves but haven’t read them yet. Some of these books may feel like child’s play to you, and others may allow you to think upside down about your writing. Regardless, I hope at least one of these books is helpful.
Rachel Poli is an indie author, podcaster, and content writer working on her debut cozy mystery novel.
Although she favors mystery, Rachel is a multi-genre author with too many ideas and characters in her head, often experimenting with short stories and flash fiction.
When she’s not writing, she’s reading, organizing something, or playing video games. She currently resides in New England with her zoo.
