Crafting Words: Insights and Inspiration from Modern Literary Masters on the Art of Writing
The journey to becoming an author, let alone a published author, is a long and winding path. For as long as people have been writing, there have been people trying to tell others how to do it. There is an age-old saying: “Those who can’t do, teach.” While that’s not always the case, any teacher can give you the basics of grammar, punctuation, and the thematic elements of a story. What most English and literature professors aren’t, though, are published, well-known authors. Knowing the principles of writing is good, but lessons from experience are even better.
Here are six books by well-known and relatively modern authors that discuss writing as a craft:
On Writing, Stephen King
This is part autobiographical but also filled with advice for writers. Known as the “King of Horror,” Stephen King has also written suspense, crime, science fiction, and crime novels. He’s done it all, including writing a musical, so he has experience to share no matter your writing project.
The Kick-Ass Writer, Chuck Wendig
A veteran writer of books, comics, and screenplays, Wendig actually has several books on writing, including 500 Ways To Be A Better Writer and Damn Fine Story. He also has a blog, Terribleminds, where he publishes additional writing advice (although much of it has been gathered into these books).
Conversations on Writing, Ursula K. Le Guin, David Naimon
One of America’s greatest science fiction writers, having published more than 20 novels and hundreds of short stories, discusses her craft and more in a series of interviews. Le Guin was also honored as a Grand Master of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America — the only person on this list to be given such a prestigious award.
Pity The Reader, Kurt Vonnegut, Suzanne McConnell
This is a collection of almost anything that Vonnegut has ever said or written on the art of writing. Even if you’ve never read it, you’ve almost certainly heard of Slaughterhouse-Five — if for no other reason than schools and libraries keep trying to ban it.
Negotiating With The Dead, Margaret Atwood
Taken from six lectures Atwood gave in 2000, she addresses questions regarding a writer’s position and craft. Primarily known for The Handmaiden’s Tale these days, Atwood has published everything from novels to poetry, from graphic novels to children’s fiction.
Find Your Voice, Angie Thomas
Writers come in all shapes, sizes, and ages, so this one is for the younger writers. This book includes step-by-step tips, prompts, and more to help newbie writers to find their footing and, more importantly, their genre of choice.
