Ack! It’s been a while. I’ve spent a lot of time researching the craft, and absorbing myself in practice.
I was inspired to write this blog post because I frequently spend a lot of time typing “best books about writing” into Google. Thanks to time spent in used bookstores, titles loaned by writer relatives, and painstakingly going through the small section of writing books at my local Barnes and Noble, I’ve been able to compile a list of the top three books I recommend about writing (right now).
Let’s get into it.
The Happy Writer by Marissa Meyer
As someone that’s written professionally for well over a decade, I found this book to be extremely helpful. What’s better than a book about craft from the Marissa Meyer? You know, the lady that wrote the bestselling Cinder series?
Here are my takeaways from The Happy Writer:
- You must have an idea file. I recently subbed to Evernote, a handy little notetaking app. I used it in the past, but I currently find it extremely helpful in organizing my writing life. Don’t worry, I’m not getting paid to mention this app, I don’t have it like that :). I’ve found the idea file helpful, because I’ve accepted the fact that ideas don’t have to be perfect, they just have to be noted. There are things in my idea file that I cannot wait to get to, but I’m working on about three projects right now, not including this blog.
- It all adds up. Meyer touches on the fact that a lot of us tend to ignore when we’re so focused on completing a grand project all at once for the sake of our ego. She mentions how anyone can build writing into their day, even the busiest people. Ten minutes there, 15 here, five while waiting for appointments, every bit of writing is valuable, because dutiful practice is priceless.
- Pick three things. I really like this strategy. As an ADHD person that has a hard time prioritizing tasks (hence me subscribing to a note taking app, using the notes app on my iPhone, and bullet journaling). Pick three things. Meyer says they don’t even have to necessarily be writing. Example: nail trim for dog, dishes, litter box. And then you might build on it throughout the week: five minute writing practice, dentist appointment, pick up groceries.
Fire Up Your Writing Brain by Susan Reynolds
This book blends neuroscience and creativity to create a writer’s companion that easily breaks down how to hack your brain to write consistently and write well.
I will point out that I’m usually not a fan of Brain Books. I usually find them dull, but I appreciate all of the contributions that have been made to neuroscience over the last decade.
Here’s the first thing about this guide:
You will not find this book in a Google Search.
Or at least, I didn’t. I’ve scoured the web for so many books on writing, and this one hasn’t ever appeared in a search. I don’t know who Susan Reynolds pissed off. I only have the book because my mother-in-law (also a writer) found it in a Barnes and Noble several years ago.
And here’s a few MORE things about this book:
- It is a long book. Be prepared, this might take a few sessions to get through, and mine is obviously well loved based on the picture above.
- It has small personalitiy tests to help you figure out what writing process works best for your brain. You’ll find several quotes from famous authors in this one.
- Without spoiling too much, I really appreciated the way that Susan honors the writer’s brain by acknowledging how much is going on in our brains at any given time. An idea that really stood out to me was this: When you’re working on a project and you’re stuck, consciously ask your brain to work on it in your subconscious. When I was suffering as a freelance ghostwriter for years, I often found myself uninspired and frustrated because it wasn’t something that I care about. After reading Susan’s book, I would think about the current project and say to my brain: “I want you to work on this for me. Think on it.” And then I’d go on with the rest of my day, often avoiding the project entirely! (If you are thinking of ghostwriting fiction for pennies, I will hold your hand and tell you not to do that shit. It’s like being someone’s surrogate but they refuse to pay for the baby’s expenses and doctor appointments, and then they come back with vague complaints about how the baby’s forehead skin is wrinkled. Excuse me??)
- It touches on the value of doing absolutely nothing and calling it part of the writing process. Reynolds recommends allowing for a two hour block of time, if you can, where you do nothing but contemplate your main idea. (It’s so hard to focus on just one idea, though! But she’s the expert.)
Last, but certainly not least….
Creative Writer’s Notebook by John Gillard
Wow, wee, oh wow! This one has been a delightful challenge! Gillard has curated the best collection of writing challenges and lessons from some of the greats. Normally, I’m not a sucker for any of the ‘classics’, preferring to focus on more contemporary works, but the Creative Writer’s Notebook is just a master class on how to write well.
- This book offers ‘put your money where your mouth is’ writing exercises that challenge you to think more expansively. I fee like this book is a low cost peek into a creative writing class. Or writing workshops. If you have social anxiety about either of them, then this is a great alternative!
- The book is meant to be written in, as all of the prompts come with lined pages underneath the lesson.
- I purchased mine at Half Priced Books, but you can also snag it on Amazon for about $31. Again, it’s an investment.
- Here’s an example of one of the prompts I experimented with: Drinking black coffee in a roadside cafe. There is no cream or sugar. My brain kind of started this rapid fire process with this one. There is so much that is being said and not said in just these two sentences. I used the prompt to write about one of the main characters in my upcoming collection of short stories. I used this brief prompt to springboard into a sample about a tense breakfast with a man that doesn’t challenge the FMC. Chaos ensues.
This one is by far my favorite one on the entire list— here’s a few juicy pics from the book:
Okay, there’s my roundup! I hope you enjoyed browsing this list, it was a labor of love and experimentation. I hope to post again next week if life doesn’t get in the way.
What books about writing would you recommend?! Let me know in the comments!
ajcreads 