Top ten books on the craft of writing

When it comes to advice on creative writing, there is a multitude of sources on inspiration, motivation, the habits of good artists, etc. And all of them are important as writing is a mostly solitary activity which drains inner sources of commitment and perseverance. However, when it comes to the craft of writing, the nuts and bolts of HOW you actually need to write, resources are much more sparce. I know people who have completed English degrees, and even Master’s degrees in creative writing, without ever learning how to write a good paragraph or how to structure their story.

Not all is bleak, though. Over the last ten years or so, I’ve made it my mission to explore books, websites, podcasts, etc to find the ones that teach me about the craft of writing. Here are my top ten books:

1.       The Art of Fiction by John Gardner is a seminal work in this space. It’s a practical handbook which explains principles and techniques of good writing, with examples from literature. A must read!

  1. Save The Cat! Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody adapts the famous screenwriting method to novel writing, breaking down storytelling into 15 essential beats to craft compelling narratives. It includes examples and models how to use the template.

  2. Great American Short Stories by Jennifer Cognard-Black explores the evolution of the American short story, offering insights into its literary significance and techniques for both writers and readers. Don’t be misled by the title. There are some excellent pieces of deconstruction and tasks to complete.

  3. Effective Editing by Molly McCowan is a practical guide to self-editing, breaking down the revision process into structured levels—from developmental editing to proofreading—to help writers refine their work with clarity and confidence.

  4. Writing Great Fiction by James Hynes explores the craft of storytelling, offering insights into character development, plot construction, and thematic depth, with practical exercises to help writers hone their skills.

  5. Consider This by Chuck Palahniuk blends memoir with writing advice, sharing unconventional techniques and personal anecdotes to help writers establish authority, build tension, and craft compelling narratives. It is very different to the traditional approach (all the previous books) and offers some good explanations and activities in relation to pacing, twists and drawing the reader in.

  6. Aspects of the Novel by E. M. Forster examines the fundamental elements of fiction, including story, plot, character, and rhythm, offering a timeless perspective on the art of novel writing. This is more of a nostalgic one for me where I can see how the essential elements have not changed over the years.

  7. How Fiction Works by James Wood is an insightful exploration of the mechanics of storytelling, analyzing how novels and stories are constructed, with a focus on character, narrative style, and literary technique. There are beautiful examples here of what works and what doesn’t, really breaking down the elements of what makes a story good.

  8. The Writing Book by Kate Grenville is a practical, step-by-step guide to fiction writing, offering exercises and examples to help writers develop their voice, refine their craft, and structure compelling narratives. She starts from the very basic – how to come up with ideas – to progress to how to develop a character, to what makes a story compelling, brimming with examples from Australian Literature and exercises to complete.

  9. A Swim in a Pond in the Rain by George Saunders blends literary analysis with writing advice, using classic Russian short stories to illustrate storytelling principles while reflecting on the deeper connections between fiction and life. I have to admit that I was taken by Saunders’ very humble approach and trying to say that no one knows the answer in an intellectual way, that a lot of the process is ambling in the dark. That may not be as helpful but it is comforting.

 

I would love to hear of sources you have used and would recommend!

 

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