The best 37 Creative Writing books

Eats, Shoots & Leaves by Lynne Truss is a witty and entertaining book that delves into the world of punctuation. Truss explores the importance of commas, apostrophes, and other marks, and how their misuse can completely change the meaning of a sentence. With humor and insight, she offers practical advice on how to improve your own punctuation skills.

Conflict and Suspense by James Scott Bell is a comprehensive guide that delves into the art of creating tension and intrigue in your writing. Through practical advice and real-life examples, Bell explores the various techniques and strategies that can be employed to keep readers on the edge of their seats. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting out, this book will help you master the essential elements of conflict and suspense in storytelling.

Beginnings, Middles & Ends by Nancy Kress is a comprehensive guide for writers looking to craft compelling and well-structured stories. From creating a captivating opening to developing engaging characters and resolving conflicts effectively, this book offers practical advice and valuable insights for writers at any stage of their journey.

How to Write Dazzling Dialogue by James Scott Bell is a comprehensive guide that teaches writers how to create engaging and authentic dialogue in their stories. Through practical tips and examples, Bell explores the art of crafting conversations that reveal character, advance the plot, and captivate readers. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced writer, this book is a valuable resource for mastering the skill of writing compelling dialogue.

How to Write a Damn Good Novel by James N. Frey is a must-read for aspiring writers. It provides practical advice and techniques for crafting a compelling story, developing memorable characters, and keeping readers engaged from start to finish. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned writer, this book will help you hone your skills and take your novel to the next level.

Description & Setting by Ron Rozelle is a comprehensive guide that delves into the importance of creating a vivid and immersive world for your readers. Through practical tips and examples, Rozelle explores how to effectively use description and setting to bring your story to life. Whether it's a bustling city or a secluded forest, this book will help you master the art of crafting a believable and captivating environment for your characters to inhabit.

Find Your Voice by Angie Thomas is a powerful guide that encourages aspiring writers to embrace their unique perspectives and tell their own stories. Through personal anecdotes and practical advice, Thomas inspires readers to find the courage to share their voices with the world.

Characters, Emotion & Viewpoint by Nancy Kress delves into the intricate craft of developing compelling characters and evoking powerful emotions in readers. Through insightful analysis and practical tips, the book explores various techniques to breathe life into characters, convey their emotions effectively, and choose the most suitable viewpoint to engage the audience.

Back to Creative Writing School by Bridget Whelan is a comprehensive guide for both beginner and experienced writers. Through practical exercises and insightful tips, Whelan helps readers unlock their creativity and develop their writing skills. Whether you want to write fiction, poetry, or non-fiction, this book is a valuable resource for anyone looking to hone their craft.

No Plot? No Problem! by Chris Baty is a guide for anyone who has ever wanted to write a novel but didn't know where to start. Baty offers a fun and practical approach to writing a 50,000-word novel in just 30 days, providing tips, pep talks, and weekly milestones to keep you on track. Whether you're a seasoned writer or a complete beginner, this book will inspire you to finally tackle that novel you've been dreaming of.

The First Five Pages by Noah Lukeman provides valuable insights and practical advice for writers looking to grab the attention of literary agents and publishers. Through detailed analysis and examples, Lukeman offers tips on how to polish the opening pages of your manuscript, making it more compelling and enticing to potential readers. This book is a must-read for anyone serious about getting their work noticed in the competitive world of publishing.

Save the Cat! Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody is a comprehensive guide that applies Blake Snyder's screenwriting principles to the world of novel writing. It offers practical tips and strategies for crafting compelling stories, developing memorable characters, and structuring your novel effectively. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced writer, this book provides valuable insights to help you enhance your storytelling skills.

How to Write Science Fiction & Fantasy by Orson Scott Card is a comprehensive guide that delves into the intricacies of crafting compelling speculative fiction. From world-building to creating unique characters, Card offers invaluable insights and practical advice for aspiring writers. Whether you're a fan of the genre or an aspiring author, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in the art of storytelling.

Wild Mind by Natalie Goldberg delves into the creative process of writing and explores how to tap into the wild, untamed parts of our minds to unleash our true creativity. Through personal anecdotes, writing exercises, and insightful guidance, Goldberg encourages readers to embrace their unique voices and let go of self-censorship in order to write with authenticity and freedom.

Writing 21st Century Fiction by Donald Maass is a comprehensive guide for aspiring and established writers. It delves into the intricacies of modern storytelling, offering valuable insights and practical advice on how to create compelling characters, build immersive worlds, and craft gripping plots. With a focus on the unique challenges and opportunities presented by contemporary literature, this book is a must-read for anyone looking to hone their craft and succeed in the ever-evolving world of fiction writing.

The Art of War for Writers by James Scott Bell provides practical advice and strategies for writers to succeed in the competitive world of publishing. Drawing inspiration from Sun Tzu's classic The Art of War, this book offers valuable insights on honing your craft, navigating the industry, and staying resilient in the face of challenges. Whether you're a novice or seasoned writer, this guide will help you sharpen your skills and achieve your writing goals.

Imaginative Writing by Janet Burroway is a comprehensive guide to the craft of creative writing. It covers various forms of writing such as fiction, poetry, and drama, providing practical advice and exercises to help aspiring writers develop their skills. With insightful examples and engaging prompts, this book inspires readers to unleash their creativity and explore the art of storytelling.

The Art of Fiction by John Gardner is a must-read for aspiring writers. With insightful analysis and practical advice, Gardner delves into the craft of storytelling, exploring topics such as creating compelling characters, crafting effective dialogue, and building a coherent plot. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned writer, this book offers valuable guidance to help you hone your skills and unleash your creativity.

Plot & Structure by James Scott Bell is a comprehensive guide that delves into the essential elements of storytelling. It provides valuable insights and practical advice on how to construct a compelling plot, develop engaging characters, and create a well-structured narrative. Whether you're a novice writer or a seasoned author, this book offers valuable tools and techniques to help you craft a captivating story.

The Forest for the Trees by Betsy Lerner is a candid and insightful book that offers a behind-the-scenes look at the publishing industry. Through personal anecdotes and practical advice, Lerner provides aspiring writers with a better understanding of what it takes to succeed in the competitive world of book publishing. Whether you're a writer seeking to get published or simply curious about the inner workings of the industry, this book is a must-read.

The Art of Dramatic Writing by Lajos Egri is a timeless guide for aspiring playwrights and screenwriters. Egri delves into the fundamental elements of storytelling, character development, and conflict, offering practical advice and thought-provoking insights. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced writer, this book will help you craft compelling and emotionally resonant narratives.

Old Friend from Far Away by Natalie Goldberg is a guide to writing memoir. Through personal anecdotes and writing exercises, the book explores how to tap into our memories and emotions to create compelling and authentic stories. Goldberg encourages readers to embrace their unique voice and experiences, making it a valuable resource for both aspiring and seasoned writers.

Writing Magic by Gail Carson Levine is a guide for aspiring writers, filled with practical tips and creative exercises to help develop their storytelling skills. From crafting memorable characters to building captivating worlds, this book offers valuable insights and inspiration for anyone looking to unleash their writing potential.

Techniques of the Selling Writer by Dwight V. Swain is a comprehensive guide that delves into the craft of writing and offers practical advice on how to create engaging stories. From character development to plot structure, Swain provides valuable insights and techniques that can help aspiring writers hone their skills and increase their chances of getting published.

Writing Fiction for Dummies by Randy Ingermanson provides a comprehensive guide for aspiring fiction writers. From developing compelling characters and creating a captivating plot to understanding the publishing industry, this book offers practical tips and advice to help you master the art of storytelling and achieve your writing goals.

The Negative Trait Thesaurus by Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi is a valuable resource for writers looking to create well-rounded and believable characters. It provides an extensive list of negative traits and explores how these traits can manifest in a character's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. With practical tips and examples, this book helps writers develop complex and realistic characters that drive their stories forward.

Story Engineering by Larry Brooks is a comprehensive guide that delves into the inner workings of storytelling. It breaks down the essential elements of a compelling story, such as character development, plot structure, and theme, and provides practical advice on how to effectively implement these elements in your own writing. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned writer, this book offers valuable insights and tools to help you craft engaging and impactful stories.

Structuring Your Novel by K. M. Weiland is a comprehensive guide that breaks down the elements of a well-structured story. From creating compelling characters to building a solid plot, this book provides practical advice and actionable tips to help writers craft a novel with a strong and effective structure. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned writer, this book is a valuable resource for anyone looking to enhance their storytelling skills.

Outlining Your Novel by K. M. Weiland provides a comprehensive guide to creating a solid outline for your novel. It offers practical tips and techniques to help writers structure their stories, develop compelling characters, and craft a well-organized plot. Whether you're a pantser or a planner, this book will help you streamline your writing process and bring your novel to life.

The Emotion Thesaurus by Becca Puglisi is a valuable resource for writers looking to enhance their characters’ emotional depth. It provides a wide range of emotions and corresponding body language, thoughts, and visceral sensations, offering writers new ways to express their characters’ feelings. This book is a must-have for any writer seeking to create more authentic and compelling characters.

Write to Market by Chris Fox is a guide for authors who want to maximize their chances of success in the competitive world of publishing. By identifying popular genres and analyzing market trends, Fox provides practical strategies for writing books that cater to reader preferences and have a higher likelihood of commercial success. Whether you're a seasoned author or just starting out, this book offers valuable insights to help you tailor your writing to the demands of the market.

Steering the Craft by Ursula K. Le Guin is a comprehensive guide to the art of writing. Le Guin provides practical advice and exercises for writers of all levels, covering topics such as sentence structure, point of view, and narrative voice. With her insightful commentary and engaging style, this book offers valuable insights into the craft of storytelling.

How to Write Dazzling Dialogue by James Scott Bell offers practical advice and techniques for creating compelling and authentic dialogue in your writing. With insightful tips and examples, this book will help you master the art of crafting dialogue that engages readers and brings your characters to life.

Structuring Your Novel by K.M. Weiland is a comprehensive guide that delves into the intricacies of crafting a well-structured and compelling novel. Through practical tips and insightful analysis of popular works, Weiland offers valuable advice on plot development, character arcs, and scene construction. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned writer, this book will help you elevate your storytelling skills and create a captivating narrative.

The Emotion Thesaurus by Angela Ackerman is a valuable resource for writers looking to deepen their characters and evoke emotion in their readers. This book provides a wide range of emotions and offers a variety of physical signals, internal sensations, mental responses, and cues for each emotion. It's a practical guide to help writers show, rather than tell, their characters' feelings, making their stories more engaging and relatable.

Feel Free is a collection of essays that explores a wide range of topics, from politics and culture to art and literature. Zadie Smith offers her unique insights and perspectives, inviting readers to ponder and engage with the complexities of the modern world. Through thoughtful and thought-provoking writing, she encourages us to embrace freedom of expression and open-mindedness.

The Writing Strategies Book by Jennifer Serravallo is a comprehensive guide for teachers looking to improve their students' writing skills. Filled with practical strategies and lesson ideas, this book offers a wide range of tools to help educators teach various aspects of writing, from generating ideas to revising and editing. It is a valuable resource for both new and experienced teachers.