Writers are voracious readers. One of our favorite genres is writing books. These writing books are excellent. They offer unique perspectives, practical advice, and engaging writing. They cover everything and have empowering messages.
Lessons that echo across multiple books include:
Read Widely and Analyze. We are the sum of all the books we have read, so read widely and regularly as Stephen King suggests. For writers, reading can lead to a wider vocabulary, better storytelling, and more informed writing.
Write Regularly and Practice. Consistent writing practice is essential to the writing life. This should be a habit, with time dedicated to craft each day.
Edit and Revise. Editing and revising are necessary to finish our first-draft novels. Writing is a process, and writers need to embrace the process from the high of the first-draft to the bottomless-pit of revision. We will need multiple revisions to craft that huge blob of a first-draft into something that looks anything like an actual book.
Embrace Feedback and Criticism. Joining groups and letting people see your work is scary, but essential. Be open to constructive criticism from writing groups, beta readers, and editors. Keep in mind the only purpose of feedback is to make the work better and more eyes bring different perspectives to strengthen the writing.
Stay Persistent and Resilient. To thrive, writers must embrace the process. To be successful, writers need to endure challenges. Writers should not take rejection personally or let it undermine their confidence, as it is part of the process. Instead, they serve as a chance for growth and improvement.
The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron
This sourcebook helps writers unleash writing potential. It focuses on how to get unblocked and how to become accountable for your creative practice. Use this book when you need to get back in a creative groove, overcome writer’s block, and sustain creativity.
Takeaway: Three morning pages, stream-of-consciousness writing, every day for the rest of your life. One artist date, an outing to nurture creativity, per week, and if you’re facing a hard week, two.
The Writing Life by Annie Dillard
Dillard dives into the deep end of the writing pool, exploring the challenges and rewards of being a writer. Come to this book when you need to reinvest in your writing career.
Takeway: The writing life isn’t always fun or creative. It’s a demanding craft that involves hard work and grappling with the very nature of existence. Embrace the writer’s journey because it leads to a rich, beautiful tapestry of life.
On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King
In this guided memoir, Stephen King shows how important it is to read, write, and develop a strong work ethic. Turn to this book when you need practical advice and a huge dose of inspiration.
Takeaway: To write, you must read regularly and widely. Embrace the idea of revision and realize that no finish work looks like the first draft of any novel. Aim for the best possible version of your story.
Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott
Lamott gives advice and shares stories to guide writers in manageable steps. She explores character development and plot construction.
Takeaway: Writing is a process (you’re going to hear it for the rest of your life, so welcome to the club). It’s important to focus on small, achievable goals. Persistence is necessary, especially in the face of rejection and self-criticism. Embrace the imperfect, messy first draft because writing is a journey of discovery. You can edit later.
The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White
This is the fundamental guide to grammar, punctuation, and word usage. Strunk and White encourage writers to focus on clarity and brevity.
Takeaway: Simplicity and clarity in writing is essential. Aim for concise, direct messages and remove the clutter. Writers need to become an authority on grammar and usage. Improving your grammar and punctuation leads to clear, consistent, and credible communication.
On Writing Well by William Zinsser
Zinsser encourages writers to focus on simplicity, clarity, and sincerity. This craft book is mostly for nonfiction, but the lessons carry over to other genres. Get to the essence of your message and connect with your readers.
Takeaway: Simplicity and clarity are key. Avoid jargon, convoluted language, and extraneous words. Be authentic in your writing because it will shine through.
Storytelling tools can help you become a better writer and unleash your imagination. Every tale you craft will become an adventure.
DarWrites 
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