Recommended Reading for New Writers
As soon as you announce your intention to become a writer, everyone and their guinea pig will rush to press a copy of Stephen King’s On Writing into your hands.
It will amaze you to learn how little I’m exaggerating.
On Writing has become the standard by which other writing books are measured. And don’t get me wrong, it’s a very good book. But it will get awfully lonely on your bookshelf without some friends.
So what books do I recommend?
Creep This Way by Rebecca Cuthbert
*Insert mandatory nice things about our Editor-in-Chief.*
Having earned the withering glare I will receive at our next staff meeting, I can go on to say that Cuthbert’s work focuses on writing horror from a genre fiction standpoint (she likes her some ghost stories). But even better, it’s personal and accessible, and shows how to make writing work in the midst of a busy life.
Consider This by Chuck Palahniuk
Written in the same vein as On Writing, I prefer Palahniuk’s work to King’s (for more information, see this blog post). Consider This focuses more on the practical side of building a writing career instead of the nuts and bolts. It’s a great read, especially for those veering toward the more interesting sides of horror.
Bird by Bird by Anne Lamont
Lamott is not a horror writer. The best description of her is probably “counter cultural.” Or maybe “hippie.” But Bird by Bird makes a lot of these lists, and there’s a good reason for it. Lamont’s self-deprecating style makes you forget she’s sold more books than you’ll ever see in your lifetime, and seems more like sitting with a mentor in a strange cafe than forcing yourself to pour over pages of a writing tome.
Creativity by John Cleese
Cleese is one of the most brilliant comedians to ever grace the planet, and his work on the creative process is a must-read for everyone with an interest in the creative arts. It’s a short, smart read that will leave you feeling inspired and with a better understanding of how your mind sparks.
The Elements of Style by Strunk and White
This is a reference book, not one to try to sit down and read through. But when it comes to grammar and style, Strunk and White remain the authority. If you can find it, look for the illustrated edition—having pictures helps break up the monotony.
Zen in the Art of Writing by Ray Bradbury
It was out of print for years, and took me forever to find a copy after reading quotes from it on Goodreads, but the quest was worth it. These essays are brilliant, and worth tracking down yourself (though they are now available as an ebook).
Is this a list to end all lists? No. There are plenty more books I could have mentioned, from grammar guides like Eats, Shoots, and Leaves to writing tomes like On Writing Well, or essay collections like On Writing Horror. But this is a start, and as you grow in the craft, you’ll put together your own list of essential reading to pass on to beginners.
And we'd love it if you would share your own suggestions in the comments.
It will amaze you to learn how little I’m exaggerating.
On Writing has become the standard by which other writing books are measured. And don’t get me wrong, it’s a very good book. But it will get awfully lonely on your bookshelf without some friends.
So what books do I recommend?
Creep This Way by Rebecca Cuthbert
*Insert mandatory nice things about our Editor-in-Chief.*
Having earned the withering glare I will receive at our next staff meeting, I can go on to say that Cuthbert’s work focuses on writing horror from a genre fiction standpoint (she likes her some ghost stories). But even better, it’s personal and accessible, and shows how to make writing work in the midst of a busy life.
Consider This by Chuck Palahniuk
Written in the same vein as On Writing, I prefer Palahniuk’s work to King’s (for more information, see this blog post). Consider This focuses more on the practical side of building a writing career instead of the nuts and bolts. It’s a great read, especially for those veering toward the more interesting sides of horror.
Bird by Bird by Anne Lamont
Lamott is not a horror writer. The best description of her is probably “counter cultural.” Or maybe “hippie.” But Bird by Bird makes a lot of these lists, and there’s a good reason for it. Lamont’s self-deprecating style makes you forget she’s sold more books than you’ll ever see in your lifetime, and seems more like sitting with a mentor in a strange cafe than forcing yourself to pour over pages of a writing tome.
Creativity by John Cleese
Cleese is one of the most brilliant comedians to ever grace the planet, and his work on the creative process is a must-read for everyone with an interest in the creative arts. It’s a short, smart read that will leave you feeling inspired and with a better understanding of how your mind sparks.
The Elements of Style by Strunk and White
This is a reference book, not one to try to sit down and read through. But when it comes to grammar and style, Strunk and White remain the authority. If you can find it, look for the illustrated edition—having pictures helps break up the monotony.
Zen in the Art of Writing by Ray Bradbury
It was out of print for years, and took me forever to find a copy after reading quotes from it on Goodreads, but the quest was worth it. These essays are brilliant, and worth tracking down yourself (though they are now available as an ebook).
Is this a list to end all lists? No. There are plenty more books I could have mentioned, from grammar guides like Eats, Shoots, and Leaves to writing tomes like On Writing Well, or essay collections like On Writing Horror. But this is a start, and as you grow in the craft, you’ll put together your own list of essential reading to pass on to beginners.
And we'd love it if you would share your own suggestions in the comments.