oh hey friends.
This week, I’ve fallen a little behind on writing these emails. I have about 150 questions that I’m sorting through and I’ve been going through and typing out answers and it’s starting to feel a little heavy, and I thought maybe it’s starting to feel a little heavy for you too. So I’m taking a little break from the heavy stuff to answer this one :
any books about writing or writing process you enjoy?
DO I EVER.
Here is my exhaustive list of all the writing books that have shaped my skills, but I have to say first that if you’re only going to get and read one book about writing, it’s this one :
On Writing Well by William Zinsser is the definitive book on being a creative nonfiction writer. I have read it at least three times and I go back to it often to reference and refresh. It’s. So. Good.
Now for the rest of them.
The writing books I stack my shelf with are books that help me improve my technical skills but also help me connect to and communicate what I’m writing in deeper, more meaningful ways. These books might not help you pass an exam on technical writing, but they help you communicate your story effectively and creatively. Everyone’s writing style is different so you'll be drawn to different things but these are the ones I love!
The Art of Memoir by Mary Karr
Writing Alone and With Others by Pat Schneider
(I got this one from a non profit I was volunteering with. They teach writing to women who are incarcerated or recently released. It’s amazing at helping you write through really hard things with gentleness. Huge fan. But it’s definitely a book you need to work through slowly as it’s practically a therapy tool.)
Help for Writers by Roy Peter Clark
Writing Voice by the Editors of Writer’s Digest
Write Better by Andrew T. Le Peau
(on sale today (3/9) and a great one for writing about spiritual topics!)
Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg
(couldn’t find this on amazon so I linked it to thrift books)
Fire up Your Writing Brain by Susan Reynolds
Those are my top suggestions, but I’m always looking for new ones so leave your suggestions in the comments if you have any!
ALSO.
Substack just released an app! Now you can read every email I send or have already sent right on the app. Here’s the link to download it. I don’t think you can search it in the store yet.
It’s only available on iPhone right now, but there’s an Android waitlist right here.
Thanks so much for being here, friends! Hope you’re having a great week!
Thanks for all these great suggestions! (Ordered THREE of them today :) And I'm with you on On Writing Well. I'd add "The Artist's Way" -- although more for inspiration and getting unstuck than the actual craft of writing.
Zinnsers book stares at me from my shelf....I felt way too seen upon the first pass through it but I will go back in with renewed vigor (!!! <--- When I was called out for using too many of these) I will finish it this time. Thanks for all of the recommendations!!! #happyheart #exclamationpoints4eva