Every writer has the passion to create. Whether it’s the spontaneous thoughts that demand you to stop whatever it is you are doing to go scribble a note in a journal for later, or the tiny meticulous details that you return to, obsessing over and perfecting time and time again. Though, sometimes the process of stringing these thoughts together can put a strain on the creative flow.

Not to worry! We’re going to be taking a look at a few of the best books that every writer should have in their arsenal.

Write Tight: Say Exactly What You Mean with Precision and Power

“Write Tight is a supremely valuable, ‘must-have’ for aspiring writers in all fields from prose to nonfiction, journalistic copy, screenwriting and so much more.” ―Midwest Book Review

This writer’s guide was recently published in March of 2020 by William Brohaugh and addresses common struggles writers face such as getting their point across and roundabout writing. Amazon’s overview goes on to list more specific topics covered in the book like “Outlining the four levels of wordiness, identifying 16 types of flabby writing, exercises that help writers avoid wordiness, streamlining through sidebars and checklists, and tests that show how concise a writer’s prose is.”

The author of this guide, William Brohaugh, maintains some credibility as the former editor of Writer’s Digest Magazine and also a former editorial director of Writer’s Digest Books, so his writing expertise is sure to be backed by some first-hand experience critiquing all sorts of work.

While the more technical side of writing is important in crafting a piece that is up to par with publishing standards, you must also be clear on your intentions and vision for the story.

We have a fun bookmark for you to print and use when reading one of these three titles. Click here for the free download!

On Writing

“Long live the King” – Entertainment Weekly

“A one-of-a-kind classic.” – The Wall Street Journal

This next guide written by author Stephen King himself, is likely to be found on almost any list for the top books on becoming a better writer. Despite King’s unique style, this guide/memoir is said to be quite insightful on laying down the basics that every writer needs, while also divulging the more vulnerable parts of King’s personal life journey and how life inspired his writing.

For someone like King who has over sixty bestselling books, there has to be an apparent pattern to his writing process that makes each work just as compelling as his last. For these reasons it’s safe to say all writers could learn a great deal from him.

Now that we’ve established the foundation and gathered all the tools, let’s put in the work.

The Artist’s Way

“Julia Cameron invented the way people renovate the creative soul.” –The New York Times

This last suggestion by Julia Cameron is the combination of both technical, creative, and many other facets of writing. This book has been a reference point for writers for decades in which they come back to find inspiration and guidance.

“The program begins with Cameron’s most vital tools for creative recovery – The Morning Pages, a daily writing ritual of three pages of stream-of-conscious, and The Artist Date, a dedicated block of time to nurture your inner artist. From there, she shares hundreds of exercises, activities, and prompts to help readers thoroughly explore each chapter. She also offers guidance on starting a “Creative Cluster” of fellow artists who will support you in your creative endeavors.” – Amazon overview

The collective value of these book suggestions is in the reassurance and support their guidance can provide to writers, new and old, on their journey to success. It is important to learn from these authors’ successes and failures and to incorporate their lessons into your work, while establishing a voice of your own.

*Don’t forget you can get a free bookmark to track your reading progress here!

Kendall is a marketing intern at Cardinal Rule Press this spring and also a student at Michigan State University. She is currently a sophomore studying Communication and Public Relations.