Seems like whenever the topic of favorite books for writers comes up, I always recommend Save the Cat by Blake Snyder, How to Write a Damn Good Novel, II by James N. Frey and The Comic Toolbox by John Vorhaus because they’re beyond amazing. And in every single list of “best books for writers,” Stephen King’s On Writing is always listed because–again–it’s beyond amazing.

But today, I’m deviating from my broken record ways and putting the spotlight on five books that I’ve truly enjoyed this year. So let’s begin already!

Five Awesome Books for Writers!

1. The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles by Stephen Pressfield.

I’ve heard many mentions of this book throughout the years, but I haven’t read it until recently. Fantastic book. Just fantastic. And it gives all those horrible fears, doubts, and anxieties a name: Resistance. Don’t like resistance? Read this book to find out how to fight it.

I also read and enjoyed Turning Pro: Tap Your Power and Create Your Life’s Work which is also great. His Do The Work is also good as a refresher read for slumps.

2. The Fire in Fiction by Donald Maass.

I had a hard time picking which book I like more–Writing the Breakout Novel or this one. I’m going with Fire in Fiction because it’s excellent for those having problems with revision and it offers some awesome, practical tools for characterizations and ways to put some pop in your manuscript.

3. Write, Publish, Repeat: The No-Luck-Required Guide to Self-Publishing Success by Sean Platt and Johnny B. Truant.

Those writers who have dipped their toes in indie publishing, (or who will be soon,) are nodding their heads right now when I say that this is the first thing you should read if you’re thinking of self-publishing. And really, there’s some great tips for traditional authors as well.

Next on my list is Fiction Unboxed: Publishing and Writing a Novel in 30 Days.

4. How to Write a Damn Good Novel by James N. Frey

No, I’m not cheating–the book I mentioned earlier is the follow-up! I haven’t finished this one until a couple of months ago and found it to be just as awesome, in a more basic, step-by-step, no-nonsense way. An oldie but goodie.

I’ve also recently read How to Write a Damn Good Mystery which was also excellent!

5. Fast Fiction: A Guide to Outlining and Writing a First-Draft Novel in Thirty Days by Denise Jaden

A friend recommending this book as a great tool for those who are tackling NaNoWriMo. I really enjoyed it! Those of you who like to plan and outline a manuscript rather than jumping right in will enjoy it too. Another good one for those wanting to up their daily word count is Write Better, Faster by Monica Leonelle.

6. You Are A Writer (So Start Acting Like One,) by Jeff Goins

Okay, okay, this is supposed to be a Friday Five, not six, but I really like Jeff Goins and couldn’t leave this book off the list. Plus, if you’re struggling with doubt and fear, it’s an excellent follow-up to The War of Art. I’m also looking forward to finally reading The Art of Work, which has been on my nightstand for a couple months now.

So, what’s your favorite recently read book for writers?

Cross Posted on As The Eraser Burns