The desire to write often comes over people slowly, over time, like a drumbeat that just keeps getting louder and won’t go away. Maybe you used to love to write as a child, or thought about being a writer when you were in college – but the desire keeps coming back. With every inspiring blog post you read, and every inspiring book, you think, “Maybe I should get back to it.” As a book coach and the Chief Creative Office of a book coaching company, I come in contact with a lot of writers at the point of no return – when they have heeded the call, raised their hand, and said, “OKAY I’M IN!” They’re ready – and not just ready to write, but ready to read everything about writing they can get their hands on. Here are the top ten books I recommend:
For a Shot of Inspiration:
BIG MAGIC:
Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert. If you are just starting to think about writing after a long hiatus, start here. This book is compassionate, gentle and comforting and will inspire you to start writing.
BIRD BY BIRD:
Some Instructions on Writing and Life, by Anne Lamott. Any writer you meet at a coffee shop or a conference will have read this book, so it will help you feel part of the tribe. It’s hilarious, honest, and combines practical steps for getting words on the page with philosophical truths about doubt, jealousy and the reality of being published.
THE WAR OF ART:
Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles by Steven Pressfield. When doubt is no longer a benign thing, but a force that threatens to stop you, read this book and conquer the internal foe. You might also look at the classic, The Artist’s Way.
THE CREATIVE HABIT:
Learn it and Use it for Life, by Twyla Tharp. From a choreographer who has spent a lifetime making something out of nothing, this book offers a system and a strategy for establishing the habits that lead to doing good creative work every day. Her exercise on finding your creative DNA is well worth the cover price.
For Fiction and Memoir
STORY GENIUS:
How to Use Brain Science to Go Beyond Outlining and Write a Riveting Novel (Before You Waste Three Years Writing 327 Pages That Go Nowhere) by Lisa Cron. A smart look at how to write a story from the inside out – starting with the character and designing a plot to push her where she needs to go. (Full disclosure: The author is my client.)
HANDLING THE TRUTH:
On the Writing of Memoir by Beth Kephart. Kephart, a prolific writer who also teaches at UPenn, gives a masterclass in how to make sure you are writing a memoir and not just a bunch of journal entries.
To Help You With the Business Side of Writing
START WITH WHY:
How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action by Simon Sinek. Yup it’s a business book because unless you are writing for yourself just for fun, writing is a business. Learn how the best companies start with why – and then do it in your own work, for everything you write.
