Here are some great books I’ve found extremely useful as I’ve tried to become a stronger writer. (Many thanks to Wordsmithy Aimee for suggesting this page!) And in 2023–after 19 years of being a published author–I finally created my own addition to this list.
If you have a favorite writing guide, I love to hear about new books. Email me at jennifergriffithauthor@yahoo.com.
Golden Moments: Jennifer shares her secrets to creating a satisfying, page-turning, best-selling novel.
Plot & Structure by James Scott Bell: How does plot influence story structure? What’s the difference between plotting for commercial and literary fiction? How do you revise a plot or structure that’s gone off course? With Write Great Fiction: Plot & Structure, you’ll discover the answers to these questions and more.
How to Write a Damn Good Novel by James N. Frey: Written in a clear, crisp, accessible style, this book is perfect for beginners as well as professional writers who need a crash course in the down-to-earth basics of storytelling. Talent and inspiration can’t be taught, but Frey does provide scores of helpful suggestions and sensible rules and principles.
Save the Cat The Last Book on Screenwriting You’ll Ever Need by Blake Snyder: This ultimate insider’s guide reveals the secrets that none dare admit, told by a show biz veteran who’s proven that you can sell your script if you can save the cat!
Heroes and Heroines: Sixteen Master Archetypes by Tami D. Cowden, Sue Viders, and Caro Lafever: A complete guide for outlining characters and getting them solid and unwavering within your story. Useful for every genre!
The Only World Building Workbook You’ll Ever Need by T.M. Holladay: Pages and pages of prompts for filling out the world of your novel.
Conflict, Action, and Suspense by William Noble: Gives a great overview of the storyteller’s compact with the reader, and then gives solid, tried-and-true advice about how to level up the conflict in any story.
Creating Characters: How to Build Story People by Dwight Swain
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Spunk & Bite by Arthur Plotnik
Making Shapely Fiction by Jerome Stern
On Writing by Stephen King
Great suggestions, Chris! Thank you. I’ve read the Stephen King book, and I adore Strunk and White, so I’ll bet Spunk and Bite is a good time. And I like anything written by someone called Jerome. Why is that?
I would suggest On Writing by Stephen King and Characters in Viewpoint by Orson Scott Card.
Thanks, Rebekah. I need to go back and reread the King book, and I do love Characters in Viewpoint! Card also has a great one on Sci-Fi Fantasy I recently bought. Good suggestions!
Woe is I Patricia T. O’connor
Eats shoots and leaves Lynne Trusse
They say I say Gerald Graff, Cathy Birkenstein and Russel Durst
Also I enjoy reading the wheel of time, which is a great guide on how to add more detail and draw out a story…
Good suggestions. I love Eats Shoots and Leaves! Who knew a grammar book could be hilarious?