5 Books About Writing Every Writer Should Read

Writers don't just write books, we collect them too. Fiction or non fiction, whatever inspires us to keep writing and creating literary worlds within the pages. A modern writers reference shelf has expanded beyond a row of identical encyclopedia to include our favourite authors.

Such famous writers as King and Lamott have put pen to paper to discuss the varied paths they took to the craft, how they developed keen writers sense and what progress, and success, might mean to a new writer. All with the benefit of hindsight after hugely successful careers.

They say write what you know. But that is not much help if your interests lie in mystical worlds or magical creatures. So take a leaf from the masterpieces below to read honest, award-winning advice on writing and on life, based the authors often hilarious personal experiences.

On Writing by Stephen King : Filled with personal anecdotes of the authors early life, On Writing is a fascinating insight to one of the best selling and most prolific novelists of all time. His toolbox analogy is a perfect metaphor for the skills that great writers require.

Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott : Lamotts witty and jarring musings about writing, life and success combined produce this warm, engaging book. She likens writing to the development of a polaroid, slow and technical, but multi-layered and fascinating, to be enjoyed above all else.

Consider This by Chuck Palahnuick : Part autobiography, part instructional and all-round entertaining, Consider This is full of strategic advice on building tension and character development and even contains a novel diagnostics checklist to troubleshoot your own work. Helpful!

Pity the Reader by Kurt Vonnegut : A collection of musings on writing, published after his death. Known for his straightforward style, this punchy volume is fun, fast and, above all, consistent. Learn the tricks of the trade from this still influential master of storytelling!

On Writing Well by William Zinnser : If mastering a brilliant beginning or a believable ending is your biggest concern, Zinnser has you covered. Although marketed towards nonfiction, there are some valuable lessons on structure, editing and how to keep your readers enagaged.

Writers struggle, its what we do. But it helps immeasurably to know you're not alone; through crippling self criticism, inherent imposter syndrome or immoveable writers block. Some of the worlds most renowned authors have been there, done that, and even wrote about it. Inspiring.

Whether you write for business or pleasure, there is always room for self improvement. With a little help and personal advice from these notable experts, you can further hone your literary craft. Maybe you'll even give Stephen King a run for his money in the charts one day!