Non-Gimmicky Writing Books (48 books)

Listopia > Non-Gimmicky Writing Books

Books that don't claim they'll make you Shakespeare or Stephen King, and that have actually taught you something about writing. Please only add books on the subject of writing (NOT great novels that you learned from, for example), and which you have read and learned something significant from.

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1	MFA in a Box by John Rember (Goodreads Author) 3.96 avg rating — 90 ratings score: 500, and 5 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
2	On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King (Goodreads Author) 4.34 avg rating — 325,783 ratings score: 389, and 4 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
3	The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr. 4.18 avg rating — 88,139 ratings score: 299, and 3 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
4	Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott (Goodreads Author) 4.24 avg rating — 114,025 ratings score: 295, and 3 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
5	Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within by Natalie Goldberg 4.21 avg rating — 32,329 ratings score: 292, and 3 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
6	Style That Sizzles & Pacing for Power: An Editor's Guide to Writing Compelling Fiction by Jodie Renner (Goodreads Author) 4.29 avg rating — 186 ratings score: 200, and 2 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
6	The Young Adult Writer's Journey: An Encyclopedia for YA Writers by Janet Schrader-Post 3.84 avg rating — 31 ratings score: 200, and 2 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
6	Write for Life: Creative Tools for Every Writer by Julia Cameron 3.96 avg rating — 1,193 ratings score: 200, and 2 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
9	How to Write a Damn Good Novel: A Step-by-Step No Nonsense Guide to Dramatic Storytelling by James N. Frey 3.87 avg rating — 2,696 ratings score: 199, and 2 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
9	What If?: Writing Exercises for Fiction Writers by Anne Bernays 3.90 avg rating — 1,830 ratings score: 199, and 2 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
11	On Becoming a Novelist by John Gardner 4.10 avg rating — 3,159 ratings score: 198, and 2 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
12	Eats, Shoots & Leaves: The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation by Lynne Truss 3.87 avg rating — 106,868 ratings score: 197, and 2 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
13	The Art of Fiction: Notes on Craft for Young Writers by John Gardner 3.99 avg rating — 6,378 ratings score: 196, and 2 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
14	The Scene Book: A Primer for the Fiction Writer by Sandra Scofield 3.87 avg rating — 484 ratings score: 192, and 2 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
15	The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity by Julia Cameron 3.96 avg rating — 123,090 ratings score: 191, and 2 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
16	Reading Like a Writer: A Guide for People Who Love Books and for Those Who Want to Write Them by Francine Prose (Goodreads Author) 3.78 avg rating — 12,092 ratings score: 189, and 2 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
17	The 'Backwards' Research Guide for Writers: Using your Life for Reflection, Connection, and Inspiration by Sonya Huber (Goodreads Author) 3.67 avg rating — 12 ratings score: 100, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
17	Hooked: Write Fiction That Grabs Readers at Page One & Never Lets Them Go by Les Edgerton (Goodreads Author) 4.02 avg rating — 1,960 ratings score: 100, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
17	How to Write a Book or Novel - An Insider's Guide to Getting Published by Jonathan Veale (Goodreads Author) really liked it 4.00 avg rating — 5 ratings score: 100, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
17	How to Write a Memoir - procrastination to print made simple by Chris Thrall (Goodreads Author) 3.59 avg rating — 81 ratings score: 100, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
17	Secrets to Writing Well - Volume 1 by Richard S. Hartmetz (Goodreads Author) 4.25 avg rating — 8 ratings score: 100, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
17	Put Them Through the Maze: The Secrets of How to Write the Ultimate Novel by T.D. McMichael (Goodreads Author) 3.65 avg rating — 20 ratings score: 100, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
17	Booklish: The Simple, Comprehensive Guide to Successfully Writing and Publishing Your Book by Bookacademy 4.38 avg rating — 8 ratings score: 100, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
17	The Elements of Active Prose by Tahlia Newland (Goodreads Author) 4.30 avg rating — 37 ratings score: 100, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
17	The 10 Secrets to Organizing a Nonfiction Book by Lorraine Santoli (Goodreads Author) 4.57 avg rating — 7 ratings score: 100, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
17	How to Write Fiction: Tools and Techniques by E.E. Doc Murdock (Goodreads Author) 3.88 avg rating — 8 ratings score: 100, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
17	Writing Fiction: The Practical Guide from New York's Acclaimed Creative Writing School by Alexander Steele (Editor) 4.20 avg rating — 2,260 ratings score: 100, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
17	Living Revision: A Writer's Craft as Spiritual Practice by Elizabeth Jarrett Andrew (Goodreads Author) 4.70 avg rating — 64 ratings score: 100, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
17	Painting Dragons: What Storytellers Need to Know About Writing Eunuch Villains by Tucker Lieberman (Goodreads Author) 4.53 avg rating — 17 ratings score: 100, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
17	The Ten Steps to Journaling: How to Start a Journal or Diary by A.C. Zito (Goodreads Author) 4.25 avg rating — 4 ratings score: 100, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
17	Inspired Guide to Writing the Short Story: Lessons and Workbook for Students and Educators by Christina Soares Heffner it was amazing 5.00 avg rating — 3 ratings score: 100, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
17	How to Write Funny Characters by Scott Dikkers (Goodreads Author) 4.29 avg rating — 109 ratings score: 100, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
33	Writing a Killer Thriller: An Editor's Guide to Writing Compelling Fiction by Jodie Renner (Goodreads Author) 3.91 avg rating — 284 ratings score: 99, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
33	Writing the Sacred Journey: Art and Practice of Spiritual Memoir by Elizabeth Jarrett Andrew (Goodreads Author) 4.25 avg rating — 163 ratings score: 99, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
33	Living the Artist's Way by Julia Cameron 3.23 avg rating — 521 ratings score: 99, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
36	How Not to Write a Novel: 200 Classic Mistakes and How to Avoid Them—A Misstep-by-Misstep Guide by Howard Mittelmark (Goodreads Author) 3.98 avg rating — 4,284 ratings score: 98, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
37	Story Engineering by Larry Brooks (Goodreads Author) 4.09 avg rating — 3,329 ratings score: 96, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
38	250 Things You Should Know About Writing by Chuck Wendig (Goodreads Author) 3.99 avg rating — 1,575 ratings score: 95, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
38	Story Physics: Harnessing the Underlying Forces of Storytelling by Larry Brooks (Goodreads Author) 3.92 avg rating — 475 ratings score: 95, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
40	Zen in the Art of Writing: Releasing the Creative Genius Within You by Ray Bradbury 4.08 avg rating — 21,865 ratings score: 94, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
41	The Marshall Plan for Novel Writing by Evan Marshall (Goodreads Author) 3.76 avg rating — 482 ratings score: 93, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
42	Wild Mind: Living the Writer's Life by Natalie Goldberg 4.14 avg rating — 6,598 ratings score: 91, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
43	Old Friend from Far Away: The Practice of Writing Memoir by Natalie Goldberg 4.19 avg rating — 1,802 ratings score: 90, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
44	The True Secret of Writing: Connecting Life with Language by Natalie Goldberg 3.96 avg rating — 1,660 ratings score: 89, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
45	Thunder and Lightning: Cracking Open the Writer's Craft by Natalie Goldberg 4.05 avg rating — 1,453 ratings score: 88, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
46	Escaping into the Open: The Art of Writing True by Elizabeth Berg 4.08 avg rating — 1,469 ratings score: 87, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
47	How to Become a Famous Writer Before You're Dead: Your Words in Print and Your Name in Lights by Ariel Gore (Goodreads Author) 4.03 avg rating — 629 ratings score: 86, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
48	The Wayward Writer: Summon Your Power to Take Back Your Story, Liberate Yourself from Capitalism, and Publish Like a Superstar by Ariel Gore (Goodreads Author) 4.49 avg rating — 43 ratings score: 85, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars