5 Books on Writing That Will Improve Your Craft
5 Books on Writing That Will Improve Your Craft
5 Books on Writing That Will Improve Your Craft

To be a great writer you have to be a great reader.
What’s going to help you hone your craft more than a book on writing?

Here are my top five suggestions!

Still Writing
by Dani Shapiro

This book has been my number one for so long and I absolutely love it. It’s a very digestible read and, in true Shapiro style, is a mixture of a memoir and her thoughts on writing. I re-read this quite often, and would highly recommend it.

How to Write Like Tolstoy
by Richard Cohen

I was given this book as a gift when I finished my PhD in Creative Writing, and once I started reading it I could not stop! This book basically goes into the minds and process of writer’s that you have heard of…and is fascinating in its insight.

How NOT to Write a Novel
by Sandra Newman and Howard Mittelmark

A classic – I’ve had this on my creative writing bookshelf (yes, I do have two separate bookshelves) since I did my creative writing undergrad. This is a fantastic reference book and very easy to read – I find myself picking it up every now and then and just jumping straight back in.

Zen in the Art of Writing
by Ray Bradbury

A celebration of writing? Yes. An insight into an incredible author? Yes. What’s to stop you from picking this up and giving it a go?

Story Genius: How to Use Brain Science to Go Beyond Outlining and Write a Riveting Novel
by Lisa Cron

The science of writing a story! Science was one of my least favourite subjects in school, but this book makes the science of a story accessible and really interesting.

Rachel Grosvenor

Rachel Grosvenor

I’m a writer, writing coach, and editor.

I know how hard it is to find the time to work on your passion project, and I know you want your novel to be the best it can be.

With a PhD, MA, and BA in Creative Writing, and as a Certified Professional Coach, I’m well poised to help you with whatever issue you are experiencing.

Let's get social

Grab your free writing resources!

Want to receive weekly writing prompts, and writing freebies created just for you? Sign up here

Newsletter Signup

Need an Editor?

If you have a specific issue that you’re struggling with in your writing life, or you want to be one of the writers who I have helped find the time to actually write – get in touch!

Recent Posts

Recent Posts

writing competitions 2024

Writing Competitions for 2024

Why enter competitions?  It helps you get seen and gives you a headstart in building a writing portfolio. What does it mean to build a