The best 17 Writing books

Told from the personal perspective of author Anne Lamott, Bird by Bird is a guide toward becoming a better writer and improving your life along the way. Lamott’s distinctive approach, honesty and personal anecdotes make this book a must for writers or anyone who wants to become one.

• Aspiring and professional writers
• Anyone interested in learning about the writer’s life
• Anyone who wants to learn how to establish a creative routine

Daily Rituals (2013) is an entertaining and illuminating collection of the daily routines of great minds and artists. Including the work habits of people such as Jane Austen, Ludwig van Beethoven and Pablo Picasso, it offers insights into the best ways to maximize efficiency and prevent writer’s block, as well as tips on how to get by in the creative world.

• Those interested in quirky facts about inspiring people
• Artists, academics and freelancers
• Anyone who wants to enrich their life with new rituals

Reading Like a Writer (2006) shows us how to read literary masterpieces with open eyes. These blinks explain the patterns of writing that make fiction memorable, powerful and authentic, helping us slow down our reading and find more enjoyable experiences in every book.

• Avid readers who want to get more out of their fiction-reading experience
• Writers and those dreaming of becoming one
• Anyone who promised themselves they’d read the classics, but hasn’t managed to yet

Do I Make Myself Clear? (2017) offers a much-needed look at why clear and concise messages are, now more than ever, so important. There is an overwhelming abundance of content these days, and yet finding the truth has never been more difficult. Politicians and marketing executives use deliberately misleading words that obscure the truth and leave us confused and distrustful. Other times, bad writing simply leaves us scratching our heads. If we hope to better understand the facts, we need more people who can deliver clear and meaningful writing.

• Aspiring writers
• Students hoping to craft better papers
• Readers tired of bad writing

Persuasive Copywriting (2019) is a valuable guide to the world of copywriting, with tips on how to get the attention and keep the interest of customers, as well as generate those all-important sales for your client. Author Andy Maslen takes time-tested techniques that have proven reliable for generations and shows how these are being successfully applied in an online world that’s increasingly focused on content marketing.

• New and experienced copywriters
• Marketing and sales professionals
• Writers eager to engage readers

Written in History (2018) takes a look at some of the world’s most important letters. From love letters revealing the intimate sides of Mozart and Stalin to political statements which altered the course of history, these blinks guide you through the personal thoughts of many renowned figures of the past. As you’ll see, letters give us insight into historical events as well as remind us what it means to be human.

• History buffs
• Students of political science or communications
• Readers interested in the private thoughts of powerful people

How to Take Smart Notes (2017) is exactly that – an explanation of how and why to take smart notes. It explains how this simple, little-known, and often misunderstood technique can aid your thinking, writing, and learning. With the help of smart notes, you may never face the horror of a blank page again.

• Students and professors with papers to write
• Budding nonfiction writers
• Notetakers hoping to up their game

The Hero with a Thousand Faces (1948) is a seminal work of comparative mythology. It reveals that foundational myths from around the world share similar structures and themes, which trace back to some of our earliest stories and continue to hold a strong power over us today. 

• Anyone interested in storytelling
• Fans of myths and fables
• Writers looking for inspiration

Business Writing Tips (2023) condenses years of personal experience into practical tips for better business or nonfiction writing. With its stress on writing as a learnable skill, it provides actionable guidance to overcome common challenges and help you become a more confident, persuasive communicator. 

• Small business owners seeking clear communication strategies
• Aspiring copywriters aiming to enhance their writing prowess
• Professionals desiring to improve business correspondence

Smart Brevity (2022) offers a guide to effective communication in an age of information overload. It emphasizes the importance of conveying ideas succinctly and clearly and provides practical strategies to streamline communication across various platforms, from emails and meetings to presentations and social media.

• Professionals seeking effective communication skills
• Entrepreneurs in digital media and journalism
• Anyone interested in concise writing techniques

The Storyteller (2021) captures Dave Grohl’s journey through the highs and lows of a life in rock music, from his formative years in the punk scene to superstardom with Nirvana and the Foo Fighters. Grohl shares candid stories of fame, music, and fatherhood, offering a window into the life of one of rock’s most enduring figures. Through his personal anecdotes, Grohl reveals the passion and perseverance behind his legendary career.

• Fans of the music, Nirvana and Foo Fighters
• Aspiring musicians and songwriters seeking inspiration
• Anyone interested in rock music history

How to Write One Song (2020) is a practical guide to songwriting that demystifies the creative process. It includes techniques for overcoming writer’s block, finding inspiration in everyday life, and developing a consistent songwriting practice. It emphasizes that anyone can write a song with the right mindset and tools.

• Aspiring songwriters looking for practical advice to get started
• Creatives interested in developing productive habits or routines
• Anyone looking to tap into their creativity in a structured way

The Power of Writing it Down (2025) shows how through a simple daily writing practice, we can transform our lives by breaking free from old patterns, processing our experiences, and creating new neural pathways toward better habits and clearer thinking. Spending just five to twenty minutes a day with pen and paper can help anyone reduce anxiety, heal from past trauma, find fresh motivation, and live with more confidence and clarity.

• Chronic overthinkers who want to get unstuck from mental loops
• Self-help skeptics looking for free, effective tools to gain clarity and direction
• Anyone who wants to steer the story of their own life

"The Elements of Style" is a classic guide to writing well. Written by William Strunk Jr. and later revised by E.B. White, it offers timeless advice on grammar, style, and composition. A must-read for anyone looking to improve their writing skills and communicate more effectively.

• Individuals looking to improve their writing skills
• Students seeking guidance on grammar and composition
• Professionals who want to communicate clearly and effectively

5,000 Writing Prompts by Bryn Donovan is a treasure trove of inspiration for writers of all levels. Packed with unique and thought-provoking prompts, this book will help you overcome writer's block and unleash your creativity. Whether you're working on a novel, short story, or simply want to improve your writing skills, this book is a must-have companion for any aspiring writer.

• Aspiring writers looking for inspiration and creative prompts

• Experienced writers seeking to overcome writer's block

• Teachers or workshop leaders in need of fresh writing exercises for their students

The Pleasures of the Damned is a collection of Charles Bukowski's poems selected from his extensive body of work. With raw and unapologetic honesty, Bukowski explores the gritty realities of life, love, and the human condition. This book offers a glimpse into the mind of a prolific and influential poet who dared to challenge societal norms and speak his truth.

• Readers who appreciate raw and unapologetic poetry

• Those who are drawn to Bukowski's gritty and honest writing style

• Individuals who are open to exploring the darker aspects of human existence

You Get So Alone at Times That it Just Makes Sense by Charles Bukowski is a collection of raw and unapologetic poetry that delves into the loneliness, struggles, and occasional moments of clarity in the author's life. With his trademark gritty and honest style, Bukowski explores themes of love, death, and the human condition, leaving a profound impact on the reader.

• Readers who enjoy raw and unapologetic poetry

• Those who feel a sense of isolation or alienation

• Individuals who appreciate Bukowski's gritty and uncompromising writing style