So you’re interested in writing. That’s amazing! You may be saying – well, just because I like to write or have ideas – doesn’t make me a writer. But guess what?! The simple act of choosing to put pen to paper, or typewriter to page, or even keyboard to screen and placing your words out into the world makes you a writer.
Terrifying, right? The fear comes from what most of psychologists call the “imposter syndrome.” You feel like you aren’t great, and therefore are pretending to be something you are not. But why is this something that literally everyone is dealing with, and nobody is brave enough to speak up about??
You don’t think that your favorite author, or even the literary greats of all time didn’t feel the same things? I can assure you, they did. We all do.
It is just part of human nature that we doubt our abilities.
With a world of over three billion+ people, it is easy to begin to wonder why something that you as a tiny, insignificant individual in the masses has something to say that could affect anyone around you.
And yet, it is exactly that detail. That you are the only one of you. You are the only one who sees things as you do because of the experiences you have had, the way you were influenced by the world around you, and how you think about things. You are the only version of you, and that is exactly what the world needs.
As you embark on your journey of self-acceptance as a writer and type furiously away at your ideas, I wanted to share FIVE of my favorite books on writing to help inspire you. They are powerful in their own ways, and can each bring a different aspect of writing to fruition for you.
All you have to do is dive in and start putting in the work!
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On Writing – Stephen King
Immensely helpful and illuminating to any aspiring writer, this special edition of Stephen King’s critically lauded, million-copy bestseller shares the experiences, habits, and convictions that have shaped him and his work.
“Long live the King” hailed Entertainment Weekly upon publication of Stephen King’s On Writing. Part memoir, part master class by one of the bestselling authors of all time, this superb volume is a revealing and practical view of the writer’s craft, comprising the basic tools of the trade every writer must have. King’s advice is grounded in his vivid memories from childhood through his emergence as a writer, from his struggling early career to his widely reported, near-fatal accident in 1999—and how the inextricable link between writing and living spurred his recovery. Brilliantly structured, friendly and inspiring, On Writing will empower and entertain everyone who reads it—fans, writers, and anyone who loves a great story well told. – AMAZON
Bird by Bird – Anne Lamott
For a quarter century, more than a million readers—scribes and scribblers of all ages and abilities—have been inspired by Anne Lamott’s hilarious, big-hearted, homespun advice. Advice that begins with the simple words of wisdom passed down from Anne’s father—also a writer—in the iconic passage that gives the book its title:
“Thirty years ago my older brother, who was ten years old at the time, was trying to get a report on birds written that he’d had three months to write. It was due the next day. We were out at our family cabin in Bolinas, and he was at the kitchen table close to tears, surrounded by binder paper and pencils and unopened books on birds, immobilized by the hugeness of the task ahead. Then my father sat down beside him, put his arm around my brother’s shoulder, and said, ‘Bird by bird, buddy. Just take it bird by bird.’”
An essential volume for generations of writers young and old, Bird by Bird is a modern classic. This twenty-fifth anniversary edition will continue to spark creative minds for years to come. – AMAZON
Steal Like an Artist – Austin Kleon
Unlock your creativity.
An inspiring guide to creativity in the digital age, Steal Like an Artist presents ten transformative principles that will help readers discover their artistic side and build a more creative life.
Nothing is original, so embrace influence, school yourself through the work of others, remix and reimagine to discover your own path. Follow interests wherever they take you—what feels like a hobby may turn into you life’s work. Forget the old cliché about writing what you know: Instead, write the book you want to read, make the movie you want to watch.
And finally, stay Smart, stay out of debt, and risk being boring in the everyday world so that you have the space to be wild and daring in your imagination and your work. – AMAZON
The Artist’s Way – Julia Cameron
Since its first publication, The Artist’s Way phenomena has inspired the genius of Elizabeth Gilbert, Tim Ferriss, and millions of readers to embark on a creative journey and find a deeper connection to process and purpose. Julia Cameron’s novel approach guides readers in uncovering problems areas and pressure points that may be restricting their creative flow and offers techniques to free up any areas where they might be stuck, opening up opportunities for self-growth and self-discovery.
The program begins with Cameron’s most vital tools for creative recovery – The Morning Pages, a daily writing ritual of three pages of stream-of-conscious, and The Artist Date, a dedicated block of time to nurture your inner artist. From there, she shares hundreds of exercises, activities, and prompts to help readers thoroughly explore each chapter. She also offers guidance on starting a “Creative Cluster” of fellow artists who will support you in your creative endeavors.
A revolutionary program for personal renewal, The Artist’s Way will help get you back on track, rediscover your passions, and take the steps you need to change your life. – AMAZON
On Writing Well – William Zinsser
On Writing Well has been praised for its sound advice, its clarity and the warmth of its style. It is a book for everybody who wants to learn how to write or who needs to do some writing to get through the day, as almost everybody does in the age of e-mail and the Internet.
Whether you want to write about people or places, science and technology, business, sports, the arts or about yourself in the increasingly popular memoir genre, On Writing Well offers you fundamental priciples as well as the insights of a distinguished writer and teacher. With more than a million copies sold, this volume has stood the test of time and remains a valuable resource for writers and would-be writers. – AMAZON
Have a few other favorite writer-focused reads?? Share them in the comments below and pass on the love to a few other writers! As we embrace our own unique views, we should continue to support one another in being that unique, powerful, one-of-a-kind writers. Because the world needs more of exactly what you have to offer. Thanks for stopping by! I can’t wait to hear what other books have been helpful to you as a writer developing your craft. If you’ve written a book, I would love to hear about it!! Share your work so I can support you in your journey!
XO – Heather
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