20 Best Books About Writing Fiction (2023 Update)

More than 250,000 copies sold! a creative writer’s shelf should hold at least three essential books: a dictionary, a style guide, and writing fiction. janet burroway’s best-selling classic is the most widely used creative writing text in america, and for more than three decades it has helped hundreds of thousands of students learn the craft. now in its tenth edition, writing fiction is more accessible than ever for writers of all levels—inside or outside the classroom. this new edition continues to provide advice that is practical, comprehensive, and flexible. burroway’s tone is personal and nonprescriptive, welcoming learning writers into the community of practiced storytellers. moving from freewriting to final revision, the book addresses “showing not telling,” characterization, dialogue, atmosphere, plot, imagery, and point of view. it includes new topics and writing prompts, and each chapter now ends with a list of recommended readings that exemplify the craft elements discussed, allowing for further study. and the examples and quotations throughout the book feature a wide and diverse range of today’s best and best-known creators of both novels and short stories. there is a very good chance that one of your favorite authors learned the craft with writing fiction. and who knows what future favorite will get her start reading this edition?

Story-structure series, which reveals the 15 essential plot points needed to make any novel a success.novelist jessica brody presents a comprehensive story-structure guide for novelists that applies the famed save the cat! screenwriting methodology to the world of novel writing. revealing the 15 "beats" (plot points) that comprise a successful story–from the opening image to the finale–this book lays out the ten story genres (monster in the house; whydunit; dude with a problem) alongside quirky, original insights (save the cat; shard of glass) to help novelists craft a plot that will captivate–and a novel that will sell.

A magical key to unlock your creative wizard are you writing a novel, but having trouble getting your first draft written? you''ve heard of "outlining," but that sounds too rigid for you. you''ve heard of "organic writing," but that seems a bit squishy to you. take a look at the wildly popular snowflake method-ten battle-tested steps that jump-start your creativity and help you quickly map out your story. all around the world, novelists are using the snowflake method right now to ignite their imaginations and get their first drafts down. in this book, you''ll follow the story of a fictitious novelist as she learns to tap into the amazing power of the snowflake method. almost magically, she finds her story growing from a simple idea into a deep and powerful novel. and she finds her novel changing her-into a stronger, more courageous person. zany, over the top, and just plain fun how to write a novel using the snowflake method is a "business parable"-a how-to guide written in story form. it''s zany. it''s over the top. it''s just plain fun. it shows you how it''s done, rather than tells you. you''ll learn by example how to grow your story idea into a sizzling first draft. you''ll discover: how to define your "target audience" the right way, so you know exactly how your ideal readers think and feel. forget what the experts tell you about "demographics." how to create a dynamite selling tool that will instantly tell people whether they''ll love your story or hate it. and you want them to love it or hate it. how to get inside the skin of each of your characters-even your villain. especially your villain. how to find a deep, emotively powerful theme for your story. do you know the best point in your novel to unveil your theme? how to know when to backtrack, and why backtracking is essential to writing great fiction. how to fire-test each scene to ensure it''s high-impact-before you write it. excerpt goldilocks had always wanted to write a novel. she learned to read before she went to kindergarten. in grade school, she always had her nose in a book. in junior high, the other kids thought she was weird, because she actually liked reading those dusty old novels in literature class. all through high school, goldilocks dreamed of writing a book of her own someday. but when she went to college, her parents persuaded her to study something practical. goldilocks hated practical, and secretly she kept reading novels. but she was a very obedient girl, so she did what her parents told her. she got a very practical degree in marketing. after college, she got a job that bored her to tears-but at least it was practical. then she got married, and within a few years, she had two children, a girl and then a boy. she quit her job to devote full time to them. as the children grew, goldilocks took great joy in introducing them to the stories she had loved as a child. when her son went off to kindergarten, goldilocks thought about looking for a job. but her resume now had a seven-year hole in it, and her practical skills were long out of date. the only jobs goldilocks could qualify for were minimum wage. she suddenly realized that being practical had made her horribly unhappy. on a whim, goldilocks decided to do the one thing she had always wanted more than anything else-she was finally going to write a novel. she didn''t care if it was impractical. she didn''t care if nobody would ever read her novel. she was going to do it just because she wanted to. for the first time in years, she was going to do something just for herself. and nobody was going to stop her.

Learn the secret of how to write the heart of your story! this writing skills book, full of fiction writing technique, is like no other. – some novelists write with the goal of becoming a best seller, hoping for wealth and fame. some just want to write novels that earn them a steady income so they can feed their families and pay their bills. some write to express their creativity and don't care if anyone ever reads their books. – then there are the other writers. they want to write an unforgettable novel-the kind of book that gets called a classic, that endures the ravages of time, that stays long in readers' hearts and changes their lives. – these writers want to know the secret of how to reach the heart of their readers. if you are one of those writers, writing the heart of your story is the book you've been waiting for. – inside, you'll learn: what the most important key elements are that must be in the very first scene of your novel-and some in the first paragraph.how to tap into the heart of your story, characters, setting, plot, and themes by employing specific writing exercises.ways to brainstorm ideas for plot, themes, motifs, setting, and rich characters through asking a series of questions that will take you deeper below the surface of your story.what the most important question is that must be asked in the opening scene in order to write an unforgettable novel.what three things each character must be asked for them to become truly believable and compelling.the secrets to structuring powerful scenes by focusing on the "high moment." don't just write a good novel. write a great one-by mining the heart of your story! here's what the best writing instructors and bloggers have to say about this essential writing craft book: "a fresh and motivating take on conventional wisdom, but with unconventional heart. this is highly accessible teaching that transcends 'how to' and goes deep into 'why to' in a way that will force you to choose between reading it again and jumping on your own project. this book will teach you how to delve into your own heart in order to impact those who read your words." -joanna penn, author of from idea to book "a veritable compendium of sound writing advice and technique. written in a style that is both accessible and fun, lakin's book will be a welcome companion on your writing journey."-james scott bell, best-selling author of conflict and suspense and plot and structure"i read dozens of writing craft books every year. all too many of them are ho-hum, been-there-done-that. this one is absotively posolutely not. lakin offers a refreshingly structured-and yet freeing-approach to not just creating a solidly entertaining story but to crafting a tale of emotional resonance and resilience. her useful writing exercises and spot-on story sense offer epiphany after epiphany. this is one i will read and reread."-k. m. weiland, author of outlining your novel and structuring your novel"c. s. lakin once again shares her generous heart and knowledge and experience with writers in this inspiring and inspired writing the heart of your story. ready to take your writing to the next level? lakin offers practical exercises to help you bring heart to your own stories." -martha alderson, author of the plot whisperer series of writing books

Gotham writers' workshop has mastered the art of teaching the craft of writing in a way that is practical, accessible, and entertaining. now the techniques of this renowned school are available in this book. – here you'll find: the fundamental elements of fiction craft—character, plot, point of view, etc.—explained clearly and completely – key concepts illustrated with passages from great works of fiction – the complete text of "cathedral" by raymond carver—a masterpiece of contemporary short fiction that is analyzed throughout the book – exercises that let you immediately apply what you learn to your own writing. – written by gotham writers' workshop expert instructors and edited by dean of faculty alexander steele, writing fiction offers the same methods and exercises that have earned the school international acclaim. – once you've read—and written—your way through this book, you'll have a command of craft that will enable you to turn your ideas into effective short stories and novels. you will be a writer. – gotham writers' workshop is america's leading private creative writing school, offering classes in new york city and on the web at writing the school's interactive online classes, selected "best of the web" by forbes, have attracted thousands of aspiring writers from across the united states and more than sixty countries.

A complete guide to writing and selling your novel so you want to write a novel? great! that’s a worthy goal, no matter what your reason. but don’t settle for just writing a novel. aim high. write a novel that you intend to sell to a publisher. writing fiction for dummies is a complete guide designed to coach you every step along the path from beginning writer to royalty-earning author. here are some things you’ll learn in writing fiction for dummies: strategic planning: pinpoint where you are on the roadmap to publication; discover what every reader desperately wants from a story; home in on a marketable category; choose from among the four most common creative styles; and learn the self-management methods of professional writers. writing powerful fiction: construct a story world that rings true; create believable, unpredictable characters; build a strong plot with all six layers of complexity of a modern novel; and infuse it all with a strong theme. self-editing your novel: psychoanalyze your characters to bring them fully to life; edit your story structure from the top down; fix broken scenes; and polish your action and dialogue. finding an agent and getting published: write a query letter, a synopsis, and a proposal; pitch your work to agents and editors without fear. writing fiction for dummies takes you from being a writer to being an author. it can happen—if you have the talent and persistence to do what you need to do.

Vivid and memorable characters aren't born: they have to be madethis book is a set of tools: literary crowbars, chisels, mallets, pliers and tongs. use them to pry, chip, yank and sift good characters out of the place where they live in your imagination.award-winning author orson scott card explains in depth the techniques of inventing, developing and presenting characters, plus handling viewpoint in novels and short stories. with specific examples, he spells out your narrative options—the choices you'll make in creating fictional people so "real" that readers will feel they know them like members of their own families.you'll learn how to: – draw characters from a variety of sources – make characters show who they are by the things they do and say, and by their individual "style" – develop characters readers will love—or love to hate – distinguish among major characters, minor characters and walk-ons, and develop each appropriately – choose the most effective viewpoint to reveal the characters and move the storytelling – decide how deeply you should explore your characters' thoughts, emotions, and attitudes

Craft your fiction with scene-by-scene flow, logic and readability. – an imprisoned man receives an unexpected caller, after which "everything changed…" and the reader is hooked. but whether or not readers will stay on for the entire wild ride will depend on how well the writer structures the story, scene by scene. – this book is your game plan for success. using dozens of examples from his own work – including dropshot,tiebreaker and other popular novels – jack m. bickham will guide you in building a sturdy framework for your novel, whatever its form or length. you'll learn how to: – "worry" your readers into following your story to the end – prolong your main character's struggle while moving the story ahead – juggle cause and effect to serve your story action – as you work on crafting compelling scenes that move the reader, moment by moment, toward the story's resolution, you'll see why… – believable fiction must make more sense than real life – every scene should end in disaster – some scenes should be condensed, and others built big – whatever your story, this book can help you arrive at a happy ending in the company of satisfied readers.

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.

The success and popularity of creative writing courses at universities across the country belies the myth that writing can't be taught. the creative writing coursebook, edited by julia bell and paul magrs, takes aspiring writers through three stages of essential practice: gathering – getting started, learning how to keep notes, making observations and using memory; shaping – looking at structure, point of view, character and setting; and finishing – being your own critic, joining workshops and finding publishers. fully updated to include a new foreword by marina warner and contributions from authors such as kit de waal, amy liptrot and keith jarrett, this is the perfect book for people who are just starting to write as well as for those who want some help honing work already completed. filled with a wealth of exercises and activities, it will inspire budding writers to develop and sharpen their skills. whether writing for publication, in a group or just for pleasure, this comprehensive guide is for anyone who is ready to put pen to paper.

Distilled from decades of teaching and practice, this book offers clear and direct advice on structure, pacing, dialogue, getting ideas, working with the unconscious, and more. newly revised and expanded for this third edition, creating short fiction is a popular and widely trusted guide to writing short stories of originality, durability, and quality. celebrated short-story author and writing instructor knight also includes many examples and exercises that have been effective in classrooms and workshops everywhere.

Calling all aspiring writers, speakers, coaches, experts, entrepreneurs, business professionals or anyone considering writing a book for the first time… if the thought of writing a book has been confusing for you in the past, then here's the simplest strategy for writing your first book and ensuring you're a successful author! do you have a book idea that you've wanted to write for a while but were confused on the steps? are you overwhelmed by all of the books on writing, publishing and marketing? with a proven formula for success how to write your first book will help you to write better and to understand the fundamentals of writing your first book no matter your writing level or ability. if you are motivated to take your career to the next level or simply want to publish the fiction idea that's been floating around in your mind, the simple and easy to use formula called the w.r.i.t.e. method will help you to accomplish your goal of becoming a published author. whether you are a new author hoping to find success with your very first book or a professional using it to brand your business, this formula works! the fact of the matter is a well-written book does not always guarantee success. with the w.r.i.t.e. method, you are given the tools you need to attract your audience and make a consistent passive income from your books so that you can write for a living. in this book, all of the questions you didn't even know you had will be answered. you'll learn: – the formula for writing a book that ensures success! – how to research your book idea to determine if it's profitable before you write the book! – how to choose between traditional or self-publishing based on your time, writing goals and budget! – how to write specifically for your target audience so that you can sell more books! – how to create a book title, cover, and book description that will garner you massive sales! – what to consider with respects to your very first book launch and while creating an author platform! – and much more! perfect gift idea for writers! if you've been waiting to write a bestseller because you just didn't know how to get started, look no further! this step-by-step guide places you on the path to success! buy how to write your first book today and be one step closer to becoming a published author in 2018! stefanie is an expert in her field and that shows through in her writing. i have been writing for quite some time, but this book gave me information i didn't know anything about. this is definitely a must for anyone thinking about writing a book for publication. – sarah s.

A los angeles times bestseller: wonderfully lucid and illuminating, alice laplante’s guide to writing fiction “recalls francine prose’s bestseller, reading like a writer” (library journal). the making of a story is a fresh and inspiring guide to the basics of creative writing—both fiction and creative nonfiction. its hands-on, completely accessible approach walks writers through each stage of the creative process, from the initial triggering idea to the revision of the final manuscript. it is unique in combing the three main aspects of creative writing instruction: process (finding inspiration, getting ideas on the page), craft (specific techniques like characterization), and anthology (learning by reading masters of the form). succinct, clear definitions of basic terms of fiction are accompanied by examples, including excerpts from masterpieces of short fiction and essays as well as contemporary novels. a special highlight is alice laplante's systematic debunking of many of the so-called rules of creative writing. this book is perfect for writers working alone as well as for creative writing classes, both introductory and advanced.

The most important thing to know about writing a novel is this: you can do it. and if you've already written one, you can write an even better one. author and former literary agent nathan bransford shares his secrets for creating killer plots, fleshing out your first ideas, crafting compelling characters, and staying sane in the process. read the guide that new york times bestselling author ransom riggs called "the best how-to-write-a-novel book i've read." more praise for 'how to write a novel: "nathan bransford's primer is full of thoughtful, time-proven advice on how to write a novel. nathan can sound both like a reassuring friend and a tough, no-nonsense coach. whatever kind of novel you're writing, nathan's insights will make you think about your process and help you find your own way to success."- jeff abbott, new york times bestselling author of downfall "nathan bransford is sharp, thoughtful, and a must-read for all aspiring authors. his advice is not only funny and insightful, it's essential for writers at any stage in their careers."- tahereh mafi, new york times bestselling author of shatter me "nathan bransford's book on how to write a novel is smart, generous and funny as hell. read it. no matter where you are in your writing life, whether you're on your first book or are a grizzled, multi published veteran, you'll find practical advice to help you through the process — and plenty of wisdom to inspire you along the journey."- lisa brackmann, author of rock paper tiger "equal parts encouraging and butt-kicking, hilarious and wise, nathan bransford's no-nonsense manifesto talks you through the process of getting the book of your dreams out of your head and onto the page. whether you've been writing for five minutes or fifty years, this is the guide for you." – sarah mccarry, author of all our pretty songs

Named a best book by: time, washington post, entertainment weekly, npr, wired, esquire, buzzfeed, new york public library, boston globe, the paris review, mother jones, the a.v. as a novelist, alexander chee has been described as "masterful" by roxane gay, "incendiary" by the new york times, and "brilliant" by the washington post. with how to write an autobiographical novel, his first collection of nonfiction, he's sure to secure his place as one of the finest essayists of his generation as well. how to write an autobiographical novel is the author's manifesto on the entangling of life, literature, and politics, and how the lessons learned from a life spent reading and writing fiction have changed him. in these essays, he grows from student to teacher, reader to writer, and reckons with his identities as a son, a gay man, a korean american, an artist, an activist, a lover, and a friend. he examines some of the most formative experiences of his life and the nation's history, including his father's death, the aids crisis, 9/11, the jobs that supported his writing–tarot-reading, bookselling, cater-waiting for william f. buckley–the writing of his first novel, edinburgh, and the election of donald trump.

Capture the minds, hearts, and imaginations of 21st century readers! whether you're a commercial storyteller or a literary novelist, whether your goal is to write a best-selling novel or captivate readers with a satisfying, beautifully written story, the key to success is the same: high-impact fiction. writing 21st century fiction will help you write a novel for today's readers and market, filled with rich characters, compelling plots, and resonant themes. author and literary agent donald maass shows you how to: – create fiction that transcends genre, conjures characters who look and feel more "real" than real people, and shows readers the work around them in new ways. – infuse every page with an electric current of emotional appeal and micro-tension. – harness the power of parallels, symbols, metaphors, and more to illuminate your novel in a lasting way. – develop a personalized method of writing that works for you.with an arsenal of thought-provoking prompts and questions, plus plenty of examples from best-selling titles, writing 21st century fiction will strip away your preconceived notions about writing in today's world and give you the essential tools you need to create fiction that will leave both readers and critics in awe.

Get advice from the best in the business on every part of the novel writing and publishing process! in the complete handbook of novel writing, 2nd edition, you'll learn from the invaluable advice of established writers. discover new ways to generate ideas, implement intriguing techniques, and find the inspiration you need to finish your work. this fully-revised edition includes a revamped marketing section that covers the unique challenges of today's publishing market and the boundless opportunities of online promotion. inside you'll find expert advice from dozens of bestselling authors and publishing professionals on how to: master the elements of fiction, from plot and characters to dialogue and point of view develop a unique voice and sensibility in your writing manage the practical aspects of writing, from overcoming writer's block to revising your work determine what elements your story needs to succeed in a particular genre – science fiction, fantasy, mystery, suspense, inspirational, romance (mainstream and christian), or historical fiction find an agent, market your work, and get published – or self-publish – successfully you'll also find interviews with some of the world's finest writers, including margaret atwood, tom clancy, brock clarke, cory doctorow, dave eggers, elizabeth george, jerry jenkins, stephen king, megan mccafferty, audrey niffenegger, joyce carol oates, chuck palahniuk, james patterson, richard russo, anne tyler, john updike, and kurt vonnegut. their words will provide you with the guidance and encouragement of your very own writing mentor.

From acclaimed writer and comedian, jenny éclair, comes a hilarious and heart-breaking story about a friendship against all odds. summer 1975: helena is bored out of her mind – there's absolutely nothing to do and her supposed "best friends" gwen and elaine are holidaying in the south of france without her. the only saving grace is that she's allowed to re-decorate her room – bring on the purple floral wallpaper. summer 2021: new to the north, hermione's mum has moved her away from london and all her friends to start a new life with new boyfriend paul, who resembles a slab of meat from the butchers. just as well she can paint over that hideous wallpaper in her new room. by some miracle, the girls meet. when hermione discovers helena's writing under the wallpaper – she's transported back to summer 1975 and the two instantly hit it off. but after dancing to the juke box at the infamous blue monkey café, and meeting helena's multiple crushes, hermione discovers a truth about helena's future that suggests she is in great danger… hermione found the writing on the wall. but can she save helena? jenny éclair is one of the uk's most popular writers and performers – she is the author of a number of critically acclaimed and sunday times bestselling adult novels, including the richard and judy bestseller, moving. jenny was the first woman to win the prestigious perrier comedy award.

"a straightforward, friendly guide for aspiring writers" (los angeles times): no more excuses. with award-winning author walter mosley as your guide, you can write a novel now. "let the lawn get shaggy and the paint peel from the walls," bestselling novelist walter mosley advises. in this invaluable book of tips, practical advice, and wisdom, mosley promises that the writer-in-waiting can finish their novel in one year. intended as both inspiration and instruction, this book provides the tools to turn out a first draft painlessly and then revise it into something finer. mosley teaches you how to: create a daily writing regimen to fit any writer's needs — and how to stick to it. determine the narrative voice that's right for every writer's style. hook readers with dynamic characters. get past those first challenging sentences and into the heart of a story. and much more. "no-nonsense advice that is sure to set beginning writers along the righteous path to real authorhood." –seattle post-intelligencer

"if you don't have the time to read, you don't have the time or the tools to write." here is stephen king's master class on his craft.on writing begins with a mesmerizing account of king's childhood and his early focus on writing to tell a story. a series of vivid memories from adolescence, college, and the struggling years that led up to his first novel, carrie, offer a fresh and often funny perspective on the formation of a writer.king then turns to the tools of his trade, examining crucial aspects of the wriiter's art and life, offering practical and inspiring advice on everything from plot and character development to work habits and rejection.king was in the middle of writing this book when he was nearly killed in a widely reported accident. on writing culminates with a profoundly moving account of how his need to write spurred him toward recovery, and brought him back to his life. "if you don't have the time to read, you don't have the time or the tools to write." here is stephen king's master class on his craft.on writing begins with a mesmerizing account of king's childhood and his early focus on writing to tell a story. a series of vivid memories from adolescence, college, and the struggling years that led up to his first novel, carrie, offer a fresh and often funny perspective on the formation of a writer.king then turns to the tools of his trade, examining crucial aspects of the wriiter's art and life, offering practical and inspiring advice on everything from plot and character development to work habits and rejection.king was in the middle of writing this book when he was nearly killed in a widely reported accident. on writing culminates with a profoundly moving account of how his need to write spurred him toward recovery, and brought him back to his life.