Books on writing fiction help us understand what goes into the thought process of writing a novel or short story. It’s deceptively simple to sit down and write something imaginative and interesting for your readers. Therefore, knowing how to think as a writer can help you evolve as one.
These books represent part of the huge library of resources out there for people who want to learn more about their craft. Writing fiction may be an art, but you can still study it like a science. Check out these 3 books to get a handle on writing fiction for your audience.
On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King
Stephen King may be best known for horror novels, but he wrote so much more than that. In The Shawshank Redemption and The Body, he also explored his more heartful side. He brings both facets to On Writing.
This book is broken into parts that describe his thought process not only on writing but on living as a writer. He talks about his own life, the mechanics of writing (he calls it “the toolbox”), and the tragedies that shape us into more emotive storytellers.
Of all his advice, one thing stands out most clearly: he tells his reader to take writing seriously. He calls it a “craft” because he wants people to know that you have to learn it to get better. Those who want to would do well to check out this book.
Stein on Writing by Sol Stein
Sol Stein is more than a successful writer and publisher. Additionally, he’s also a writing teacher. This means that he knows how to help people improve their craft. The detailed sections of this book get into broad aspects of writing from pacing to dialogue. However, his main focus is not on theory, but on what he calls “usable solutions.”
Stein on Writing is a user’s guide to writing better. He offers shortcuts through the process with enough examples to keep you on his wavelength. By making the writing process less abstract, Stein lives up to his teaching degree. Thinking about writing has never been easier.
Hooked: Write Fiction That Grabs Readers at Page One and Never Lets Them Go by Les Edgerton
Following his own advice, Les Edgerton wrote the overlong title of his book as a major hook. He goes into the nitty-gritty of how to start a fiction story in a way that will motivate people to keep reading.
He gives keys to staying cohesive and breaks down the basics of how to do it. Scene length and transitions may be priorities, but he emphasizes even the very first line as a major part of the hook.
You can’t sell fiction if people don’t keep reading! Hooked helps you get readers to stick around for what you have to say.
The Takeaway
Books on writing fiction can demystify a confusing process. Analyzing how we think and how successful writers write for their audiences can give you a plan for your own writing. Rather than float aimlessly, these books offer essential tips and shortcuts through a complex process. Writing for yourself is easy, however, getting people to read it requires hard work.
