Books Every Writer Should Read

Most of us freely admit we would benefit from reading more. As hard as it can be to set aside time for such a time-consuming hobby, reading is crucial, especially for writers. Below is a sampling of the books we think every writer should dig into!

On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King. On Writing is a classic inspiration for writers of all genres. This book brings King’s personal narrative together with a treasure trove of no-nonsense instruction on writing. If you believe “the road to hell is paved with adverbs,” you might have King to thank. There’s a lot more wisdom where that came from: get reading!

“If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot. There's no way around these two things that I'm aware of, no shortcut.” – Stephen King

Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott. “This book is brutally honest and funny, like a blunt aunt at a family dinner,” says Kerry, Inspira editor. Lamott’s voice is relatable, kind, and brilliant, whether she is talking about humanity’s relationship with God or about having a spat with a friend.

“I don't think you have time to waste not writing because you are afraid you won't be good at it.” – Anne Lamott

The Writing Life by Annie Dillard. “This is one of the most stunning books I’ve ever read about the art of writing,” says Chelsea, Inspira editor. “This lyrical book is not so much a lesson in writing as it is a meditative depiction of writing. Dillard’s relish for sentences is so infectious, I have to read and reread this slim volume with a pencil and paper in hand in case I have the urge to start writing myself.” Many books will teach you how to write, but this one will make you want to write.

“One of the few things I know about writing is this: spend it all, shoot it, play it, lose it, all, right away, every time. Do not hoard what seems good for a later place in the book, or for another book; give it, give it all, give it now. The impulse to save something good for a better place later is the signal to spend it now.” – Annie Dillard

Deep Work by Cal Newport. If you’re looking for guidance on minimizing distractions and prioritizing focused work, this is it. Deep Work is a fantastic primer on becoming intentional with your time. While the book has a bent toward professionals in corporate settings, Newport’s advice on managing emails, streamlining communication, and being strategically unreachable will boost your own writing habits like nothing else. To keep the deep work going, check out his companion book, Digital Minimalism.

“Human beings, it seems, are at their best when immersed deeply in something challenging.” – Cal Newport

The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss. This beast of a novel is not about writing per se, but it’s a killer plot built on themes of poetry, connection, and storytelling. “This is potentially my favorite book, and definitely my favorite example of high-level prose,” says Inspira editor Tim. “I don't recommend this as something to study and attempt to emulate (do not try to write like Rothfuss—it will not work), but as something to be appreciated by anyone who cares about words and storytelling.” If you haven’t hopped on the Rothfuss wagon yet, now is the time!

“It's like everyone tells a story about themselves inside their own head. Always. All the time. That story makes you what you are. We build ourselves out of that story.” – Patrick Rothfuss

Now it’s your turn! What books do you consider indispensable for writers?