Required Reading: 12 of the Best Books to Gift Writers
With the holidays coming up, you might be looking for the perfect gift for the writer in your life (or maybe just looking to treat yourself—who needs a reason?). Either way, you can’t go wrong with a book about the craft. Luckily, there are tons of options to choose from, whether you’re looking for a classic technical read like The Elements of Style or a more playful contemporary book like Finger Exercises for Poets. Below, we’ve compiled a list of the best books to read for aspiring writers.
Several Short Sentences on Writing by Verlyn Klinkenborg
Several Short Sentences on Writing breaks away from traditional writing advice and offers insight to help writers think, notice, live, and communicate more effectively. Klinkenborg focuses on crafting precise, impactful sentences, demonstrating his writing philosophy while he explains it. It’s an eye-opener for those looking to rethink their prose from the ground up.
On Writers and Writing by Margaret Atwood
Margaret Atwood is a widely acclaimed writer and poet. In this collection of personal essays, she explores her own life and career as a writer, offering a mix of personal anecdotes, writing philosophy, and references to other great thinkers. It’s a great read for folks looking to learn more about Atwood’s approach to the craft.
On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King
On Writing is a memoir by the “King of Horror” author Stephen King, and you’re likely to find this book on any “recommended books for writers” list. Published in 2000, it’s already considered a true staple for writers, exploring King’s path to becoming the widely successful author that he is today.
The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity by Julia Cameron
Although The Artist’s Way isn’t solely about writing, it offers holistic guidance for reviving and maintaining your creativity. With hundreds of creative exercises and prompts (such as morning pages), this book has inspired millions of creatives around the world, including the author Elizabeth Gilbert, who said “Without The Artist’s Way, there would have been no Eat, Pray, Love.”
What If? Writing Exercises for Fiction Writers by Anne Bernays and Pamela Painter
If you like fiction, then What If? is the perfect book for finding prompts and guidance specific to the genre. From mastering beginnings and endings to writing realistic dialogue, the 70+ practical exercises in this book are a treasure trove for fiction writers of all experience levels.
The Elements of Style by William Strunk and E.B. White
The Elements of Style is another classic book that you’re likely to find on every writer’s bookshelf. This long-cherished style manual offers foundational guidance to writing clear, concise prose—including the book’s mantra, “make every word tell.”
A Year in Practice: Seasonal Rituals and Prompts to Awaken Cycles of Creative Expression by Jacqueline Suskin
If you write year-round, you’ve probably noticed seasonal patterns in your motivation and creativity; often, writing slows down in the wintertime and picks up again in the spring. Suskin’s book offers prompts and practices for aligning your creativity with the natural rhythms of nature, encouraging a mindful, sustainable approach to writing.
Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within by Natalie Goldberg
Golberg is a prolific author who sees writing as “a practice that helps writers comprehend the value of their lives.” In Writing Down the Bones, she provides solid writing advice that reflects this philosophy, offering both hands-on writing exercises and general guidance on overcoming doubt, writer’s block, and self-criticism.
Good Prose: The Art of Nonfiction by Tracy Kidder and Richard Todd
This list wouldn’t be complete without at least one book that dives into the nonfiction genre. Named one of the best books of the year by Kirkus Reviews, Good Prose explores the process of crafting effective narratives, essays, and memoirs, drawing on both the personal experiences of the authors and advice pulled in from other writers.
Writing with Power: Techniques for Mastering the Writing Process by Peter Elbow
Writing with Power is a useful handbook on writing impactful work. Offering techniques for getting through the first draft, revising effectively, overcoming common blocks, and more, this book is a great read for any writer seeking to find their unique voice and write with more confidence and control.
Finger Exercises for Poets by Dorianne Laux
If you’d like poetry-specific writing advice from a Pulitzer Prize finalist, Finger Exercises for Poets is a great option. This book includes close analyses of poems, generative writing exercises, and advice for exploring form, musicality, and other key poetic elements.
Writers On Writing: Collected Essays from the New York Times
Last but not least, Writers On Writing is a collection of more than 40 essays by contemporary writers like Alice Hoffman, Barbara Kingsolver, Joyce Carol Oates, Kurt Vonnegut, and more. It’s a great read for anyone who’s hungry for a wide range of perspectives on the craft of writing, from finding inspiration in unexpected places to learning from mentors.
Give the gift of writing inspiration
In this list, you should be able to find a book for every kind of writer, from poets and novelists to nonfiction and technical writers. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or for the beloved writer in your life, we hope you found what you’re looking for here. If not, try browsing these 9 essential writing books for any poet.
