McAnally's (The Community Pub) > Author Craft

Books on writing?

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Landing:
Hey guys I’m working on my Christmas list and I wanted to know what books you guys think are best on the subject of writing fiction. If you can tell me a bit about the books that would be great, I don’t have that much money to spend and can only buy a couple.

Enjorous:
I'm a fan of On Writing by Stephen King. The advice is good if you understand he doesn't always take his own advice.

Starbeam:
I'll second and third On Writing.  It spends less on what's required of writing--grammar and such--and more about actually writing.  From what I recall.  Need to reread that.

Off the top of my head, I'd add Donald Maas's Writing the Breakout Novel and his Fire in Fiction(not certain about that title).  Both are very good, and he knows what he's talking about.  His agency has a lot of well-known authors--Jim's one of them. 

Aside from those, I'd have to check my books when I get home.  Also, are you interested more in specifics on writing or seeing how different authors go about doing it?  For myself, I prefer the latter; I find those more interesting and inspirational.  And somehow more helpful.

One that some recommend is Bird by Bird by Anne Lamont--I would suggest reading samples of that before buying it.  I personally found it to be somewhat self indulgent and kinda toxic.

Landing:
I'm not really sure what type of book I am looking for, I am new to writing so I am leaning more on what yall feel was the most helpful book rather than any particular kind.

Enjorous:
Were my dad here he'd fourth On Writing, he uses pieces of the book in his Freshman Comp class. fwiw

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