The Gift of Books

You are what you read.

To be a good writer, you have to be a good reader, too. Behind every writer is a book that played a pivotal part in inspiring you to become a writer. Maybe it was a childhood book or something from grade school that made you want to pursue this passion. Now that you are chasing this dream, it’s time to have an intentional reading list. It’s vital to a writer’s success, and with it being Christmas time, there’s still time to treat yourself.

Here are three book recommendations for helping you become a better writer.

He may not inspire you to become a horror writer or read The Shining, but Stephen King’s On Writing is an essential read for all writers. Immensely helpful and illuminating to any aspiring writer, On Writing shares the experiences, habits, and convictions that have shaped King and his work. What makes King’s On Writing so good is the way it blends his story into a book about how to become a better writer. That combination of memoir and craft makes for an enjoyable mix, even if you prefer less spooky storytellers.

The next book on our list is Anne Lamott’s Bird by Bird. Lamott is helpful and inspiring, providing the type of foundational advice that you will come back to again and again. Broken up into five parts, you’ll feel less like you’re reading a book and more like you are taking a master class taught by Lamott. What begins with some simple advice from Lamott’s father, “Just take it bird by bird,” is a journey to finding your passion and your voice, beginning from the first really crummy draft all the way to publication.

“Books are fuel for writers.” 

The last book we want to recommend is The War of Art by Steven Pressfield. This book is like hiring a gym instructor for your creativity – Pressfield is going to help inspire you to go the distance. Once you’ve identified what Pressfield has coined “The Resistance,” you’ll be able to win your battles with creativity. The War of Art is divided into three sections: Resistance, Combating Resistance, and Beyond Resistance. If you’re struggling with finding and making time for your writing, this book will help instill a lifelong discipline for thriving in the face of the adversity of pursuing your creative passions.

If you haven’t made time to read these books, now is the time. They will help you improve as a writer and become a better storyteller. If you’re looking to invest in your writing in 2024, a great place to start is with these books. Reading is an investment, and The War of Art, On Writing, and Bird by Bird will yield high returns. There’s a reason each one has sold over a million copies.

Remember: the books we read have a huge influence on our writing. Let’s make 2024 our strongest creative year yet.

Take Action: Schedule a one-on-one meeting today

If you have already read these books and are further down the road on writing your book, then maybe it’s time to schedule a one-on-one meeting with one of our agents. During this time, we teach and coach first-time and veteran authors interested in advancing their careers, using our unparalleled experience, hard-won wisdom, and industry-leading strengths to help them reach their full potential. Click here to learn more!