Which books help you write? Top tips from bestselling authors - Authors A.I.

Jo Kelly
June 1, 2020

Bestselling authors turn to these books about writing when they need a boost

We asked some of Author A.I.’s founding authors to share the books about writing they turn to when they need a boost …

On Writing by Stephen King

1 “I stumbled upon Stephen King’s On Writing late in my career, and so while King offers some very basic, but extremely crucial pointers for aspiring writers, for me, it helped me remember why I write, pushing me toward a more visceral experience that ultimately enriched my writing.”

— New York Times bestselling author Tanya Anne Crosby 

Stephen King: On Writing


Write Naked by Jennifer Probst

2 “Write Naked by Jennifer Probst is great. It’s perfect for new or experienced authors and is packed with lessons on craft, inspiration and writing life.”

— New York Times bestselling romance author Alessandra Torre

Jennifer Probst: Write Naked


Creating Character Arcs and Outlining Your Novel by K.M. Weiland

3 “K.M. Weiland‘s outlining and character ‘how to’ books are great. I recommend them to aspiring authors all the time.”

Annette Marie, author of epic urban fantasy

K.M. Weiland's "How To" series on novel-writing


Stein on Writing by Sol Stein

4 “Stein on Writing by Sol Stein was one of several books I read while writing my first novel. It gave me wonderful insight on writing a good, compelling story.”

—  New York Times bestselling thriller author Cheryl Bradshaw

Sol Stein: Stein on Writing


How to Write a Damn Good Novel by James Frey

5 “I suggest you begin with James Frey’s How to Write a Damn Good Novel. Frey was my instructor at the Squaw Valley Community of Writers back in the day. In How to Write …, he explores such subjects as point of view, escalating narrative tension, conflict in dialogue and other indispensable tricks of the trade.”

—  Amazon bestselling thriller author J.D. Lasica (read more of his favorites at jdlasica.com)

James Frey: How to Write a Damn Good Novel


Works by Jane Austen or Georgette Heyer

6 “I disappear into a book by Jane Austen or Georgette Heyer and it immediately transports me into the Regency world. Once I start writing, I can’t read anything to do with the Regency. But to get me in the zone it’s perfect!”

Audrey Harrison, Amazon bestselling author of Regency Romance novels

Jane Austen inspires historical novelists

12 more of the writing books we love

How about you? Which books on novel writing taught you a lot? Which ones do you still go back to?

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