Catching the Big Fish, by David Lynch
Advice and inspiration for doing deep, meaningful, difficult creative work.
The Art of Perspective, by Christopher Castellani
Castellani’s in-depth, nuanced exploration of the foundational tool of point of view could transform the way you tell stories.
Reading Like a Writer, by Francine Prose
Francine Prose models how reading can help writers improve their craft.
It Was the Best of Sentences, It Was the Worst of Sentences, by June Casagrande
June Casagrande’s advice for writers about how to craft clear, correct sentences.
Writing into the Dark, by Dean Wesley Smith
Dean Wesley Smith’s method for how to write a novel without an outline.
Meander, Spiral, Explode, by Jane Alison
Jane Alison’s exploration of forms for fiction that go beyond the classic narrative arc.
Write Your Novel From The Middle, by James Scott Bell
James Scott Bell’s advice on how you can use three key plot moments to structure your novel.
Outlining Your Novel by KM Weiland
A review of KM Weiland's practical, action-oriented method for outlining your novel.
Steering the Craft, by Ursula K. Le Guin
Wisdom from Le Guin on how to manage tense, point of view, and pacing – plus reassurance that your story will find its way.
Brian Shawver, The Language of Fiction
If you are a novelist looking to improve your sentences, Brian Shawver’s The Language of Fiction should be on your reading list.
Revising Your Novel, by Janice Hardy
Janice Hardy’s advice on revision, characters, and more.
How to Write a Damn Good Mystery, by James Frey
A step-by-step guide to planning and writing a well-plotted mystery.
Writing Fiction, by Janet Burroway
A review of the newest edition of Janet Burroway’s Writing Fiction, the standard text used in many creative writing programs.
The Creative Habit, by Twyla Tharp
Is the tough love Twyla Tharp provides in The Creative Habit the push you need to get past writer’s block?
13 Ways of Looking at the Novel, by Jane Smiley
What is a novel? Jane Smiley grapples with this question – and how to write one – in 13 Ways of Looking at the Novel.
Sin and Syntax, by Constance Hale
How to play with words: lessons from Constance Hale’s Sin and Syntax.
Self-Editing for Fiction Writers, by Renni Browne & Dave King
Lessons for novelists from Renni Browne and Dave King’s Self-Editing for Fiction Writers.
Save the Cat! Writes a Novel, by Jessica Brody
Learn how Jessica Brody’s beat sheet can help you construct or revise your novel.