Niki Mathias

I’ve been collecting books about writing for several decades and these are my dog-eared favorites. I’m including links to Amazon, but you can also buy at BookShop.org or borrow from your local library, or listen to the audiobook. You do you.

Psychology of Writing: For when you want inspiration and motivation.

• If You Want to Write: A Book about Art, Independence and Spirit — by Brenda Ueland
• The Creative Act: A Way of Being — by Rick Rubin
• Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear — by Elizabeth Gilbert
• On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft — by Stephen King
• The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles — by Steven Pressfield
• Written: How to Keep Writing and Build a Habit That Lasts — by Bec Evans & Chris Smith
• 1000 Words: A Writer’s Guide to Staying Creative, Focused, and Productive All Year Round — by Jami Attenberg
• Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life — by Anne Lamott

Craft of Writing: For when you want technical advice.

• Story: Substance, Structure, Style and the Principles of Screenwriting — by Robert McKee
• Save the Cat! Writes a Novel: The Last Book On Novel Writing You’ll Ever Need — by Jessica Brody
• The Story Grid: What Good Editors Know — by Shawn Coyne
• Intuitive Editing: A Creative and Practical Guide to Revising Your Writing — by Tiffany Yates Martin
• Truth Is the Arrow, Mercy Is the Bow: A DIY Manual for the Construction of Stories — by Steve Almond
• From Where You Dream: The Process of Writing Fiction — by Robert Olen Butler
• How to Write a Novel: 49 Rules for Writing a Stupendously Awesome Novel That You Will Love Forever — by Nathan Bransford

The Life of a Writer: For when you want practical career advice. 

• The Business of Being a Writer — by Jane Friedman
• The Intuitive Author: How to Grow & Sustain a Happier Writing Career —by Tiffany Yates Martin
• Storyworthy: Engage, Teach, Persuade, and Change Your Life Through the Power of Storytelling —by Matthew Dicks
• Write It All Down: How to Put Your Life on the Page  —by Cathy Rentzenbrink
• Write a Must-Read: Craft a Book That Changes Lives – Including Your Own —by AJ Harper

Podcasts: One of my favorite activities is to go for a long trail walk while listening to a podcast with successful writers talking about writing. I’m constantly amazed at the high-quality insights that are accessible from anywhere for free! Here’s a handful of my favorites:

• We Regret to Inform You: The Rejection Podcast – Explores how rejection has shaped the careers of successful individuals.
• No Write Way (with V.E. Schwab) – V.E. Schwab discusses the diverse paths authors take to bring stories to life.
• The Shit No One Tells You About Writing – A candid look at the realities of the writing life, from the challenges to the triumphs.
• How I Write (hosted by David Perell) – David Perell delves into the writing processes of various authors to uncover their creative methods.
• In Writing (with Hattie Crisell) – Hattie Crisell interviews writers from various fields to understand their writing routines and challenges.
• Between the Covers: Conversations with Writers – Hosted by David Naimon, featuring in-depth conversations with authors about their work and writing life.