Books to Get You Through
Over the years I’ve read some awesome books that have inspired me and assisted me, and, in some cases, just plain kept me going. After I graduated college, I spent many years writing without a workshop or critique group to partner with. Instead, I turned to the library to keep me afloat, reaching out to E.M. Forster and his Aspects of the Novel, John Gardner’s Art of Fiction, Natalie Goldberg’s Writing Down the Bones, and many others.
Here are a few of my favorites.
• Big Magic
by Elizabeth Gilbert
It’s the first on my list for a reason. I devoured this book in a day or two. It gave me goose bumps all the way through. To me, writing has always seemed a somewhat magical thing to do, and Elizabeth Gilbert takes that idea to new heights. She begins by talking about Fear and how we have to make space for it if we want to be creative individuals. Then she moves on to Enchantment—and this is where the magic begins. She discusses how ideas come to us, how we must accept them or not accept them. It’s a truly unique perspective on creativity and a thoroughly enjoyable read. One of many memorable quotes from the book:
You can measure your worth by your dedication to your path, not by your successes and failures.
• The Daily Stoic Journal
Ryan Holiday
You’re probably wondering why this is on the list. It’s not a writing craft book, though as a journal, it asks that you do some writing twice a day. And I realize the stoics don’t have a fun-loving reputation, or even an upbeat one, but stereotypes aside, their philosophy can help every American through the challenges of ordinary life. Simply put, the stoic mindset works for me as both a writer and a person. A big part of their philosophy is about seeing things for what they really are. Says Holiday,
We don’t control many of the things we pursue in life—yet we become angry, sad, hurt, scared, or jealous when we don’t get them. In fact those emotions—those reactions—are about the only thing that we do control.
You’ll find weekly quotes from the ancients themselves: Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, Seneca, and others. Ryan Holiday translates using modern-day phrases we can all understand. If you want a writing career for the long haul, you’ll find many nuggets of gold here.
• The Forest for the Trees
by Betsy Lerner
Written twenty-some years ago (and revised in 2010) by editor-turned-agent Betsy Lerner, this book focuses on questions like what kind of writer are you, and where are you getting in the way of your own writing? The latter half of the book provides insights on the publishing process. Betsy’s kind, humorous tone is a pleasure to read. Plus, she gives writers plenty to be optimistic about when she says things like,
The degree of one’s perseverance is the best predictor of success.
• Bird by Bird
by Anne Lamott
What does it take to be a writer and to manage the writer’s life? While telling her own story, Anne Lamott encourages, instructs, and inspires in an always straightforward, often hilarious, way. It’s like listening to a good friend tell you everything, and because you also are a writer, you can empathize with her and also learn from her insights and mistakes. It’s a fun and satisfying read. Plus, she says some ingenious things that you won’t see coming. For instance, she describes publication and creative successes as something to recover from:
Just try to bust yourself gently of the fantasy that publication will heal you. … It can’t. It won’t.
What are your favorite books of writing craft and inspiration? Please share in the comments section below.
Next week I’ll provide a list of what to do and when in the process of self-publishing.
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Kim Catanzarite is a writer, editor, and instructor for Writer’s Digest University. She has worked as a developmental and copy editor since 1994. Her thriller, They Will Be Coming for Us, publishes June 1, 2021. Click here for special offers. Click here to read the first chapter.
