Top How to Write Books: From Stephen King to David Morrell
Jacob Malewitz
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The majority of writers enjoy reading books on the process of creating works of fiction or non-fiction. There have been hundreds of books sold to publishers just because of this renewed interest in writing. While no one book will provide an aspiring writer the secret to getting published, each is a 
gentle nudge in the right direction. While this list could be much longer, these are the works that affected my desire to write the most. Consider each a primer on the craft and life of writing.
"Lessons From a Lifetime of Writing" by David Morrell - This book would be number 1 on my list of all how-to-write books. David Morrell has created a complex work with this piece, giving info that he learned from a career of writing fiction. What makes it best is the simple language (like the short sentences) and the dead-on advice he provides on what to do between the first draft and publication of a work. This is the book to start with for any aspiring novelist, though it applies to other works, too.
"Artist's Way" by Julia Cameron - Julia Cameron's book had the biggest effect on me, even if Lessons was the best overall book. "Artist's Way" is more of a spiritual enterprise than a clear how-to. This is the book that got me going as a writer, that made me want to start creating. Julia Cameron's thoughts on journaling led to all the successes I have had in writing. There are sequels to "Artist's Way," including "Vein of Gold" and "Walking in this World."
"On Writing" by Stephen King - Stephen King is the most popular American writer out there. This book is an engaging look into how he writes, and how he came to be a published writer. I have read "On Writing" several times and rarely can put it down. I find the background of any writer fascinating, but King's views on what to leave out in fiction are the best here. One thing I recall is how much he is against adverbs (words ending in LY). It also shows how some of our best stories can be almost scrapped, as King's first novel "Carrie" was one he had quit on early in the process of writing it.
"Lessons From a Lifetime of Writing" by David Morrell - This book would be number 1 on my list of all how-to-write books. David Morrell has created a complex work with this piece, giving info that he learned from a career of writing fiction. What makes it best is the simple language (like the short sentences) and the dead-on advice he provides on what to do between the first draft and publication of a work. This is the book to start with for any aspiring novelist, though it applies to other works, too.
"Artist's Way" by Julia Cameron - Julia Cameron's book had the biggest effect on me, even if Lessons was the best overall book. "Artist's Way" is more of a spiritual enterprise than a clear how-to. This is the book that got me going as a writer, that made me want to start creating. Julia Cameron's thoughts on journaling led to all the successes I have had in writing. There are sequels to "Artist's Way," including "Vein of Gold" and "Walking in this World."
"On Writing" by Stephen King - Stephen King is the most popular American writer out there. This book is an engaging look into how he writes, and how he came to be a published writer. I have read "On Writing" several times and rarely can put it down. I find the background of any writer fascinating, but King's views on what to leave out in fiction are the best here. One thing I recall is how much he is against adverbs (words ending in LY). It also shows how some of our best stories can be almost scrapped, as King's first novel "Carrie" was one he had quit on early in the process of writing it.
- David Morrell is the creator of Rambo, noted movie series starring Sylvester Stallone.
- Some of these books may have to be purchased used, including Persia Wooley's.
- Stephen King wrote On Writing shortly after being hit by a van while walking in Maine.