I looked for guides how to write novels and create a bestseller to know the tools that a writer must learn to use to create interesting, memorable story with good narration, a credible background and psychologically convincing characters. Knowing that I can read novels more consciously, sometimes I can figure out why story does not convince me or what is main problem with someone's style (e.g. I think: hey, you should read a book on how to write dialogues, because these are terrible :)).
Of course I realize that there are some brilliant books that had been written against the advice given in these guides, but - as they say - to break the rules, you should first know them. Therefore, in view of all aspiring writers and people who are interested in the process of the creation of the novel, I made a list of ten great books about how to write a good novel.
What every aspiring writer should read and what every reader interested in the writer's workshop should know? Here is my list of ten guides to creative writing!
1. Writing the Blockbuster Novel by Albert Zuckerman
2. How to Write a Damn Good Novel: A Step-by-Step No Nonsense Guide to Dramatic Storytelling by James Frey
3. Techniques of the Selling Writer by Dwight Swain
5. On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King
4. Self-Editing for Fiction Writers, Second Edition: How to Edit Yourself Into Print by Renni Browne
6. The Art of Fiction: Notes on Craft for Young Writers by John Gardner
7. Zen in the Art of Writing: Essays on Creativity by Ray Bradbury
8. On Becoming a Novelist by John Gardner
9. Elements of Fiction Writing - Characters & Viewpoint: Proven advice and timeless techniques for creating compelling characters by an award-winning author - Orson Scott Card
10. Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within by Natalie Goldberg
This is the initial list of books that I think are worth exploring. If you are writing in English you should also read The Elements of Style, Fourth Edition by William Strunk Jr. and E. B. White. However, if you write in another language, look for a good manual of style and grammar. Even if you feel strong with grammar, you should still read about it!
If you know other interesting guides about writing books - I encourage you to publish their titles on my blog!
