Off the Beaten Craft: 5 Writing Books You Might Not Have Heard Of

There are iconic writing craft books—think Anne Lamott’s Bird by Bird or Stephen King’s On Writing. And then there are many “also rans,” books that may not have garnered the acclaim or audience of such bestsellers. But wait! These are gems. They may hide in the shadows because the craft book shelf is crowded to overflowing, yet they are well worth your time if you’re interested in honing your craft and reflecting on what it means to write, to be a writer, to dare to put pen to paper, finger to key.

Please be advised the works profiled below are a sampling proffered by the author. The list is in no way definitive. Nor are they, necessarily, the best written—odd, indeed, for books intended to counsel writers. They are, instead, a five course literary tasting dinner of sorts, a feast which the author believes will both educate and entertain, if not school, the open-minded scribbler on how to improve what is committed to the page.

Stein on Writing by Sol Stein.

To say Stein is a master as a novelist might be an overstatement—his novels are absorbing and his prose clever, although perhaps a little too precious or self-conscious for some. But Stein’s editorial genius is undeniable. This volume (along with the follow-up How to Grow a Novel) are indispensable to having your eyes opened up to the soft spots in your prose. Stein made his mark working as editor for a clutch of bestselling and critically acclaimed novelists, including George Orwell and James Baldwin, and Stein on Writing is his attempt to share what he learned over the course of his career about the craft. From suspense, to the ubiquitous “show don’t tell,” to using all the senses, to pacing, as well as many more topics of interest, Stein is insistent that writers must work at their craft to become experts. Interspersed with anecdotal nuggets, Stein teaches but does not preach; he shows the way but does not demand at the expense of individual style. Sadly, Stein died in 2019, but the long arm of the editor will live on in those who tap into his stores of wisdom. Look up his Wiki. You’ll find a man with a rich life which, if we care to listen, is reflected in his cogent advice and garrulous tone.

Troubleshooting Your Novel by Steven James.

At the other end of the spectrum, out beyond personal anecdote and advice from what many may call an “old timer,” is the very modern Steven James and his practical guide. To say Troubleshooting is a “how-to” book would be to disparage that which deserves high praise—a book which is both practical, but which does not speak to the lowest common denominator (in that he expects the reader to have tried his hand at producing a manuscript, not just dreaming about one). There’s something in here for newbies and seasoned authors alike, to ensure their prose delivers the most powerful punch it can. James is a critically-acclaimed and award-winning novelist of seventeen thrillers. (He is also a wicked good conference presenter.) So, clearly he knows the game well, but this book is no paint-by-numbers guide, despite its short chapters and bullet point style. It is replete with practical information that you can transfer to the page. It is for the author who has a work in hand, but one which needs help, meaning the manuscript is nowhere near publication ready. Without giving too many spoilers (is that possible in a craft book?) it is organized into five parts—Story Progression; Characterization; Narrative Techniques; Reader Engagement; and Style and Finesse—each of which is broken down info at least two dozen subsections. Think of it as a diagnostic manual for your prose. It will be worth the effort and the small price of the book.

Zen in the Art of Writing: Releasing the Creative Genius Within You by Ray Bradbury.

Zen is an oldie but goodie to be sure. And something quite at the other end of the spectrum from James—more akin to Stein for its personal stories, but much more focused on the celebration of the act of writing. Zen. Gusto. Curiosity. All words used with abandon in this tiny offering, the size more of a novella or a pamphlet. No matter its diminutive page count, its message is clear—we can all use a little less instruction and a lot more inspiration from time to time. Bradbury, not only a prolific and hugely popular and critically-acclaimed science fiction, fantasy, horror (and the list goes on) novelist was also a screenwriter in Hollywood’s heyday. Suffice it to say he knew what engaged, what sold—he had five mouths to feed and never even got a driver’s license, riding a bike every day or taking public transportation to save his pennies. Zen is short, and like a good movie or book, it leaves you wanting way more from Uncle Ray. Unlike James’s prescriptive approach, Bradbury shares tips on writing from how to develop voice and style, to how to inspire the writer within you. Bradbury believes in the obligation of the writer to navigate his own path to that place where, if he does the hard yards, his inner genius will dwell just waiting to be unearthed.

Story by Robert McKee.

Story is that tome that Zen is not, one well suited to holding a door open against a stiff wind. Yet, suck it up, and dive in. The subtitle “Substance, Structure, Style, and The Principles of Screenwriting” is also a mouthful. But, fear not! Eat the elephant one bite at a time. It will be worth your dedication to the task. McKee has been many things from script consultant to film producer, former Fulbright scholar to TV and movie writer. Whatever he is, he knows what thrills and propels readers forward. Although billed as a book about screenwriting, its lessons are equally applicable to any type of storytelling, be it from McKee, although perhaps not from his repetitive style. McKee’s lessons on story structure and design; setting; genre; and scene analysis are gold, and worthy of the investment of your time and eyesight.

Storyville!: An Illustrated Guide to Writing Fiction by John Dufresne, illustrated by Evan Wondolowski.

There’s one in the every family, isn’t there? A black sheep. The one who ranges far from home, the one who breaks the mold and is proud of it. Not to say that Dufresne is that—he’s the author of eleven highly acclaimed novels and craft books, and has twice been a New York Times Notable Book of the Year author. Yet Storyville is different from all his others and from the rest on this list, but in the best way. Part handbook and notebook, part comic book and craft guide, Storyville is chock-a-block with writing advice from one who knows a thing or two about turning out stellar prose and heating up tension to make the reader stay up too late, bleary-eyed, until the final page is inhaled. Without being talked down to (as is the tendency of many who teach writing as if it were black and white science), you’ll learn to refine your storytelling techniques—from how to plot; what to tell the reader and how much and when; tips on revision and brainstorming—all delivered with a dry wit and a burning desire that, in our work, we produce the best representation of our best selves. The bold graphics rendered by Wondolowski serve the narrative well and reflect both the chaotic mind of the writer, as well as those few times when that same writer feels he might just have a handle of what he’s doing after all, even if it’s only for a nanosecond. Whatever you call it Storyville is a romp, it’s a lesson, it’s a joy.