I’m happy to have read 2 books on this list: Ensouling Language, which no one told me about but I found in a little bookstore in Burnsville, NC called Plot Hound books. I recognized that was what I wanted more than anything; to put my soul, my very spirit into the language I used to write anything—poetry, essay, song, fiction. What I learned was to let the soul of every thing shine through me. Since I read it, this book has affected other aspects of my life in unexpected ways. He is teaching you to “see” and to follow the golden thread, which is your raison d’etre. I was and still am, awed by his insights.
Mystery and Manners I read because I had already finished every other book and short story I could find by Flannery O’Connor. I was fascinated with her characters and creepiness, her distinct Southerness. I could hear that soft drawl when I read her work. Mystery and Manners allowed me inside her, showed me her sense of humor, the depth of her, and how to keep writing when you have a debilitating illness which comes with depression. Flannery had lupus and it killed her at what should have been the height of her creative prowess. This book is a final gift from her to you. Read it.
On Writing by Stephen King will surprise you with his insights into craft and is as easy to read as one of his short stories. Written to a large extent after he was hit by a car while on his daily walk and nearly killed, the insights are heightened by his close encounter with death. Even if you never read another book by King, writers should read On Writing.
A Poetry Handbook by Mary Oliver, even if poetry is not your main gig. If you write at all, you should probably write a poem once in awhile. It’s good for practicing brevity, for learning how to condense your work and make it pack a punch, for creating new and interesting verbs, and for the meditative quality of keeping the language simple while presenting complex ideas. And, well, for beauty. When I planted peonies, Leigh would say, “Now that’s a useless plant.” I asked why and she told me, “Well, it doesn’t feed anything.” Although I got her point, I continued my peony bed and said, “Oh yes, it does. The beauty of the flowers feed my soul. We have enough room for beauty.” When Spring arrived, she agreed.
Finally, I’m in agreement with Jeanne M. Craft and Current by Janisse Ray is one of the best, most inspired books on writing I’ve ever read. I have bought many copies to give to writing friends (and friends who used to write) as presents. I’ll be taking the workshop starting in January. I have so much to learn about the art of the essay that I am starting this book over on page 1 (something I did with none of the above mentioned books) and reading every word again. Because Janisse believes in magic, in everyday magic, as well as skills. She teaches that we all possess our own special magic that cannot be taken from you, although you can choose to throw it away. While I was reading it, I kept murmuring to myself, “Damn, Janisse, this is the BEST book on writing I’ve ever read.” And I have read many, many books about writing.
Please forgive my long-windedness, I’m a former bookseller and can’t help but want to sell you some really good books. Please buy from Independents if you can. ❤️
Great comment(s), Mendy! Thank you for all that. You've sold me on Mystery and Manners, as well as Stephen King's book (which my husband loves). And thanks for reminding me about A Poetry Handbook by Mary Oliver. That's on my bookshelf, too. And finally ... Plot Hound is a great name for a bookstore!
Five books to add to my stack of books! Thank you. I love the picture of your writing books; so well thumbed. In reading the comments, I have found additional books to read as well as ones I would have recommended. "Words Are My Matter" by Ursula K. Le Guin is a compelling read. Though it is a book that "collects talks, essays, and introductions to beloved books, and book reviews" it is also a peek into incredible writing and writing craft, through her use of both.
I read Mystery and Manners after reading your recommendation of it in Craft and Current and took so many notes. I’ll definitely have to check out the other books in this list!
I’m definitely going to read the one by Stephen Harrod Buhner, it sounds intriguing! My recommendation would be The Way of the Fearless Writer by Beth Kempton.
Well, I bet others are going to say this, too, but: Craft & Current. Of course! Also, The Writing Life by Annie Dillard. And thank you for introducing me to Ensouling Language. I still need to read that.
Dillard’s book is fabulous. I like the chapter about the erupting typewriter. For a while after reading it I said @If you see a writer on fire, fan the flames.
Adrienne Rich… a terrific suggestion. An all-time favorite with her poetry to set the example. Same with Muriel Rukeyser. Carol Bly’s books hold compelling truths and motivating moral energy, such as The Passionate, Accurate Story, and Changing the Billy who Rules the World, Beyond the Writers Workshop, as well as others.
Wouldn’t that have been marvelous to meet Adrienne Rich! Carol served me profoundly for several years as teacher, mentor, and friend before her death. 💝
I’m happy to have read 2 books on this list: Ensouling Language, which no one told me about but I found in a little bookstore in Burnsville, NC called Plot Hound books. I recognized that was what I wanted more than anything; to put my soul, my very spirit into the language I used to write anything—poetry, essay, song, fiction. What I learned was to let the soul of every thing shine through me. Since I read it, this book has affected other aspects of my life in unexpected ways. He is teaching you to “see” and to follow the golden thread, which is your raison d’etre. I was and still am, awed by his insights.
Mystery and Manners I read because I had already finished every other book and short story I could find by Flannery O’Connor. I was fascinated with her characters and creepiness, her distinct Southerness. I could hear that soft drawl when I read her work. Mystery and Manners allowed me inside her, showed me her sense of humor, the depth of her, and how to keep writing when you have a debilitating illness which comes with depression. Flannery had lupus and it killed her at what should have been the height of her creative prowess. This book is a final gift from her to you. Read it.
On Writing by Stephen King will surprise you with his insights into craft and is as easy to read as one of his short stories. Written to a large extent after he was hit by a car while on his daily walk and nearly killed, the insights are heightened by his close encounter with death. Even if you never read another book by King, writers should read On Writing.
A Poetry Handbook by Mary Oliver, even if poetry is not your main gig. If you write at all, you should probably write a poem once in awhile. It’s good for practicing brevity, for learning how to condense your work and make it pack a punch, for creating new and interesting verbs, and for the meditative quality of keeping the language simple while presenting complex ideas. And, well, for beauty. When I planted peonies, Leigh would say, “Now that’s a useless plant.” I asked why and she told me, “Well, it doesn’t feed anything.” Although I got her point, I continued my peony bed and said, “Oh yes, it does. The beauty of the flowers feed my soul. We have enough room for beauty.” When Spring arrived, she agreed.
Finally, I’m in agreement with Jeanne M. Craft and Current by Janisse Ray is one of the best, most inspired books on writing I’ve ever read. I have bought many copies to give to writing friends (and friends who used to write) as presents. I’ll be taking the workshop starting in January. I have so much to learn about the art of the essay that I am starting this book over on page 1 (something I did with none of the above mentioned books) and reading every word again. Because Janisse believes in magic, in everyday magic, as well as skills. She teaches that we all possess our own special magic that cannot be taken from you, although you can choose to throw it away. While I was reading it, I kept murmuring to myself, “Damn, Janisse, this is the BEST book on writing I’ve ever read.” And I have read many, many books about writing.
Please forgive my long-windedness, I’m a former bookseller and can’t help but want to sell you some really good books. Please buy from Independents if you can. ❤️
Wow. I'm speechless. Thank you, Mendy.
Great comment(s), Mendy! Thank you for all that. You've sold me on Mystery and Manners, as well as Stephen King's book (which my husband loves). And thanks for reminding me about A Poetry Handbook by Mary Oliver. That's on my bookshelf, too. And finally ... Plot Hound is a great name for a bookstore!
Still Writing - Dani Shapiro
More books for my TBR!
I think I’ve seen you mention Writing Down The Bones but it is one of my favorite writing books as is Stephen King’s On Writing.
Hope all is well with you and yours!
Five books to add to my stack of books! Thank you. I love the picture of your writing books; so well thumbed. In reading the comments, I have found additional books to read as well as ones I would have recommended. "Words Are My Matter" by Ursula K. Le Guin is a compelling read. Though it is a book that "collects talks, essays, and introductions to beloved books, and book reviews" it is also a peek into incredible writing and writing craft, through her use of both.
Thank you. I'll get it.
That LeGuin book sounds so good, Jenny. Thank you!
You are welcome! It is a good book and writing to aspire to.
I read Mystery and Manners after reading your recommendation of it in Craft and Current and took so many notes. I’ll definitely have to check out the other books in this list!
I’m definitely going to read the one by Stephen Harrod Buhner, it sounds intriguing! My recommendation would be The Way of the Fearless Writer by Beth Kempton.
I'll check it out!
Well, I bet others are going to say this, too, but: Craft & Current. Of course! Also, The Writing Life by Annie Dillard. And thank you for introducing me to Ensouling Language. I still need to read that.
Dillard’s book is fabulous. I like the chapter about the erupting typewriter. For a while after reading it I said @If you see a writer on fire, fan the flames.
This is fantastic! As someone always looking to level up their writing, I'd add my essential four to this conversation:
'Bird by Bird' by Anne Lamott (the bible for overwhelmed writers!)
'On Writing' by Stephen King (especially relevant for those of us writing after hours)
'On Writing Well' by William Zinsser (transformed both my work emails AND my creative writing)
'The Writing Life' by Steven Pressfield (perfect for battling resistance after long workdays)
Thank you, Matt. I love these 4.
Bird by Bird is a treasure.
Adrienne Rich… a terrific suggestion. An all-time favorite with her poetry to set the example. Same with Muriel Rukeyser. Carol Bly’s books hold compelling truths and motivating moral energy, such as The Passionate, Accurate Story, and Changing the Billy who Rules the World, Beyond the Writers Workshop, as well as others.
I had the pleasure of meeting Carol a couple of times. I wish I'd met Adrienne.
Wouldn’t that have been marvelous to meet Adrienne Rich! Carol served me profoundly for several years as teacher, mentor, and friend before her death. 💝
I like The Triggering Town by Richard Hugo and The Making of a Poem by Mark Strand and Evan Boland.
Also, A Little Book on Form by Robert Hass.
I’m so with you on Stephen Harrod Buhner. That book blew me away as did Secret Teachings of Plants and Earth Grief.
His thinking was eye-opening.