Stolaroid Stories 12 Books for Writers and Storytellers (Should you read them?)
Dec 14, 2024
Dive into a treasure trove of insights from famous writing guides. Explore how books like 'On Writing' by Stephen King and 'The Elements of Style' shape both fiction and non-fiction narration. Reflect on the creative process with gems like 'Zen in the Art of Writing' and discover practical advice in 'On Writing Well.' The conversation also delves into lesser-known titles that spark inspiration and enhance storytelling fluidity. Plus, there's a gem for language learners that makes for a perfect gift!
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Intro
00:00 • 2min
Exploring Influential Books on Writing and Storytelling
02:19 • 6min
Essential Books for Aspiring Writers: Insights and Recommendations
08:01 • 6min
Exploring the Mind of a Writer: Reflections on Creativity and Writing
13:54 • 6min
Promoting Language Learning and Writing Resources
19:45 • 2min
Storyworthy
Engage, Teach, Persuade, and Change Your Life through the Power of Storytelling
Matthew Dicks
In 'Storyworthy,' Matthew Dicks provides a comprehensive guide on the art of storytelling. The book is divided into three parts: Finding your story, Crafting your story, and Telling your story. Dicks shares his own stories to illustrate key points and offers tips and exercises to help readers improve their storytelling skills. He emphasizes the importance of identifying a 'five-second moment' of transformation or realization in every story and provides techniques for making stories engaging and memorable. The book is designed to help anyone become a better storyteller, whether for personal or professional purposes, and highlights how storytelling can deepen connections with others and enhance one's own life[1][3][5].
On Writing
A Memoir of the Craft
Stephen King
This book is both a memoir and a writing guide. It details Stephen King's life, from his childhood and early writing endeavors to his struggles with addiction and his near-fatal accident in 1999. The book is divided into sections that cover King's life ('C.V.'), the nature of writing ('What Writing Is'), writing mechanics ('Toolbox'), his advice on the craft ('On Writing'), and his recovery from the accident ('On Living: A Postscript'). King offers practical tips on writing, including the importance of vocabulary, grammar, and style, as well as the need for consistent writing routines and ruthless editing. He emphasizes that good writing comes from within, driven by curiosity, wonder, and emotional honesty rather than commercial motives.
On Writing
A Memoir of the Craft
Stephen King
This book is both a memoir and a writing guide. It details Stephen King's life, from his childhood and early writing endeavors to his struggles with addiction and his near-fatal accident in 1999. The book is divided into sections that cover King's life ('C.V.'), the nature of writing ('What Writing Is'), writing mechanics ('Toolbox'), his advice on the craft ('On Writing'), and his recovery from the accident ('On Living: A Postscript'). King offers practical tips on writing, including the importance of vocabulary, grammar, and style, as well as the need for consistent writing routines and ruthless editing. He emphasizes that good writing comes from within, driven by curiosity, wonder, and emotional honesty rather than commercial motives.
The Science of Storytelling
Why Stories Make Us Human and How to Tell Them Better
Will Storr
Elements of Style
E. B. White
Strunk, William, Jr.
Roger Angell
Originally written by William Strunk Jr. in 1918, 'The Elements of Style' is a comprehensive guide to writing in English. The book was later revised and expanded by E.B. White in 1959. It covers elementary rules of usage, principles of composition, matters of form, and commonly misused words and expressions. The guide is renowned for its emphasis on clear, concise, and vigorous writing, advising writers to omit needless words, use the active voice, and employ parallelism appropriately. The book has become a staple in U.S. high school and university composition classes and is widely regarded as one of the most influential non-fiction books written in English since 1923.
The Practice
Shipping Creative Work
Seth Godin
In 'The Practice', Seth Godin emphasizes the importance of consistent creative work and the process of creation over the outcome. The book argues that creativity is a choice driven by the desire to find new truths, solve problems, and serve others. Godin insists that the practice itself is the output, and it is what we can control. He encourages readers to trust the process, commit to the journey, and embrace discomfort and potential failure as part of the creative process. The book also highlights the importance of generosity and serving others through one's work, and it discourages the pursuit of external validation and outcomes[1][3][4].
Any Language You Want
Any Language You Want
Fabio Cerpelloni
Several short sentences about writing
Verlyn Klinkenborg
It was the best of sentences, it was the worst of sentences
June Casagrande
The best punctuation book, period
June Casagrande
Zen in the art of writing
Ray Bradbury
This book is a series of essays that delve into Bradbury's personal experiences and wisdom on writing. It explores the creative process, the importance of imagination, and the role of passion and enthusiasm in writing. Bradbury shares practical tips on finding original ideas, developing one's voice and style, and the necessity of consistent writing practice. The essays emphasize the joy of creation, the integration of life experiences into writing, and the importance of embracing failures as part of the learning process. The book is a blend of biography and instruction, making it a valuable resource for aspiring writers[2][3][5].
If You Want to Write
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Brenda Ulan
A few thoughts on some of the books about writing I've read.
- The Science of Storytelling by Will Storr
- The Elements of Style by Strunk and White
- Zen in the Art of Writing by Ray Bradbury
- On Writing by Stephen King
- If You Want to Write by Brenda Ueland
- On Writing Well by William Zinsser
- The Practice by Seth Godin - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_uuU5nvJAE&t=308s
- It Was the Best of Sentences, It Was the Worst of Sentences by June Casagrande - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPwNwa6p96I&t=337s
- The Best Punctuation Book, Period by June Casagrande
- Storyworthyg by Matthew Dicks - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHyXAAAa_Po
- Several Short Sentences About Writing by Verlyn Klinkenborg - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEJmxMuKecg&t=355s
- Any Language You Want by me :) - https://www.amazon.com/Any-Language-Want-Fabio-Cerpelloni/dp/B0CDYT58HW
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