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Want to be a better writer? Read these books

Oct 6, 2025

Guest

Liz Crocker

Guest

Robert J. Wiersema

Robert J. Wiersema, an author and creative-writing professor, shares his top book recommendations to help aspiring writers find their voice and hone their craft. He emphasizes the importance of self-care in the writing process, highlighting titles like Maggie Smith's 'Dear Writer' for practical guidance and comfort. Meanwhile, Liz Crocker, owner of Woozles, delves into local history, recommending Afua Cooper’s 'The Halifax Explosion' for children and discussing its poignant storytelling rooted in community resilience. Their insights make for an inspiring listen!

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INSIGHT

Structure Your Craft Library

A craft library contains different kinds of books for different writing needs: how-to, technical, and experiential books.
Robert J. Wiersema organizes these into creativity, commerce, and comfort as a useful framework.

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ADVICE

Read Books That Normalize Writing's Interior

Read experiential, centering books like Stephen King's On Writing and Anne Lamott's Bird by Bird to understand the writer's interior life.
These books normalize loneliness and give practical emotional tools for sustaining a writing practice.

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ADVICE

Center Your Day Before Writing

Use Sarah Selecki's Story Is a State of Mind to cultivate curiosity, attention, and openness to inner voices.
Start writing days with a walk or short meditation to center creativity and focus.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Why writers ask for craft book recommendations

01:05 • 3min

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Are writers born or made?

03:38 • 34sec

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How reading craft books helps a novelist

04:11 • 1min

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Creative approaches: Story is a State of Mind

05:12 • 2min

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Commerce explained in Write Through It

07:11 • 3min

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Comfort and pep talks in Dear Writer

10:05 • 4min

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Living well to write well

13:52 • 1min

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Visiting Woozles: local bookstore intro

15:12 • 3min

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Picture book about the Halifax Explosion

17:50 • 35sec

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What happened during the Halifax Explosion?

18:26 • 3min

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Why a picture book works for this story

21:34 • 2min

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Who should read The Halifax Explosion

23:26 • 36sec

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What to read next about the explosion

24:02 • 1min

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How historical fiction reflects modern Halifax

25:17 • 55sec

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What keeps a bookseller passionate after 45 years?

26:12 • 46sec

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Kids talk about why they love reading

A passion for narrative

a guide for writing fiction

When the World Fell Silent

Donna Jones Alward

Story is a State of Mind

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Sarah Selecki

The Halifax Explosion

An Insider's Guide to Publishing and the Creative Life

Kate McKeon

This Cake Is for the Party

Sarah Selecky

#5089

• Mentioned in 7 episodes

Writing down the bones

Natalie Goldberg

#9481

• Mentioned in 4 episodes

Dear Writer

Maggie Smith

Dear Writer provides tools for artists of all experience levels by breaking down creativity into ten essential elements: attention, wonder, vision, play, surprise, vulnerability, restlessness, tenacity, connection, and hope. Each element is explored through inspiring essays and generative writing prompts, making it accessible to various genres and areas of life. The book is inspired by Maggie Smith's twenty years of teaching experience and her bestselling Substack newsletter, For Dear Life.

#3833

• Mentioned in 9 episodes

You Can Make This Place Beautiful

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Maggie Smith

Maggie Smith's "You Can Make This Place Beautiful" offers a poignant exploration of divorce and its aftermath. The book delves into the emotional complexities of separation, examining themes of grief, loss, and self-discovery. Smith's honest and vulnerable portrayal of her experiences resonates with readers who have faced similar challenges. The book explores the process of healing and rebuilding one's life after a significant loss. It offers a message of hope and resilience, reminding readers that even in the midst of pain, beauty and growth are possible.

• Mentioned in 104 episodes

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.

#4260

• Mentioned in 8 episodes

Keep Moving

Maggie Smith

In 'Keep Moving,' Maggie Smith shares her personal journey through divorce, single parenthood, postpartum depression, anxiety, loss, and grief. The book is a compilation of daily affirmations and essays that she initially posted on social media to help herself and others move forward through difficult times. It emphasizes the importance of kindness, hope, and transformation, encouraging readers to lean into change rather than avoiding it. The book is praised for its profound insights, empathy, and honesty, making it a valuable resource for anyone struggling with grief, change, and uncertainty.

#328

• Mentioned in 60 episodes

Bird by Bird

Some Instructions on Writing and Life

Anne Lamott

Susan Bennett

Bird by Bird is a comprehensive guide to writing that covers various aspects of the craft, from the initial stages of starting a project to the technical details of plot, character, and dialogue. Lamott emphasizes the importance of persistence, faith, and hard work in writing. She advocates for writing imperfect first drafts and warns against the pitfalls of perfectionism and self-criticism. The book also delves into the emotional and spiritual aspects of writing, encouraging writers to confront their deepest fears and desires. Lamott's approach is down-to-earth, humorous, and generously filled with personal experiences and practical advice.

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Dreyer's English

An Utterly Correct Guide to Clarity and Style

Benjamin Dreyer

In 'Dreyer's English,' Benjamin Dreyer offers a comprehensive and engaging guide to writing well. The book challenges traditional grammar rules and highlights the importance of clarity and style in writing. Dreyer discusses the use of punctuation, the distinction between 'rules' and 'nonrules' in English, and provides practical advice on avoiding common writing mistakes such as the use of 'very,' 'rather,' and 'really. ' The book also explores differences between American and British English and includes Dreyer's personal 'peeves' and preferences in language usage.

Have you always wanted to write a book of your own? From the outside the publishing industry and writing life can seem mysterious and unattainable. Author and creative writing professor Robert J. Wiersema might be able to help you out. He recommends three books that could take you from wanting to write, to actually doing it. And hear from Liz Crocker, the owner of Halifax bookstore Woozles and her staff picks. Plus our kids' readers talk about their passion for books!

Books discussed on this week's show include:

The Halifax Explosion by Afua Cooper

When the World Fell Silent by Donna Jones Alward

Story is a State of Mind by Sarah Selecky

Write Through It: An Insider’s Guide to Publishing and the Creative Life by Kate Mckean

Dear Writer by Maggie Smith

Megabat by Anna Humphrey illustrated by Kass Reich

The Cartoonists Club by Raina Telgemeier and Scott McCloud

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