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Want to be a better writer? Read these books

Oct 6, 2025
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.
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.
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.
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