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What's the best book you've ever read on the craft of writing? Why did you like it?

Before telling which one I liked the best, I would want to know if any one likes meg cabot's books? It seems that of all the books I have read, I cannot forget the guy next door that I read by meg cabot. I look forward to read more of her work. She writes simply yet so skillfully. I love her for that..

Career Novelist wrote:What's the best book you've ever read on the craft of writing? Why did you like it?

Stephen King's On Writing is a good one. He gives all these personal anecdotes and relates them to his experience as a writer. It's written pretty well and is humorous, but I'm not a fan of his fiction.

The Elements of Style by William Strunk and E. B. White is another good one, just for working out the kinks in your prose like where to put an apostrophe, how to use semi-colons. It even has a section on commonly misused words and expressions. It's a tiny 80 page book and it's pretty useful.

I also read William Zinsser's On Writing Well, but I'm not too crazy about it. Zinsser, like King, also uses personal anecdotes. Basically, it's a guide to the essentials of writing: your tone, avoiding clutter, stuff about your audience. There are also sections on sports writing, writing biographies, and memoirs.

I don't really like reading books on writing, because it massively goes against my philosophy that writing should be fun. Reading books filled with high ended advice is the best way to alienate m. But a good friend of mine has been bugging me to read Sandra Newman and Howard Mittelmark's ''How Not to Write a Novel''. I took a peek at it, and it actually is quite funny at times.

But you have to approach any of these texts with fundamental skepticism, because writing, like any form of art, shouldn't have ''rules'' attached to it. Take a look at any painting by Leonardo Da Vinci, and then take a look at another one by Picasso... They are so utterly different. It follows for writing.

As already mentioned above, Stephen King On Writing is a great example of the craft of writing and the ins and outs of publishing, developing and idea and overcoming writers block, its a fascinating account of both the author and writing in general, sure to give inspiration to all the up and coming authors

The AP Stylebook

Stephen King's On Writing is my favorite book on the subject. It's like taking a course with someone who LOVES what he does and who enjoys imparting some great wisdom on those who wish to jump into the field. Best advice from it is to write what you know. If you're a plumber, write about a plumber in some kind of crazy situation. Gems like that, along with King's familiar voice are why this book is essential for King lovers and any aspiring author.

google book is the best.

im also prefer the Google book

I have to agree with a lot of people here with Stephen King's "On Writing"...it really gives some insight to what makes writing a true "craft" and not some "hobby".

The art of fiction by gardner and john is the best book it is not only suitable for beginner it is helpful for the people of different ages. This book has inspired many writers I had no interest in writing books before. I read this book but after reading this book I got interest in writing.

i like reading books from google

Last book i read was amazing. Pushed me back on track again. I had some struggle with reading books in last time, even though i used to read a lot since i was little. The thing is, that sometimes it is really hard to satisfy my criteria.. now-days everybody is a successful writer.. but not everybody knows how to play with words, how to give every single word meaning.

It is called Hike your own hike byFrancis Tapon. The book itself is not just about hiking, it is about our hike, hike that we hike every day.

And at the end of the book, not only i feel in love with hiking and his writing style, but also in love in life.

i was very impressed by the style of writing, his sense of humor, i really loved his tips in the last chapter.. i wrote them down and put them next to my bed. Every time i have a conflict with myself or some other thing/ person in my life i try to estimate how big of a deal my problem really is..

And i can not wait for his second book on Eastern Europe to come out. On his web page, there is a free download of first three chapters. And i have to admit it, that it is even better than the first book. Each paragraph is filed with information, knowledge and humor.

Worth reading. I think this guy deserves the title! He gave me hope and confirmation, that out there, somewhere, there are still writers, who are able to satisfy my appetite.

I don't really like reading books on writing, because it massively goes against my philosophy that writing should be fun. Reading books filled with high ended advice is the best way to alienate m. But a good friend of mine has been bugging me to read Sandra Newman and Howard Mittelmark's ''How Not to Write a Novel''.

I agree...Stephen King's "On Writing" is an entertaining non-fiction look at all aspects of the craft. Good practical advice from someone who has certainly done well with his writing.