Are you experiencing the infamous writer’s block? Literature’s greats know that feeling all too well. Get inspired by some of the best writers in the world. From titles by best-selling authors to creative writing guides, get writing tips and advice by tuning into the best writing books available on Audible. We’ve compiled a list of inspiring, motivational, and practical listens for aspiring authors and pros alike to help you press forward in your writing journey and get stuck into your next first draft.
Strong storytelling is critical, whether you’re into writing science fiction, swoon-worthy romance stories, or even a podcast script. In his self-narrated audiobook, writer James Hynes takes a deep dive into the fiction writing process, from deciding the big idea for your plot to revising the first draft of your new short story or novel. Writing great fiction is hard work, but James Hynes’ audiobook helps aspiring writers turn structural weaknesses into strengths. Hit play on Writing Great Fiction: Storytelling Tips and Techniques and apply everything you learn about creating strong story structure from this helpful how-to guide to your next writing session.
When seeking out a mentor, experience and expertise are key. If you’re eager to hone your fiction writing skills, look no further than Margaret Atwood. With more than 50 books, poems and short stories to her name, writing fiction has made Atwood truly iconic. After all, she wrote The Handmaid’s Tale and has won countless awards, including the Booker Prize. In her audiobook On Writers and Writing, the Canadian best-selling author reflects on her life and her experiences with writing, sharing valuable gems that’ll help you turn your good book into a great book. Narrated by Margaret Atwood herself, this audiobook is performed with plenty of wit and humour, making it an entertaining and educational listen.
What are the secrets behind writing fiction or non-fiction books that captivate listeners and leave them wanting more? Writer Matt Bird lays it all out in his The Secrets of Story audiobook. Narrated by Eric Michael Summerer, this book teaches you how to refine your storytelling and creative writing approach. He introduces you to the ‘Ultimate Story Checklist’ to keep in mind for your next writing session, and asks thought-provoking questions that’ll help you get the most out of your writing time. With The Secrets of Story: Innovative Tools for Perfecting Your Fiction and Captivating Readers, you can take advantage of all these writing tools to master the art of good writing.
In addition to great storytelling, style and structure are essential. William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White present a concise writing guide that focuses on precisely that. Brought to audio by award-winning author Frank McCourt, this informative style guide dives into the crucial aspects of writing fiction and non-fiction books to a high standard. Perfect for beginners, this audiobook includes segments on punctuation and grammar rules that will aid your self-editing process. Nail down the basic principles of good writing with The Element of Style and apply them to your next project.
The celebrated American writer and editor Sol Stein lends his expertise to this audiobook. Sol Stein is the perfect mentor, having edited the works of some of the world’s most successful writers in his long-lived career. In Stein on Writing, he shares his trusted techniques and strategies in a clear and concise format that will help you to elevate your writing skills. Christopher Lane’s powerful performance will motivate any writer to pick up the pen and follow Stein’s practical examples throughout the audiobook. Hit play on one of the best writing books and learn how to engage your audience from an expert.
If you haven’t already, make this the year you write your first book. In this audiobook, best-selling author Walter Mosley supports you through every step, from getting started with your book idea to establishing a writing schedule, from creating a strong main character to revising your story to perfection. Whether it’s your first time writing a novel or you’re looking to improve your process, This Year You Write Your Novel lays out all the tools you need. From getting the most out of your writing time to finding the narrative voice for your style, narrator Dion Graham walks you through it all with clarity and reassurance.
What makes a great book great? If you ask award-winning writer K.M. Weiland, the answer is a good structure. In this step-by-step guide to creating a well-plotted novel, you’ll find all the writing tools you need to piece together your first book. From getting into the minds of your audience to turning weaknesses in your plot into strengths, Structuring Your Novel will leave you feeling more confident as a writer and ready to apply Weiland’s writing tips to your next project. Sonja Field’s narration makes it all easy to follow. After hitting play on this audiobook, you’ll be ready to review your work through a different lens, tackle any problems in your story, and take your creative writing to a whole new level.
Sometimes, tough love is the best approach, so don’t be put off by the blunt title of this excellent writing book. In Nobody Wants to Read Your Sh⁎t, Steven Pressfield uncovers the painful and uncomfortable truths about writing your book and the qualms of the writing life. Narrated by Pressfield himself, this audiobook is a must-listen for any budding writer. He explores the role of empathy and how you can reap the fruits of your imagination to become a successful writer. Embrace Pressfield’s unapologetic, tough-love approach and apply these insightful writing tips to your next project.
New York-based writer and speaker Natalie Goldberg explores writing as a Zen practice in Writing Down the Bones. After all, Goldberg has dedicated decades of her life to practising Zen philosophy and teaching seminars on writing. Reflecting on the voice of her younger self as well as her present self, Goldberg shares advice, tips, and inspiration for improving your writing—whether just for fun or as a professional pursuit. If you’re struggling with confidence or have inner demons holding you back from excelling in your craft, this is the audiobook for you. Sharing her wisdom for becoming a better writer in a personable style and down-to-earth tone, Goldberg practises Zen in her narration too.
Zen in the Art of Writing is an engaging and invaluable guide for anyone striving to write better. Ray Bradbury’s wisdom, expertly voiced by narrator Jim Frangione, sets out to inspire the writer in you, rather than handhold you through the writing process. The late American author and screenwriter emphasises practising Zen when addressing your writing routine, focusing on your enjoyment and the natural flow of your creative process. This audiobook is a must-listen for writers looking to find their spark, acknowledge their instincts, rekindle the passions that make them want to pick up the pen and thrive in doing so. Bradbury’s holistic approach to the art of writing will inspire writers of all styles and levels of experience.
Another Steven Pressfield title on our list? We couldn’t resist. The American author returns with another audiobook on writing and overcoming the challenges that may stand in your way. The War of Art: Winning the Inner Creative Battle will help you unlock your creativity and beat writer’s block. Full of practical advice, this straightforward guide sets out to help you bring out your creativity, battle against resistance and anxiety, and come out on top as a confident, raring-to-go writer. Passionately narrated by the author, The War of Art is one of the best straight-to-the-point books for improving your craft.
As an accomplished writer, teacher and filmmaker, Julia Cameron is the perfect guide for any creative looking to refine their art. Unlike many titles on this list, The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity isn’t just about writing. In this audiobook, narrated by Eliza Foss, Cameron taps into the deeper aspect of any artist’s creative journey—what drives them, what fires them up to make art, and how they can stay true to their passions and creative goals. This spiritually-driven guide will have you thinking about what motivates you as a writer or creative, while providing you with the tools to stimulate your growth as an artist and individual.
Don’t be fooled by the title. Anne Lamott’s Bird by Bird is an absolute must-listen for anyone who wants to become a great writer. In fact, it’s widely considered the ultimate writer’s bible. Narrated by Susan Bennett, this audiobook doesn’t just walk you through the intricacies of structuring a novel or perfecting your final draft. Deeply insightful and honest, this listen explores how you can write your truth, live an authentic life, and reap the rewards of writing on a personal level. Whether you are penning an epic novel or simply writing a meaningful daily word, Bird by Bird is about tapping into your creativity and expressing yourself. And it’s packed with funny and down-to-earth anecdotes from Lamott, a best-selling author.
Whether you want to pen the next great novel, write for The New York Times, share your memoir, or create a thought-provoking non-fiction piece, On Writing Well by William Zinsser is the perfect tool to help you get there. This audiobook has been praised for its clear, helpful, and effective style, which teaches and instructs in a constructive and easy-to-follow manner. From getting started with the help of templates to cultivating a strong voice, Zinsser walks you through the best way to approach each type of writing—including an additional new section on how to write a memoir. Anyone who’s planning to self publish, look for a book deal, or simply write from their own heart will find much to elevate their work in On Writing Well.
