Hi again everyone,
January is generally a time to put new habits in place, so here are a few of my favourite books about creative writing in case you’re planning on getting more serious with your writing this year!
The Artists Way by Julia Cameron
This is a really popular book for writers and artists who struggle with self-doubt and blocks. It’s laid out like a 12-week course, but you can take it at your own pace and do the exercises when you have time. The week when you’re not meant to read anything is one of the hardest! This is a great book to work through with a friend, and it’s easy to get second-hand copies online – in fact that goes for all of these.
On Writing by Stephen King
Stephen King is a really brilliant creative writing teacher apart from writing about a million epic horror stories! This book feels like having a friendly chat with King and getting the benefit of his years of experience as a professional writer.
Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg
This was the first book about writing that I came across, and it changed how I approached writing very significantly. Again, it’s really good for just providing inspiration and overcoming doubt and insecurity. We all need that, especially with what’s going on in the world at the moment!
Speaking of which: young voices are some of the most important in the fight against injustice and oppression. Young people often bring a fresh perspective to things that older people have become kind of immune to, and can wake people up from complacency. If you feel angry and inspired to write by what you see in the news and in the world around you, let it out!