Okay, let’s get this outta the way—any book can be a great book for a writer to read. What I’m talking about here are books that you can read that will actually make you a better writer. And there are exactly 400 zillion of these kind of books out there. I have read them all and offer the following—in no particular order—as my Best of the Best:

On Writing by Stephen King. There was a time when everybody was reading a Stephen King book. He could out Twilight Twilight, be hungrier than the Hunger Games, and he had more hold-your-breath moments per book than you’d get a any two Harry Potter. But styles come and styles go and it seems that the masses have all but abandoned Mr. King. Big mistake people. But if you don’t read his horror, if you’re a writer you’ve got to read On Writing. Half the book is a short bio and you can skip it if you like, but you would be smart to memorize the stuff he says about storytelling and building a writer’s toolbox.

The Key: How to Write Damn Good Fiction Using the Power of Myth by James N. Frey. So many new writers tell me that they are writing a story unlike any story ever written. Yeah, good luck with that. Frey’s book shows you how you can tap into the archetype plotline to create a compelling, exciting and meaning-rich stories that are still 100% original. Read it and then go back and watch Star Wars (the New Hope one), The Wizard of Oz and Pulp Fiction. You will be impressed.

Maps of the Imagination: The Writer as Cartographer by Peter Turchi. This one can be a little tough going so I recommend it to the more advanced writers out there. I was reading this book when I wrote Out of Order and can honestly say that my book is a better book because of this book.

The Unstrung Harp; or, Mr. Earbrass Writes a Novel by Edward Gorey. This thin little picture book offers no writing advice, but you must read it because it captures exactly what it’s like to be an author, right down to the tea cups on the floor. Read it and become wise beyond your years. And laugh your ass off in the process.