Books on Writing & Publishing

On Writing by Stephen King is a dual-purpose book that serves as both a memoir and a practical guide for aspiring writers.

To develop writing skills, an author needs to read different types of books: those that explain writing techniques, those that discuss authors’ experiences, and finally, classic literary works that are considered models of excellent narrative. Here are some of the most notable books new authors can benefit from to develop their skills:

1. Books on Writing Techniques

These books focus on building craft by concentrating on elements like plot, character, and dialogue.

• On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King: This book is considered one of the most important references for authors. In it, King combines his personal memoirs as a writer with practical advice on writing. It’s a book that demystifies the writing process and offers direct, useful tips.

• Writing Tools: 50 Essential Strategies for Every Writer by Roy Peter Clark: This book is like a mobile workshop. It provides 49 simple but effective rules and strategies for improving writing, from how to use strong verbs to building better sentences.

• Techniques of the Selling Writer by Nancy Kress: This book is excellent for authors who focus on fiction. It explains in detail how to build compelling characters, create exciting conflicts, and develop a coherent plot.

  
  

2. Books on Authors’ Experiences

These books help the author understand the psychological and professional aspects of writing.

• A Writer’s Life: Translated Essays by Abdullah Al-Zamaei: This book compiles essays from some of the world’s most famous authors, such as Haruki Murakami and Elizabeth Gilbert, who talk about their writing routines, how they deal with rejection, and their secrets to creativity. It’s an invaluable source of inspiration.

• The Mystery Behind the Lines: Talks from the Writing Kitchen by Ahmed Khaled Tawfik: One of the distinguished Arabic books where the late writer Ahmed Khaled Tawfik presents the essence of his writing experience in his sarcastic and convincing style. He covers everything related to a writer’s life, from thinking about an idea to dealing with publishers.

  
  

3. Essential Classic Books

Reading classic works isn’t just for enjoyment; it’s for learning from the masters of narrative. No great writer was not also a voracious reader.

• Crime and Punishment by Dostoevsky or War and Peace by Tolstoy: These works are considered schools for developing complex characters, building plots, and presenting philosophical ideas in a deeply literary way.

• Reading these books systematically while practicing writing regularly is the best way for any new author to develop their skills and reach a professional level.

  
  

4. Books on the Art of Arabic Writing

• Al-Hekaya Wama Fiha (The Story and What’s in It) by Mohamed Abdel Naby: This book reviews the principles of narrative through practical exercises, explaining how to build a story, develop characters, and use language in an impactful way.

• Fan Al-Kitaba Al-Arabiyya (The Art of Arabic Writing) by Mustafa Sadiq Al-Rafi’i: Despite its age, this book is a treasure trove of rhetoric and style. It helps polish language and understand the secrets of beauty in an Arabic text.

  
  

5. Books on Creativity and Complementary Skills

• Becoming a Writer by Dorothea Brande: This book focuses on the psychological side of the writing process. It helps authors overcome mental blocks, build regular writing habits, and unleash creativity.

• Fan Al-Nashr Wa Sina’at Al-Kitab (The Art of Publishing and the Book Industry) by Mohamed Adnan Salem: This book is not about writing itself but about the world of publishing. It is an important reference for understanding the relationship between the writer and the publisher, how to prepare a manuscript for publication, and understanding the commercial aspects of the book industry.

• Letters to a Young Novelist by Mario Vargas Llosa: Through a collection of letters, Llosa offers valuable advice to a fictional writer, discussing the importance of passion, commitment, and facing the challenges of writing while providing deep insights into the world of literature.

I hope this additional list is useful on your literary journey.