To Write Better, First Read These Three Books

IBNA International Service – Elaheh Shams: According to Robert J. Wiersema, studying books related to the art and experience of writing provides a kind of ‘focus recovery’ for the writer, reminding them that others have also traversed this path; that ‘what you are experiencing has been experienced before you, and you are not alone on this journey.’

From ‘Wanting’ to ‘Writing’

In an interview with The Next Chapter program, Robert J. Wiersema introduced three books to help nascent writers transition from the dreaming phase to action. His first recommendation is the book Story Is a State of Mind by Sarah Selecky.

Wiersema likens this book to a meditation for mental focus, inviting the writer to choose ‘curiosity instead of pessimism’ and sometimes ‘trusting intuition instead of logic.’ According to him, literature has for years wrestled with the destructive myth of the ‘suffering writer’; the idea that creativity is indebted to suffering and disarray is a false belief. In this book, Selecky compiles two decades of educating and guiding writers, offering an integrated approach to the creative process.

Wiersema, who does not consider himself a ‘holistic’ person, acknowledges that he always applies Selecky’s advice and starts his day with a short walk to purify his mind: ‘I can guarantee that this method is truly effective.’ Selecky, an author and writing instructor from Ontario, was previously shortlisted for the Scotiabank Giller Prize and longlisted for the Frank O’Connor Award in 2010 with her short story collection This Cake Is for the Party.

Addressing the Commercial Aspect of Writing

Wiersema’s second recommended book is Write Through It by Kit McKean. McKean writes from the heart of the publishing industry, discussing the difficulties of operating within this complex system. Wiersema classifies this book under works related to the ‘business of writing.’

In this work, McKean, drawing on two decades of experience as a literary agent, discusses the challenges of publication and the difficult path of bringing a work to market. Despite her professional successes, she also has books that have never been published, and for this reason, she is familiar with both sides of the story.

Wiersema emphasizes: ‘This book hits the sensitive core of the issue. Many writers resist the concept of business; they want their works to be published, to be bestsellers, and to be adapted into films, but they are unwilling to accept its commercial aspect.’

According to Wiersema, Write Through It is a ‘valuable and up-to-date’ resource from someone who ‘has been on both sides of this field, both in the world of writing and in the publishing industry.’ The first chapter of the book is dedicated to writing the initial draft, but it then delves into topics such as text editing, finding a literary agent, submitting works to publishers, and collaborating on contract negotiations. Wiersema says: ‘This book is like an opportunity to sit across from a literary agent and ask them all the questions you have about getting your book into the hands of readers.’

A Letter for Author Self-Care

This book, which Wiersema has placed in the ‘Comfort’ section of his list, emphasizes more than anything the care of the ‘human’ behind the writer; meaning that before writing tirelessly, one should prioritize oneself as a human being.

Dear Writer: Pep Talks and Practical Advice for the Creative Life, by bestselling author Maggie Smith, divides creativity into ten essential elements: attention, wonder, perseverance, and hope. This book is a collection of short essays, each concluding with writing exercises. In addition to discussing metaphor and word choice, Smith places special emphasis on the importance of ‘calm’ and ‘self-care.’

In Dear Writer, it is stated that ‘caring for oneself as a complete human being’ is an inseparable part of caring for oneself as a writer. She explicitly states that there is no necessity for daily writing and, more realistically than many cliché recommendations, emphasizes that daily writing is not feasible for many people—especially women writers.

Referring to this realism, Wiersema says: ‘Smith correctly points out that this notion disregards the reality of many writers’ lives.’ Instead, the book recommends that writers ‘commit to doing at least one thing for their writing every day’; a small but continuous task to keep the creative cycle alive.

Source: cbc.ca, Oct 24, 2025