10 Best Guiding Books for Writers & Poets-Favbookshelf

best books for writers

Do you find yourself staring at a blank page with no idea of what to write next? How many of us felt blockage ideas when we wanted to write? I did feel it many times! So, of course, the immediate reaction is to search online. And this online surfing helped to bump into several books which guided and nurtured my writing habits. So here is the list of books for those who want to discover poets, writers, and storytellers within themselves.

P.S: All were shuffled in mind but now arranged into alphabetical order, same as these books helped me put my thoughts in order!

 best books for writers
Best Guiding books for writers and poets

So. here is the list for best books for writers and poets:


#1 365 by Noah Scalin


About The Book

365 : a daily creativity journal by by Noah Scalin ;  best books for writers
365: A daily creativity journal by Noah Scalin

Title: 365: A daily creativity journal

Author: Noah Scalin

Publisher: Voyageur Press

Genre: Non-fiction/Self Help/Journaling

Type: Standalone

Pages: 240

Goodreads rating: 4.0/5

Noah Scalin’s “365 methods” concept is simple but inspired: Choose a theme or medium, then make something every day for a year. The basic idea is to keep the writer’s creativity intact. The book offers 365 project prompts to kick start your creativity, plus plenty of room for journaling, sketching, and jotting down ideas. Learn how to choose your subject, document your work, and see examples from other artists and crafters who took the 365 challenge. In addition, master new techniques to incorporate into your projects, including quilling, clay-making, paper pop-up engineering, and more. The book is all about creating. There are creative activities like doing something out of paper without scissors or glue, going to the kitchen, and preparing something from the fruit you find first!

Why do we recommend this book?

In my experience, these activities boost your creativity. This book will help you get through creativity blocks through its simple activities, some are too simple, and some are too open-ended. If you want to find the motivation to unstuck yourself, this book is for you.

To buy/gift 365: A daily creativity journal, click on the link below:


#2 1,000 Creative Writing Prompts Box Set by Bryan Cohen


About The Book

1,000 Creative Writing Prompts Box Set by Bryan Cohen
1,000 Creative Writing Prompts Box Set by Bryan Cohen

Title: 1,000 Creative Writing Prompts Box Set

Author: Bryan Cohen

Publisher: Build Creative Writing Ideas

Genre: Non-fiction/Writing

Type: Series/ 5 books

Pages: 830

Goodreads rating: 3.6/5

As the title says, this book set is full of prompts, enough nudges to keep the writing in a smooth flow. It is divided into many parts like four seasons or many prompts under topics like time, travel, memory, etc. One can pick any depending upon the mood and write. As you proceed towards the end, there are situation-based snippets for one’s inspirations, where one can take it forward with their imagination. There is no hard rule that you have to start from page one!

Why do we recommend this book?

As a writer, I needed motivation, a nudge to explore various concepts, and this book is precisely that. Great help for writers! There is no guidance regarding the writing structure, styles, or suggestions to write. But this book is like an ocean full of prompts. This book is worth trying for someone who wants little motivation to start writing a day.

To buy/gift 1,000 Creative Writing Prompts Box Set, click on the below link:


#3 Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott


About The Book

Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by by Anne Lamott;  best books for writers
Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott

Title: Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life

Author: Anne Lamott

Publisher: Anchor

Genre: Non-fiction/Writing/Memoir

Type: Standalone

Pages: 237

Goodreads rating: 4.2/5

The book is divided into five parts. It acts as a guide, one step at a time, with topics like characters, first drafts, someone to read your drafts, etc. Each chapter has proses, a simple book without any images. A blend of memoirs and putting light on the writer, Anne speaks about her personal experiences. It gives a customized touch to know why the book title is Bird by Bird. One must read this book.

Why do we recommend this book?

When you read the book, you feel like the author is speaking to you, which gives a personal connection with the book. Though this book has a few tasks/exercises and is more of a self-story. So, if you are looking to seek inspiration to write, then this book is worth reading.

To buy/gift Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Lifeclick on the below link:


#4 Creative Writing Exercises For Dummies by Maggie Hamand


About The Book

Creative Writing Exercises For Dummies by by Maggie Hamand
Creative Writing Exercises For Dummies by Maggie Hamand

Title: Creative Writing Exercises For Dummies

Author: Maggie Hamand

Publisher: For Dummies

Genre: Non-fiction/Writing

Type: Standalone series

Pages: 344

Goodreads rating: 3.7/5

This is an activity-based handbook on creative writing. It is a step-by-step creative writing course designed to hone your craft, regardless of your ability. It gives you a glimpse of insights into story writing, plays, novels, etc., which brings action into reality. This book has you covered whether you’re a new writer with a seed of an idea you would like to develop or are looking to strengthen your creative writing skills. The book includes writing prompts, exercises, mind maps, flow charts, and diagrams designed to get your ideas flowing. In addition, you’ll get expert guidance on character development, plot structure, and prose, plus extensive insight into self-editing and polishing your work. Covering every aspect of the narrative, from setting initial goals to formatting a manuscript, Creative Writing Exercises For Dummies provides the tools and instruction you need to make your story the best.

Why do we recommend this book?

A blend of icons, images, and proses is my taste in reading, and this book serves that. The way concepts are broken down visually pleases the readers. The book is to the point and with ample exercises. I felt this book is more focused and a better companion to seek guidance on the project you are working on. It is precise and crisp.

To buy/gift Creative Writing Exercises For Dummiesclick the below link :


#5 Find your Voice by Noor Unnahar


About The Book

Find your Voice by Noor Unnahar
Find your Voice by Noor Unnahar

Title: Find your Voice

Author: Noor Unnahar

Publisher: Clarkson Potter Publishers

Genre: Writing/Journal/Poetry

Type: Standalone

Pages: 160

Goodreads rating: 4.1/5

From Pakistani poet and Instagram darling Noor Unnahar comes a journal that encourages writers to explore their inner poet through various evocative and thought-provoking prompts, using Noor’s captivating voice as a guide. This journal is where pop poetry and creative inspiration meet. With more than 100 writing prompts influenced by Noor’s handwritten poetry and beautiful collages, this journal allows writers to explore their writing style and funnel it into meaningful, cathartic, provocative poetry. Before activities on poetic devices, brief introductions on devices like Ghazals, Epistle, etc., are given, followed by suggestions of poets and poems to read.

Why do we recommend this book?

I liked most the visual cues and the freshness of the collages. This inspires a poet to come up with a flow of creativity. This book is like an extra reward to jump into a random page and jot down thoughts if you are stuck. But there is not enough space to write for a writer who loves to write several pages like me. A blank journal or digital space to outflow your thoughts is a help. Nonetheless, this book is worth of penny to explore all poetic lovers.

To buy/gift Find your Voiceclick on the below link :


#6 Gotham Writers’ Workshop by Alexander Steele (Editor)


About The Book

Gotham Writers' Workshop: Writing Fiction by Alexander Steele (Editor)
Gotham Writers’ Workshop: Writing Fiction by Alexander Steele (Editor)

Title: Gotham Writers’ Workshop: Writing Fiction

Author: Alexander Steele (Editor)

Publisher: Bloomsbury USA

Genre: Writing/Non Fiction/Self Help

Type: Standalone

Pages: 304

Goodreads rating: 4.2/5

Gotham Writers’ Workshop has mastered the art of teaching the craft of writing in a practical, accessible, and entertaining way. Now the techniques of this renowned school are available in this book. Here you’ll find: The fundamental elements of fiction craft—character, plot, point of view, etc. are explained clearly and thoroughly. Key concepts are illustrated with passages from great works of fiction. The classroom teaching style turned out into a book helping several audiences at once. Highlighted fonts in italic, visually neat, and well-organized book.

Why do we recommend this book?

The structure is knowledge-application based. What attracted me is that this book is from the creative writing school! The tone is fresh with minimal jargon. The only thing required is commitment and interest to learn. Although it’s of more concepts than exercises, I stopped reading midway and committed to counting as this is not a one-time reading book! The entire book is written by various people! With a collaboration of almost 10 persons, one can experience several teaching styles in one book.

To buy/gift Gotham Writers’ Workshop: Writing Fictionclick on the below link :


#7 The Emotion Thesaurus by Angela Ackerman, Becca Puglisi


About The Book

The Emotion Thesaurus by Angela Ackerman, Becca Puglisi
The Emotion Thesaurus by Angela Ackerman, Becca Puglisi

Title: The Emotion Thesaurus

Author: Angela Ackerman, Becca Puglisi

Publisher: JADD Publishing 

Genre: Writing/Non Fiction/Self Help

Type: Standalone Series

No of Books : 8

Books in it: #1 The Emotion Thesaurus #2 The Negative Trait Thesaurus #3 The Positive Trait Thesaurus #4 The Rural Setting Thesaurus #5 The Urban Setting Thesaurus #6 The Emotional Wound Thesaurus #7 The Occupation Thesaurus #8 The Conflict Thesaurus

Pages: 304

Goodreads rating: 4.5/5

This series explores the in-depth dimension of emotions while developing a character, navigating over 100 emotions. Each emotion is defined and further divided into identifying it with physical cues, internal sensations, mental responses, cues if that emotion continues for the long term, and cues if suppressed. These descriptions are lucid and help the writer to give a clear picture.

Why do we recommend this book?

A unique book with a unique concept. Many books talk about building a character in one single chapter, but this book has each series addressing one aspect of the character. The author breaks down one large concept of character and plot into this detailed treasure. It gives the feeling of a writer’s dictionary in hand. How many of us are stuck in identifying our own emotions? I had a serendipity moment when I bumped into this book because I never gave importance to the emotions in my stories. This book is worth reading.

To buy/gift The Emotion Thesaurusclick on the below link :


#8 The Poetry Challenge Omnibus by Christian Gerhard Buehler


About The Book

The Poetry Challenge Omnibus by Christian Gerhard Buehler;  best books for writers
The Poetry Challenge Omnibus by Christian Gerhard Buehler

Title: The Poetry Challenge Omnibus

Author: Christian Gerhard Buehler

Publisher: –

Genre: Writing/Non-Fiction/Poetry

Pages: 176

Type: Series

P.S: No Goodreads rating yet! Waiting for the reader’s honest reviews!

A combination of three books, 30, 60, and 90-day Poetry Challenges. Each page has many poetic prompts. The prompts are vivid, for example, a conversation between two elements, such way there are fresh ideas for poets to explore. There is no space to write, as this is not a journal. Instead, these books promote the daily habit of writing.

Why do we recommend this book?

The book’s beauty is that it did help me write several poems, prose poetries, etc. However, this book doesn’t provide any guide, as it’s a collection of prompts for those who already know the basics of writing poetry. Instead, this book helps as a resource to work on the poems you are trying to iterate. And those who are new to poetry, this book serves plenty of ideas to run your imagination wild.

P.S.: This book is available on Kindle Unlimited. If you have subscribed to it, then you can read this book for free.

To buy/gift The Poetry Challenge Omnibus click on the below link:


#9 The Practice of Poetry by Robin Behn (Editor), Chase Twichell (Editor)


About The Book

The Practice of Poetry by Robin Behn (Editor), Chase Twichell (Editor)
The Practice of Poetry by Robin Behn (Editor), Chase Twichell (Editor)

Title: The Practice of Poetry

Author: Robin Behn (Editor), Chase Twichell (Editor)

Publisher: Morrow Paperbacks

Genre: Writing/Non-Fiction/Poetry

Type: Standalone

Pages: 320

Goodreads rating: 4.0/5

A distinctive collection of more than 90 practical poetry-writing exercises combined with related essays to inspire writers of all levels. The activities are broken into seven parts; each part deals with certain poetic aspects explained in detail. Each topic is covered in not more than two to three pages. And some exercises are not like one-time practicing; one may require an everyday investment of time to see the result.

Why do we recommend this book?

Less preaching and more focused exercises. A feel of all teachers and coaches collaborating to give recipes to cook the poems. I especially liked writing 10 minutes a day without stopping, without thinking. It synchronizes perfectly with me as I pour my chattering thoughts into a paper. It did give birth to many fine-tuned poems!.

To buy/gift The Practice of Poetry, click on the below link:


#10 5,000 WRITING PROMPTS by Bryn Donovan


About The Book

5,000 WRITING PROMPTS: A Master List of Plot Ideas, Creative Exercises, and More by Bryn Donovan;  best books for writers
5,000 WRITING PROMPTS: A Master List of Plot Ideas, Creative Exercises, and More by Bryn Donovan

Title: 5,000 WRITING PROMPTS: A Master List of Plot Ideas, Creative Exercises, and More

Author: Bryn Donovan

Publisher: Munds Park Publishing

Type: Standalone

Genre: Writing/Non-Fiction/Poetry

Pages: 453

Goodreads rating: 4.3/5

A collection of writing prompts addressing different types of writers. All genres like mystery, fantasy, romance, etc., are there. In addition, character/plot setting prompts are included. Well organized and dedicated to exercises under that particular topic that is easy to find and address all types of writers.

Why do we recommend this book?

Joy is when you get a kickstart to your brain to write something. I find this book as worth storing in my library. Whenever I feel tangled, this comes as a savior. The fun part is you are never going to complete reading this book! Like one prompt you attempted today may give another perspective when you visit again on yet another day! This is what I like about the prompts book. They are going to stay forever, new and fresh.

To buy/gift 5,000 WRITING PROMPTSclick on the below link:


P.S: Some books recommended here are available on Kindle Unlimited. If you have subscribed to it, then you can read these books for free. Check out this article: Is Kindle Unlimited Worth It?

SO, to conclude, here is the list of the Best Guiding Books for Budding Writers and Poets:

1365 by Noah ScalinBuy Now
21,000 Creative Writing Prompts Box Set by Bryan CohenBuy Now
3Bird by Bird by Anne LamottBuy Now
4Creative Writing Exercises For Dummies by Maggie HamandBuy Now
5Find Your Voice by Noor UnnaharBuy Now
6Gotham Writers’ Workshop by Alexander Steele (Editor) Buy Now
7The Emotion Thesaurus by Angela Ackerman, Becca PuglisiBuy Now
8The Poetry Challenge Omnibus by Christian BuehlerBuy Now
9The Practice of Poetry by Robin BehnBuy Now
105,000 Writing Prompts by Bryn DonovanBuy Now
Best Guiding Books for Budding Writers and Poets

We hope that this list of best books for writers helps you to pick your next book to enhance your writing skills.

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DisclosureAll our recommendations are honest. Also, some links in this post are affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we recommend.

Which according to you are the best books for writers and poets? Do comment below. We would love to know your favourite one!

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