Book cover of Dear Writer

Book description

INSTANT NATIONAL BESTSELLER

New York Times bestselling author and poet Maggie Smith distills creativity and the craft of writing with a practical guide perfect for fans of Elizabeth Gilbert'sBig Magicand Anne Lamott'sBird by Bird.

Drawing from her twenty years of teaching experience and her bestselling Substack newsletter, For Dear…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked Dear Writer as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

This latest book by poet Maggie Smith is writing guide meets cheerleading section. I love the way readers get to see her poet's mind at work. And I love the way that this book gives us all, any reader, permission to claim the titles of poet and writer.

There are helpful tips here about the craft of writing, but for me, this book is, at its heart, about encouraging each of us to tap into the power of our own creativity. I love that. 

If you love Dear Writer...

Book cover of These Blue Mountains

These Blue Mountains by Sarah Loudin Thomas,

A moving story of love, betrayal, and the enduring power of hope in the face of darkness.

German pianist Hedda Schlagel's world collapsed when her fiancé, Fritz, vanished after being sent to an enemy alien camp in the United States during the Great War. Fifteen years later, in 1932, Hedda…

Want books like Dear Writer?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Dear Writer.

Browse books like Dear Writer

Book cover of Fearless Confessions: A Writer's Guide to Memoir
Book cover of Meander, Spiral, Explode: Design and Pattern in Narrative
Book cover of Tell It Slant

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,366

readers submitted
so far, will you?

📚 If you like Dear Writer, you might also like...

Book cover of Deadly Revenge

Deadly Revenge by Patricia Bradley,

Deputy Jenna Hart has only been working in her sleepy hometown of Pearl Springs for seven months when city officials begin to be targeted by a killer. Twenty years ago, the construction of a dam caused people to lose their land to eminent domain. That wound has not healed with…

Book cover of The Duty of Memory

The Duty of Memory by Vicki Olsen,

Separating the true stories from the myths, The Duty of Memory provides a deeper understanding of the diverse motivations that drove ordinary people to join an underground network of French Resistants despite terrible odds and horrifying consequences.

This book takes the reader inside the true story of men and women…

5 book lists we think you will like!