Book description
Originally published in 1938, this classic by Brenda Ueland is considered by many to be one of the best books ever written on how to be a writer. Part a lesson on writing and part a philosophy on life, Ueland believed that anyone could be a writer and everyone had…
Why read it?
3 authors picked If You Want to Write as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?
I’ve long been inspired by this manual for fiction writers on what makes good writing.
“Be a lion, a pirate when you write” is one of the chapter headings, dealing with the boldness a writer needs. It also gets into how detailed specificity on character and emotion taken from real-life observation makes a good piece of writing shine.
From Erik's list on books for screenwriters to make real progress at the craft.
Many of us are a bit afraid of stepping out and trying something new. That applies especially with creative work. “I’m just not that good,” we tell ourselves—or voices from our past tell us. Brenda Ueland was a long-time Chicago creative writing instructor, and her little book is strong encouragement (and a bit of a kick in the pants) about risk-taking and learning about our super-powers in the process.
From Cathy's list on to feed your creativity.
Ueland firmly believed that anyone can write, that everyone is talented, original, and has something important to say. In this inspirational book, she encourages those of us with no elite education or literary culture to get down to writing our stories in our own voice, offering tips and strategies to ease us through the process. ‘Get out of your own way – stop trying to write and just let what you have to say come out.’ (I love that. I often need to get out of my own way.)
Her encouragement is invigorating, empowering her students to write passionately…
From Graham's list on storytelling and what makes great stories great.
If you love If You Want to Write...
The Joy of Writing Sex
Do you freeze up when your characters drift into the bedroom? Are you puzzled about how much to say and how to say it? What to call the body parts that bring us so much pleasure and so much anguish?
If you’re writing a novel and there’s a sexual encounter…
Want books like If You Want to Write?
Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 89 books like If You Want to Write.
Share your top 3 reads of 2025!
And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.
1,210
readers submitted
so far, will you?
