As a bookworm and writer, there is nothing more satisfying than setting out to write your own book. However, when you’re faced with a blank page and don’t know where to start, or struggle with writer’s block, you might feel like giving up.
Believe me, you’re not the only one! Every bestselling author has dealt with blocks, and if there is one thing that could motivate you to start writing, it’s reading the work of authors who’ve pushed through these blocks to publication. So, to get your pen moving, we’ve compiled a list of inspiring authors below.
You don’t have to select these authors based on their genre; although it helps to read in your target genre, too. Every writer has a unique style and voice that you can learn from and use as inspiration for whichever genre you end up pursuing.
This is why we are sharing a versatile choice of books to read before you start writing. These book selections will not only help you sharpen your skills but, at the same time, prompt you to try new techniques in your own work. Sometimes inspiration also comes from other writers who are on the same path and will understand your struggle. If you are looking for a great group of writers, why not join the Professional Writers of Austin, and begin your journey.
Maya Angelou
Suppose your lifelong dream is to write autobiographical fiction or nonfiction autobiographies. If you fall in the category of readers who love the raw honesty of journaling, prose that is written in a direct, conversational yet poetic voice and full of secrets, then Maya Angelou should be your top pick writer.
Her book, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, only talks about her life until she was 17. But her life changes and tumultuous career options starting from streetcar driver to sex worker to a journalist, makes one believe this woman has lived seventeen lives.
This book will leave a deep-seated impression on understanding the struggles faced by an unprivileged woman. For whom, finding the right path in life was never easy.
Toni Morrisson
Toni Morrison has been quoted as saying, “I’m writing for Black people ... I don’t have to apologize.” Even after her debut novel, The Bluest Eye was banned in most countries, the intricate and not to mention gruesome details of the impact on slavery were penned, she came out with other masterpieces like Beloved, Song Of Solomon, and Sula. These books have changed the way we read Black history.
Along with the effortless flair of writing, Toni Morrisson is that writer who will teach critics and society, those who try to hide the dark side of oppression in the dark and paint a pretty picture of the world, that no one can stop you from writing your truth.
Jane Austen
Whether you are a fan of the classics or not, you cannot miss out on Jane Austen before you start writing your first romantic novel. This is not because everyone has read Austen’s work but how she portrays her romantic characters.
It is only through Austen’s love stories you will learn that love is fine, but so is standing up for yourself. Don’t be a fragile bird of a woman oppressed by society. Either be feisty or raise your voice with the flair of utmost elegance. Losing your dignity in love is not romance.
Read at least one of Austen’s works to understand how to incorporate respect and equality when it comes to love. Plus, Regency writing is perfect for increasing your vocabulary in the most ‘English style’ possible.
Colleen Hoover
From classics to contemporary. Not everyone is untested in the story-building narrative style of Austen. Some like dialogues, angsty characters, and romance brewing amidst the difficulties of the modern world.
Colleen Hoover is a relatively new writer who has already received her ‘New York Bestselling’ tagline. If your skills dwell in versatility, and you also face difficulty choosing between star-crossed romance and nail-biting thriller, then two of her bestsellers, It Ends With Us and Verity should be your weekend picks.
These novels will give you a strong message that writing is about art and not picking only one genre.
Agatha Christie
There could never be a list of powerful and successful women authors without our queen of mystery. Whether your first book introduces a new detective or is set in a small, cozy town terrorized by a sudden murder, learn storytelling techniques from the legend.
In her lifetime, Christi has written at least 67 books. That on its own is an achievement and should be filling you with the intense zeal to read her work, understand, and introduce your very first Poirot or Marple.
Mary Beard
If you want to write fiction or nonfiction based on political issues, you have to be cutthroat. This is not romance where people want fantasy; they are picking the book up to gain a greater understanding of history and politics.
Mary Beard is one such straightforward political writer. Her bestseller Women & Power has created quite the wave among gender politics enthusiasts, even teaching women the art of not holding their tongue in view of injustice.
Cassandra Clare
Clare’s books are not just romance or filled with mind-bending plot twists, but also have a dash of fantasy thrown in. Some writers have the innate talent to create new worlds with just their imagination. Judith Lewis writes under her pen name, Cassandra Clare, for her ‘Mortal Instruments’ series. The books have been adapted into movies and an HBO series.
Yes, we know it’s not easy to world-build and invent a new society, but, every time you feel like your story is going nowhere, or you are frustrated with your writing, Cassandra would be sitting by your shelf to give you that boost of inspiration.
Start Reading!
Now that you have your list, this is where the excitement begins. Pick the genre you plan to write in and get ready by studying books and authors in your genre. Writing a book takes dedication and perseverance, but reading will help you approach the page with enthusiasm.
Revel in the success stories of these amazing authors, and they will become your daily dose of inspiration. Remember, the path is not easy, and you will have to deal with a lot of rejections. But, it is all worth it when you dream of seeing your book on the ‘Bestselling’ rack.
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Bio: Mashum Mollah is an entrepreneur, founder, and CEO at Blogmanagement.io, a blogger outreach agency that drives visibility, engagement, and proven results. He blogs at Blogstellar.
