Reading is one of my favorite things to do. I always enjoy a good fiction book. I also really enjoy reading memoirs. But, I have to say one of my greatest indulgences is reading about writing.
As someone who identifies as a writer, it’s always fun to get a peek behind the curtain to see how other writers do it. It’s a constant source of inspiration for me both in my professional and personal writing. Today I thought I would share my 3 favorite books on writing that I personally believe should be required reading for every fundraiser.
A Fundraiser’s Guide to Irresistible Communications by Jeff Brooks
I have recommended this book more times that I can possibly count. It’s really that good! I enjoy Jeff’s writing style, but one of the things that I love the most about this book is how he breaks down copywriting into easy to implement tips. Following any one piece of Jeff’s advice will improve your writing.
If writing a is a big portion of your job, get yourself a copy of the book. Use it as you plan and edit your work, especially direct mail. Let this book be a reminder that writing – especially good fundraising writing – can be learned and need not be complicated.
You might also want to check out Jeff’s latest book, How to Turn Words Into Money.
Bird By Bird by Anne Lamott
Anne Lamott is hands down one of my favorite writers. I admire her style and the way she beautifully strings together sentences and life lessons. Anytime I’m feeling down and out about my writing, I will open my copy of Bird By Bird and just start reading. It always provides me with a renewed faith in the magic of writing. One of my favorite tidbits from the book is, “Writing has so much to give, so much to teach, so many surprises.” (pg xxvi). It’s true, writing is my greatest teacher. Whether I am writing for a non-profit, for my blog, or in my journal, I am bound to discover something new about myself or the world through words.
As a fundraiser, one of the biggest lessons that I took away from this book was to develop my own writing practice. This has helped me immeasurably not only to enjoy writing but to get better at it.
If you’re interested in reading other books by Anne Lamott, my next favorite it Small Victories.
On Writing by Stephen King
I have never been a fan of Stephen King’s fiction writing, but I constantly see this book on lists such as the “100 Greatest Books of All Time.” Plus, lots of people have personally recommended it to me. So a few weeks ago when I was browsing the bookstore I decided to pick up a copy of On Writing. Then I proceeded to finish it in less than 3 days.
This book surpassed all expectations I had of it. It is part memoir, part advice to writers, and 100% enjoyable. I would add that if you are a fan of Stephen’s books, you’ll probably enjoy his anecdotes about how some of his most famous stories come together. Soak in the goodness of Stephen’s storytelling style and let it inspire your next story.
There really are so many books that I could recommend and I hope you enjoy these three.
I’d love to hear from you in the comments below – What are some of your favorite books?
Thanks for sharing these suggestions, Vanessa. I am a huge Anne Lamott fan. If you haven’t read her memoirs about raising her son as a single mom and then helping her son raise his son, you need to add them to your list. She has such a talent for words.
I just started reading Operating Instructions, Brianna, and I’m loving it! She is such an amazing writer.
Your suggestions have been added to my long ‘must-read-one-day’ list (currently 64 books long!). Have recently finished ‘Contagious: Why Things Catch On’ by Jonah Berger. Can’t remember who recommended it; maybe it was you? Anyway, it was a fascinating read about viral marketing – why some ideas/products catch on quickly and others don’t. Recommended.
I have a very long “to read list” as well, Linda! Probably as long as yours!
I haven’t read Jonah Berger’s book so I’ll have to add that to my list.
Ken Burnett’s book “Storytelling can change the World” is powerful. He’s written several fundraising books which I have read and used as references–his book on Storytelling is in-depth and extremely educational.
Absolutely, Paula! Ken Burnett’s books are terrific!
I just read Bird by Bird! It was refreshing and got me on a writing spree. I like how you said “magic of writing” because this book is a reminder of how magical that process is. Another book I’ve fallen in love with is Making Money with Donor Newsletters by Tom Ahern. I will have to check out the Stephen King book, since it surpassed your expectations.
Yay! Another Bird by Bird enthusiast!
I’m glad you mentioned Tom’s book. Sheena. That’s a great one to have on your bookshelf.
I was looking forward to the Steve King book, but was disappointed–it felt like he was trying too hard to be chummy and “just plain folks.” Anything by Robert Cialdini is great–“Influence: Science and Practice” is terrific, fun, fascinating stuff.
That’s too bad, Deb. I actually really liked how colloquial Stephan King was. I agree with you that Ciadini’s book is great!
Got Stephen King’s book from the library and just finished part 1. So far, I really like it.
My oldest daughter saw me reading it and said, “I didn’t know you still read paper books” because I usually read them on my iPad. But our library didn’t have the digital version available.
And shouldn’t you really read a book on writing while holding an actual book?
So glad you’re enjoying that book, Jeff! Stephen King really is a great storyteller. And I agree, it seems fitting to read a book about writing in paperback form.
Bird by Bird is one of my all time favorites. Between readings I persist in thinking of it as a book about writing. Then I read it again, laugh out loud, and remember that it’s a book about everything.
And yes, Stephen King is a great storyteller – scary or not – and it shows in On Writing.
I haven’t read the Jeff Brooks books but they’re on my list now! Thank you for this post.