I’ve said before that writers should read, and they should–especially the best-selling novels in their genre. But writers should also read to learn. There are some good books out there that help you improve your writing. Periodically I’ll share my favorites with you.

Today’s recommendation is: Writing for Story: Craft secrets of dramatic nonfiction by a two-time Pulitzer Prize winner by Jon Franklin.

This is a good read because Franklin follows his own advice and makes what could be a drab nonfiction book on writing into one that is fun and easy to read.

Franklin begins by sharing his two stories that won a coveted Pulitzer Prize and then he breaks those stories down to help you craft your own award-winning manuscript. He goes into depth about your structure, outline and rough draft. He also helps you understand the re-writing process and why it is important to your final product. The book ends with a synopsis of why, when and how to break all the rules to bring out your artist and to keep your manuscript from being too “formula.”

This book should be on every nonfiction writer’s bookshelf (or eReader), because it helps you bring elements of fiction into your story to help grab your reader’s attention. Fiction authors would do well to have a copy too. It’s a good primer on creating a compelling and interesting story.

Write On!

Alane