Writing creatively is a challenging yet rewarding endeavour for most of us who put pen to paper (or type on a keyboard). Whether you’re an aspiring or accomplished author, no two writers experience the same journey. We’re all tested in unique ways as we build imaginary worlds that offer readers an escape from the stress and pressures of real life.
Something we all share in, however, is the hope that the novels we’ve painstakingly crafted will one day connect readers to a universe we’ve created.
While the roadmap to finishing your manuscript and publishing your book will look completely different to the experiences of another author, there are still so many ways we can step-up to support each other!
Here at Horseshoe Books, we want to do whatever we can to help writers achieve their literary goals, which is why we’re sharing some of our recommendations for books and podcasts that could push you to reach your full potential as an author…
Books on writing craft
- Save the Cat Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody
‘Originally created for screenwriters, the Save the Cat! story-structure method provides compelling tips and tricks to make your novel as riveting as a movie—because whether you’re writing a fantasy series, a romance, or the next Great American Novel, every captivating story throughout time (from Jane Austen to Agatha Christie) has the same fifteen essential plot points, or “beats.”
In this revolutionary novel-writing guide from the best-selling Save the Cat! series, novelist Jessica Brody demystifies each beat, making it simple to craft your own best seller with easy-to-follow templates. It also reveals the ten universal story genres to help you drill down into what makes your type of story work. Featuring sample “beat sheets” for hits from the likes of J. K. Rowling, Khaled Hosseini, and Stephen King, this practical guide also includes real-world advice on pitching your novel, plus the quirky, original insights (like the eponymous tip to “Save the Cat”) that make this series unique. By the end of this book, your own imaginative beats will combine to create a story that thrills readers from start to finish.’
- Writers’ & Artists’ Yearbook published by Bloomsbury
2025 Yearbook: ‘This bestselling Writers’ & Artists’ Yearbook contains a wealth of information on all aspects of writing and becoming a published author, plus a comprehensive directory of media contacts.
Packed with practical tips, it includes expert advice from renowned authors and industry insiders on:
– submitting to agents and publishers
– writing non-fiction and fiction across different genres and formats
– poetry, plays, broadcast media and illustration
– marketing and self-publishing
– legal and financial information
– writing prizes and festivals.
Revised and updated annually, the Yearbook includes thousands of industry contacts and over 80 articles from writers of all forms and genres, including award-winning novelists, poets and playwrights, scriptwriters for TV, radio and videogames.
If you want to find a literary or illustration agent or publisher, would like to self-publish or to crowdfund your creative idea then this Yearbook will help you.’
- On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King
‘Part memoir, part masterclass by one of the bestselling authors of all time, this superb volume is a revealing and practical view of the writer’s craft, comprising the basic tools of the trade every writer must have.
King’s advice is grounded in his vivid memories from childhood through his emergence as a writer, from his struggling early career to his widely reported, near-fatal accident in 1999 – and how the inextricable link between writing and living spurred his recovery.’
- Creating Character Arcs by K.M. Weiland
‘Powerful Character Arcs Create Powerful Stories
Have you written a story with an exciting concept and interesting characters—but it just isn’t grabbing the attention of readers or agents? It’s time to look deeper into the story beats that create realistic and compelling character arcs. Internationally-published, award-winning novelist K.M. Weiland shares her acclaimed method for achieving memorable and moving character arcs in every book you write.
By applying the foundation of the Three-Act Story Structure and then delving even deeper into the psychology of realistic and dynamic human change, Weiland offers a beat-by-beat checklist of character arc guidelines that flexes to fit any type of story.
This comprehensive book will teach you:
– How to determine which arc—positive, negative, or flat—is right for your character.
– Why you should NEVER pit plot against character. Instead, learn how to blend story structure and character development.
– How to recognize and avoid the worst pitfalls of writing novels without character arcs.
– How to hack the secret to using overarching character arcs to create amazing trilogies and series.
– And much more!
Gaining an understanding of how to write character arcs is a game-changing moment in any author’s pursuit of the craft.
Bring your characters to unforgettable and realistic life—and take your stories from good to great!’
- The Anatomy of Genres by John Truby
‘A guide to understanding the major genres of the story world by the legendary writing teacher and author of The Anatomy of Story, John Truby.
Most people think genres are simply categories on Netflix or Amazon that provide a helpful guide to making entertainment choices. Most people are wrong. Genre stories aren’t just a small subset of the films, video games, TV shows, and books that people consume. They are the all-stars of the entertainment world, comprising the vast majority of popular stories worldwide. That’s why businesses―movie studios, production companies, video game studios, and publishing houses―buy and sell them. Writers who want to succeed professionally must write the stories these businesses want to buy. Simply put, the storytelling game is won by mastering the structure of genres.
The Anatomy of Genres: How Story Forms Explain the Way the World Works is the legendary writing teacher John Truby’s step-by-step guide to understanding and using the basic building blocks of the story world. He details the three ironclad rules of successful genre writing, and analyzes more than a dozen major genres and the essential plot events, or “beats,” that define each of them. As he shows, the ability to combine these beats in the right way is what separates stories that sell from those that don’t. Truby also reveals how a single story can combine elements of different genres, and how the best writers use this technique to craft unforgettable stories that stand out from the crowd.
Just as Truby’s first book, The Anatomy of Story, changed the way writers develop stories, The Anatomy of Genres will enhance their quality and expand the impact they have on the world.’
Podcasts for writers
‘A podcast for emerging writers, who are looking to improve their work
with an aim to having it published, or for anyone who would like a behind-the-scenes look at the publishing industry.
Bianca Marais, bestselling author and award-winning creative writing instructor, interviews authors, agents, editors and just about anyone and everyone who’s involved in bringing a book to market.
She’s joined by her cohosts, literary agents Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra from P.S. Literary Agency, who read and critique listeners’ query letters and opening pages, and who also answer your burning questions in their Q&A segment.
Guest interviewers join the show occasionally and independent booksellers and Bookstagrammers also chime in to help you find the perfect comp titles.
Expect good advice, honest insights, and a few laughs along the way.’
‘A fast-paced, educational podcast for writers, by writers. Our goal is to help our listeners become better at their craft. Whether they write for fun or for profit, whether they’re new to the domain or old hands, Writing Excuses has something to offer. We love to write, and our listeners do, too.’
‘With diverse segments catering to different needs, the Self-Publishing Advice and Inspirations Podcast serves as a comprehensive guide, mentor, and companion to authors navigating the dynamic world of self-publishing. Featuring the team and advisors at the Alliance of Independent Authors.’
‘Join me [Savannah Gilbo] each week for a brand new episode with simple, actionable, and step-by-step strategies that you can implement in your writing right away. Whether you’re a brand new writer, or a seasoned author looking to improve your craft, this podcast is for you!’
‘Podcast episodes are posted every Monday and include interviews, inspiration and information on writing and the business of being an author.’
Have you read any of the books suggested above? If so, how did they help you on your writing journey? Do you have any podcast suggestions, not included here, that you could share to support fellow writers? Let us know in the comment section below! Thanks for reading.
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