9 Books That Helped Me Become a Better Writer

I studied math at Princeton—because my freshman English class made me never want to write again.

So when I entered the real world, I was a *horrible* writer.

Luckily, these 9 books helped me quickly learn the craft.

And unlike college, they won't cost you 120k 🧵 pic.twitter.com/SAwaGbjHcK

— Dickie Bush 🚢 (@dickiebush) April 18, 2023

1. The War of Art by Steven Pressfield

This book single-handedly changed my life.

Once you read it, you realize that writing (or any creative work) is a daily battle with the Resistance.

But until you're aware of it, the Resistance will dominate you. pic.twitter.com/NN7i9OdZk3

— Dickie Bush 🚢 (@dickiebush) April 18, 2023

2. Show Your Work by Austin Kleon

As a beginner writer, I had a massive case of impostor syndrome.

This book totally crushed that feeling.

It helped me realize:

1. I didn't need to be an expert
2. Everything I published didn't have to be perfect pic.twitter.com/oRYd3YSIxF

— Dickie Bush 🚢 (@dickiebush) April 18, 2023

3. The Art and Business of Online Writing by Nicolas Cole

Truly a crash course with *everything* you need to know to write on the internet.

• Why you shouldn't start a blog
• Generating an endless amount of ideas
• The "Golden Intersection" of telling personal stories pic.twitter.com/GM3WjPGvcm

— Dickie Bush 🚢 (@dickiebush) April 18, 2023

4. The Adweek Copywriting Handbook by Joe Sugarman

The most tactical (and practical) copywriting book on the market.

If you spent a year doing nothing but reading (and applying) the ideas in this book, you would be a *master* at crafting compelling, engaging words. pic.twitter.com/Ug3h8pxGKC

— Dickie Bush 🚢 (@dickiebush) April 18, 2023

5. The Boron Letters by Gary Halbert

The most *fun* book to read on this entire list.

Gary has the most potent & readable writing style of any author on this list.

Read this for the stories, tactical copywriting frameworks, and to *see* what great writing looks like. pic.twitter.com/Yblua81Xkx

— Dickie Bush 🚢 (@dickiebush) April 18, 2023

6. Writing That Works by Roman & Raphaelson

Truly the *bible* of business writing.

This should be required reading for every corporate worker in America.

Filled with actionable tips & frameworks, this one has everything you need to start communicating clearly & concisely. pic.twitter.com/xP6G3ynnF1

— Dickie Bush 🚢 (@dickiebush) April 18, 2023

7. On Writing Well by William Zinsser

This one is a no-BS guide to crafting non-fiction writing.

Read this one for the list of classic mistakes that once you see, you'll never make again. pic.twitter.com/hyT6pnbOP0

— Dickie Bush 🚢 (@dickiebush) April 18, 2023

8. The Elements of Style by Strunk & White

The most tactical "writing" book on this entire list.

• Active vs. passive voice
• Positive vs. negative form
• Concise vs. verbose writing
• Lists of words to never use again

Worth keeping a copy on your desk. pic.twitter.com/azlnl5MOR3

— Dickie Bush 🚢 (@dickiebush) April 18, 2023

9. Atomic Habits by James Clear

And lastly, this one has *nothing* to do with writing.

But it has everything you need to build a writing *habit* — which you need as the foundation to improve your skills.

Because without a daily writing habit, these other 8 books are useless. pic.twitter.com/eo3urogd2K

— Dickie Bush 🚢 (@dickiebush) April 18, 2023

Now, one warning.

Don't let reading turn into procrastination disguised as productivity.

With the basics down, the only way to keep improving is to actually *start writing*

So here's a free 13,000-word Ultimate Guide to help you get started today:https://t.co/34AcQYuW3r

— Dickie Bush 🚢 (@dickiebush) April 18, 2023

To recap, read these 9 writing books & throw the rest away:

• Atomic Habits
• The War of Art
• On Writing Well
• Show Your Work
• The Boron Letters
• Writing That Works
• The Elements of Style
• The Art & Business of Online Writing
• The Adweek Copywriting Handbook pic.twitter.com/wZzSblV7r3

— Dickie Bush 🚢 (@dickiebush) April 18, 2023