7 Books on How to Write Stories

Whether you're wrestling with your first screenplay or editing your fifth novel, the right book can always improve the writing process. We've collected seven that come highly recommended.

The following books offer guidance to both novice and professional writers in how to write stories. They offer not only practical tips, but also philosophical insight into storytelling and the writer's life.

Get Ready to Immerse Yourself in How to Write Stories

1. A SWIM IN THE POND IN THE RAIN by George Saunders

   Analysing the 19th Century Russian short story, this book delves into the essence of great writing. A delight to read, it's full of indispensable advice from titans of storytelling like Chekhov and Tolstoy.

2. ON WRITING by Stephen King.

   Essential reading if you want to eventually, you know, get around to writing that novel you've been talking about for 20 years. Part memoir, part masterclass from a prolific storyteller who's sold over 350 million copies in 40 different languages worldwide. .

3. THREE USES OF THE KNIFE: On the Nature and Purpose of Drama by David Mamet.

   This takes a philosophical route into the purpose of drama. Written as an extended essay, a key message of the book is that we're wired to dramatise our everyday lives, placing narrative structure on everything from the weather to major events.

4. BIRD BY BIRD by Anne Lamott

Lamott mixes warmth and wit with hard truths about the writing process. Her advice to tackle work “bird by bird” makes overwhelming projects feel possible, and most importantly, human.

5. STORY by Robert McKee

In this story bible for screenwriters, McKee breaks down narrative structure, character arcs, and the mechanics of compelling scenes. It’s intense but a goldmine if you want to master storytelling.

6. SAVE THE CAT! by Blake Snyder

Sometimes looked down upon, this is nevertheless a great, practical guide for those who want to get started plotting a screenplay fast. It also helps prose writers tighten structure. Snyder’s “beat sheet” has become a go-to tool for pacing and plotting.

7. INTO THE WOODS by John Yorke

A personal favourite, Yorke explores why stories follow a universal five-act structure. Particularly useful for those interested in TV or episodic structure, it’s deeply analytical but accessible, connecting storytelling to human psychology.

These books won’t write your pages for you—but they’ll give you the tools, structure, and mindset you need to get started. And crucially, the motivation to keep going.

Get reading & get creating, story lovers!

Story Inkubator was founded by writer, scriptwriter and teacher, Kristina Jilly, an Australian living in Central Europe who's written for HBO Europe and RTL Television. A teacher at the University of Applied Sciences in Upper Austria, Kristina also writes online content about the art of storytelling and topics that inspire creativity. 

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