The ReadDown

Best Books on the Art of Storytelling

There’s something thrilling about the way certain writers can take readers behind the curtain of how stories are told. Some authors bring the same verve and deftness to their accounts of the process as they do with their acclaimed fiction and nonfiction; others turn the building blocks of stories into something unpredictable, leading readers to view the telling of stories in a whole new light. Here’s a look at ten distinct takes on the art of storytelling, from writers with a vast array of experience. Some focus on the craft of fiction, while others grapple with personal stories or the process of turning grand ideas into compelling narratives. Whether you’re looking for advice on your own work-in-progress or simply seeking a greater understanding of literary craft, there’s plenty to ponder in these works.