Thanks so much. “Write Useful Books” by Rob Fitzpatrick helped me SO much in terms of how to write a book that markets itself. Wishing luck and sending encouragement to you! I am starting to learn storytelling and look forward to reading your stuff. 💌 Amanda
I was lucky enough to take that Brandon Sanderson class in person at BYU and honestly, he's an incredible writer, but I think he's an even better teacher and encourager.
Ooh, good question. I guess I would say how generous and kind he is with all the students. He stays after to answer questions and just generally talk and geek out with folks who want to stay and geek out, and he's just an approachable, friendly guy.
Thank you for the recs! I've personally watched and rewatched Brandon Sanderson's lectures, they're super helpful.
As a comic artist and writer, I've actually learned a lot about writing in a way that focuses on progress and movement. You can't draw everything, so you have to combine, edit, and remove so many different parts to get the story across. Animation is another good resource to understand how you can imply story.
Thanks again! I'm definitely going to lock in and study these! The goal is to have a script/detailed outline by 2026! Always love reading your stuff Nathan!
This list feels like a backdoor into the real apprenticeship — not just of storytelling, but of becoming someone worth listening to. You didn’t just share books; you mapped the gradient from craft to presence.
The Borges + Jane Alison pairing especially struck a chord. One teaches compression as divination, the other offers escape routes from inherited structures. That friction — between mastery and permission — is where new voices are born.
And your reminder at the end? To not get stuck in the cathedral of study, but to make something — even poorly, even now — might be the most sacred line of all.
Hello Nathan, it's Keenan from True World!!! I wanted to send out a shout in hopes that we have some interests in common. I write Greek Tragedy, and essays from a historical perspective. I will check out your page, and if you have time, you're welcome to visit True World…
Thanks so much. “Write Useful Books” by Rob Fitzpatrick helped me SO much in terms of how to write a book that markets itself. Wishing luck and sending encouragement to you! I am starting to learn storytelling and look forward to reading your stuff. 💌 Amanda
That sounds like something I need to read! Appreciate the support and recommendation, Amanda
Thanks. It was an Alex Su recommendation, if that name means anything to you. I love supporting ppl who are writing a book! Monday cheers- 💌
How I Write is always a go-to podcast for me. Thanks for the book recs!
+1 for White and Strunk. Also recommend Storycraft by Jack Hart
Great list! I also enjoyed "Draft No. 4: On the Writing Process" by the great John McPhee.
I highly recommend Kendall Haven’s Story Proof!
Awesome curated list!
I was lucky enough to take that Brandon Sanderson class in person at BYU and honestly, he's an incredible writer, but I think he's an even better teacher and encourager.
that’s so cool - anything stand out in person we may miss through video?
Ooh, good question. I guess I would say how generous and kind he is with all the students. He stays after to answer questions and just generally talk and geek out with folks who want to stay and geek out, and he's just an approachable, friendly guy.
My craft TBR just exploded! So much great advice and insight here. Thanks
Thank you for this list. It’s so well curated!
I’ve listened to a couple of Brandon Sanderson’s lectures and found them to be quite helpful and motivating.
Thank you so much for the list and resources! I loved Bird by Bird.
Would love to add the Paris Review's 1958 interview of Ernest Hemmingway, called the Art of Fiction to the list:
https://www.theparisreview.org/interviews/4825/the-art-of-fiction-no-21-ernest-hemingway
Thank you for the recs! I've personally watched and rewatched Brandon Sanderson's lectures, they're super helpful.
As a comic artist and writer, I've actually learned a lot about writing in a way that focuses on progress and movement. You can't draw everything, so you have to combine, edit, and remove so many different parts to get the story across. Animation is another good resource to understand how you can imply story.
Thanks again! I'm definitely going to lock in and study these! The goal is to have a script/detailed outline by 2026! Always love reading your stuff Nathan!
This list was worth my subscription alone. 🙏🙌
Thank you for all the resources! I also love C.S. Lewis' five writing tips: https://redeeminggod.com/writing-tips-from-c-s-lewis/
This is so helpful. Bookmarking it for later!
Thanks for sharing such valuable insights.
🥀🥀👍💯
This list feels like a backdoor into the real apprenticeship — not just of storytelling, but of becoming someone worth listening to. You didn’t just share books; you mapped the gradient from craft to presence.
The Borges + Jane Alison pairing especially struck a chord. One teaches compression as divination, the other offers escape routes from inherited structures. That friction — between mastery and permission — is where new voices are born.
And your reminder at the end? To not get stuck in the cathedral of study, but to make something — even poorly, even now — might be the most sacred line of all.
Thanks for leaving the door open.
Hello Nathan, it's Keenan from True World!!! I wanted to send out a shout in hopes that we have some interests in common. I write Greek Tragedy, and essays from a historical perspective. I will check out your page, and if you have time, you're welcome to visit True World…