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Here is a non-exhaustive list of titles that will help you write better and inspire your next masterpiece:

On Writing by Stephen King

Why should you read this: King's personal approach to writing is gritty, real and decisive. He gives the reader a look into his childhood, and early years. His ability to tell a story is inspiring.

Elements of Style by Stunk and White

Why should you read this: This was required reading in my college years. It has sat perched on a stack ever since. It is a guide on grammar, punctuation, and all the necessary rules of writing. Everyone who writes should have a copy, and this volume is illustrated. Bonus.

On Writing Well by William Zinsser

Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg

Wired for Story by Lisa Cron

The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron

Tools of Titans by Tim Ferriss

Writing Tools by Roy Peter Clark

Eats, Shoots and Leaves by Lynne Truss

Sterring the Craft by Ursula K. Le Guin

Why you should read this: Le Guin is straightforward, tough love kind of author. Each chapter is a focused exercise, that gets you writing.

Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott

Lamott writes with emotion and humor. She says this about writing:

"If there is one door in the castle you have been told not to go through, you must. Otherwise, you'll just be rearranging furniture in rooms you've already been in. Most human beings are dedicated to keeping that one door shut. But the writer's job is to see what's behind it, to see the bleak unspeakable stuff, and to turn the unspeakable into words--not just any words but if we can, into rhythm and blues."

Why you should read this: Lamott gives you instruction on writing, but she gives you more in this volume. She is raw, sometimes grumpy, but always entertaining. At the end of the book you have a deeper understanding for Lamott and her craft.

Everybody Writes by Ann Hadley

The premise is simple: everybody writes. In Hadley's book, she outlines numerous ways to amp up your prose in a simple, direct way. This book is geared towards copywriters, and content creators, and marketers, but has invaluable nuggets for anyone who writes, because, after all, everybody writes!

Why you should read this: easy to skim, full of tips that you can start using right away.

Story Genius by Lisa Cron

The Artful Edit by Susan Bell

Naked, Drunk, and Writing.

I'll admit, I was nervous about picking this book off the shelf. I mean, I get that sex sells, but what is up with this title? After I pushed the mental image of the title aside, I was so pleased with Adair's offerings.

The chapter on imagery is worth the price of the book alone. But she goes on to nitpick present participles, convince the reader to get a writing partner, and offers writing prompts and activities. Because we all need an activity! I found myself writing in the margins of this book and underlining lines like, "body parts don't act on their own."

Practical, insightful and amusing.