As a writer, naturally I love nothing more than hearing stories about other writers. Whether they’re real stories or fiction stories, reading about writers compels me enough to pick up the pen for myself. And this motivation is much needed for those times when the words don’t pump out so easily. So here’s five novels about writers for my fellow writers out there who need some creative inspiration.
Early Work by Andrew Martin
Early Work follows Peter Cunningham as he looks to find inspiration for his novel. He runs into Leslie, a sexual adventurer taking a break from her fiancé and gets a glimpse of the life he imagines as a writer. Over the course of the summer, their complicated friendship opens the door to difficult questions for Peter to answer about his literary ambition. Early Work is funny, smart and thoughtful.
How I Became A Famous Novelist by Steve Hely
This is the story of how Pete Tarslaw’s book The Tornado Ashes Club became the most loved, written about and admired book in America. The story follows Pete from his mere ambitions of being a rockstar author who sleeps with random women, all the way through to his journey from Boston to Manhattan’s publishing houses. As a writer, why wouldn’t you want to read such a compelling journey?
The Messenger by Charles Wright
This one is written from the perspective of the author but in the format of a novel. Wright draws extensively on his own life as a light-skinned African American migration to Manhattan from Missouri. The novel sheds light on the isolation felt from America’s social, economic and racial imbalances. This one is very touching.
Wonder Boys by Michael Chabon
Wonder Boys is about Grady Tripp, a former publishing prodigy past his prime, and his student James Leer. James is obsessed with dreams of Hollywood self-destruction and struggles to find himself. Grady is just as much a train-wreck as he struggles to finish a 2000 page novel. This book serves as a testament that depressing books are winners.
1Q84 by Haruki Murakami
A woman named Aomame begins to realize that she’s in a parallel version of 1984, so she renames it 1Q85 with the Q standing for ‘question mark’. At the same time, an aspiring writer named Tengo takes on a ghostwriting project. He becomes so engrossed in the project and it’s unusual client that his own life comes unraveled. Soon, the events of this strange year binds the realities of Tengo and Aomame closer and closer.
In Japan 1Q84 was published as 3 books, but you can now buy the entire story combined. Redital loves Haruki Murakami‘s work and this one is well worth it.
Know any other great novels about writers? Drop your suggestions in the comment section below!
