Ink Flight Book Reading List
Since March of 2019, each Ink Flight now includes a book suggestion that is related to writing, pens, and all other tangential topics. Here are each of the "Currently Reading" books mentioned in the Flight brochures. I recommend utilizing the resources of your public library (heck, you pay for it in your taxes, right?) before buying a physical hard copy at a store or Amazon.
If you must purchase it on Amazon, I've included affiliate links that help put a little tip in my jar for guiding you toward that book. I appreciate it!
January 2022
Everybody Writes: Your Go-To Guide in Creating Ridiculously Good Content (2014)
Buy on Amazon
by Ann Handley
ISBN: 978-1118905555
Writing isn't just for novels, journals, and essays. Today, you have blogs, social media posts, e-mail newsletters, web pages, and all sorts of content that need well-written captions and headlines. This 2014 book from Ann Handley might be dated with some of its examples. But, 95% of it contains solid advice you can use to create better content on the web. If you regularly publish your writing online, this is a great resource to improve your craft.
December 2020
Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within (1986)
by Natalie Goldberg
Buy on Amazon
ISBN: 978-1590302613
Natalie Goldberg guides you through the Zen of writing in short chapters filled with insight and practical suggestions to implement in your daily writing.
November 2020
Consider This: Moments in My Writing Life after Which Everything Was Different (2020)
by Chuck Palahniuk
Buy on Amazon
ISBN: 9781538717950
Despite having the feel of a memoir, Palahniuk goes "under the hood" of his writing technique and shares the most pivotal moments and writing advice that guided his career toward becoming a bestselling novelist.
October 2020
Script & Scribble: The Rise and Fall of Handwriting (2009)
by Kitty Burns Florey
Buy on Amazon
ISBN: 9781933633671
This is a fun and quirky book on the subject of handwriting that covers its history, tools (How could you not read a book that obviously has a Lamy Safari on the cover?), and relevance of handwriting in the modern age.
September 2020
The Writing Life (1989)
by Annie Dillard
Buy on Amazon
ISBN: 0060161566
Annie describes her writing life in a whirlwind of poetic metaphors that cast an unflattering light upon the career of a writer. If you thought secluding yourself in a log cabin to write the Great American Novel was appealing, Annie will prove you wrong.
August 2020
The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change (1989)
by Stephen R. Covey
Buy on Amazon
ISBN: 9780743269513
I know the title sounds like any hack blog post out there on the internet. But, this is the real deal here. There are plenty of deep, introspective writing exercises to complete as you read the material.
July 2020
Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life (1994)
by Anne Lamott
Buy on Amazon
ISBN: 9780385480017
I'm overjoyed that our library has finally reopened after months of being closed. We can put books on hold using an app and pick up curbside. Lamott's "Bird by Bird" is my first library book in months and I'm looking forward to reading it after seeing her Ted Talk (Search "12 Truths Lamott").
June 2020
Outliers: The Story of Success (2011)
by Malcolm Gladwell
Buy on Amazon
ISBN: 9780316017930
I've been on a Gladwell kick lately and this was my favorite so far. “Outliers” uses engaging examples to illustrate how top performers owe their success to more than their individual ambition and perseverance.
May 2020
How I Write: Secrets of a Bestselling Author (2006)
by Janet Evanovich, Ina Yalof, Alex Evanovich
Buy on Amazon
ISBN: 9780312354282
Evanovich is a Jersey Girl that succeeded in making a living as a bestselling author, sharing her practical advice in this Q&A style book.
April 2020
Share Your Work: 10 Ways to Share Your Creativity and Get Discovered (2014)
by Austin Kleon
Buy on Amazon
ISBN: 9780761178972
I enjoyed last month's Austin Kleon book that I quickly read the other two in this series. Although there is some overlap in the message, I think this book is the best and most relevant for artists and creative people who have a hard time sharing their work with the world.
March 2020
Keep Going: 10 Ways to Stay Creative in Good Times and Bad (2019)
by Austin Kleon
Buy on Amazon
ISBN: 1523506644
A quick, fun read that helps energize and refocus your creative spirit. Lots of great quotes and insightful suggestions all packaged in an easy-to-digest layout.
February 2020
Creative Calling: Establish a Daily Practice, Infuse Your World with Meaning, and Succeed in Work + Life (2019)
by Chase Jarvis
Buy on Amazon
ISBN: 0062879960
**OK, Truth time - I had the intention of reading through this book. I could only get 30 pages in until I gave up. It lacked a compelling narrative. The author had no evidence, other than personal anecdotes, to back up any assertions he was trying to make. I think the book could have been useful, but it had way too much fluff. I apologize to anyone who read this book due to my recommendation. I promise, from now on, I will read through and enjoy any book on this list before recommending it in the Ink Flight brochure.**
Set on a path of becoming more creative in your walk of life. Written by renowned photographer and entrepreneur Chase Jarvis, founder of the world's largest streaming education company.
January 2020
Pity the Reader: On Writing with Style (2019)
by Suzanne McConnell and Kurt Vonnegut
Buy on Amazon
ISBN: 1609809629
Written by a former graduate student of the late grandmaster of American literature, "Pity the Reader" discusses Vonnegut's approach to the art and craft of writing.
December 2019
Stillness is the Key (2019)
by Ryan Holiday
Buy on Amazon
ISBN: 0525538585
“Be steady while the world spins around you.” If you enjoy this book or stoic philosophy, also check out The Obstacle is the Way and Ego is the Enemy.
November 2019
The Missing Ink (2012)
by Philip Hensher
Buy on Amazon
ISBN: 9780865478022
Hensher aims to discuss the lost art of handwriting. However, the narrative gets lost in a muck of sarcasm, lost references, and unabashedly long footnotes. Garbage.
October 2019
It (1986)
by Stephen King
Buy on Amazon
ISBN: 1501142976
I took a break from the self-help writing books to enjoy a riveting story from the master of horror.
September 2019
On Writing Well, 30th Anniversary Edition (2006)
by William Zinsser
Buy on Amazon
ISBN: 9780060891541
William Zinsser is the English teacher you wish you had in high school. Sound writing advice is written in a clear, easy-to-follow style.
August 2019
The Bullet Journal Method (2018)
by Ryder Carroll
Buy on Amazon
ISBN: 0525533338
Looking to be more productive and track your progress toward goals in school, work, and/or personal life? Give the bullet journal method a try!
July 2019
The Right to Write (1999)
by Julia Cameron
Buy on Amazon
ISBN: 1585420093
A must-read for those looking to make writing a bigger part of their lives. Julia invites you to actively participate in each chapter with a writing exercise.
June 2019
On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft (2000)
by Stephen King
Buy on Amazon
ISBN: 9780743455961
For those looking to become serious writers and want to read a good story about how one of the most successful writers of our time made it.
May 2019
Digital Minimalism (2019)
by Cal Newport
Buy on Amazon
ISBN: 9780525536512
We all spend too much time glued to our computer and device screens. Cal’s book is a compelling argument to reevaluate our relationship with technology while not completely cutting the cord.
April 2019
Atomic Habits (2018)
by James Clear
Buy on Amazon
ISBN: 0 73521 129 9
Desperately searching for a way to enjoy your pens and inks by writing more? You'll find a blueprint for establishing productive habits in this book.
March 2019
Reader’s Digest Quotable Quotes (1997)
Buy on Amazon
ISBN: 0 89577 925 0
I’ve had this on my shelf for a long time, but it’s coming into great use now to find quotes for this challenge. You can find a used copy online or loan one from your library.