Writing and reading lessens our isolation and prods our imagination. Music makes our souls dance, and great art leaves an impression that lasts for centuries.
Over my 23 years as a professional songwriter, I’ve read just about every book on creativity I could get my hands on. I’m convinced I will never fully understand this magical, mythical experience of creative inspiration. But, these books have helped me tap into my creative energy more often along on my songwriting journey.
On Writing
, by Stephen King
An inspirational and authentic view of an artist’s journey. This biography outlines the work, dedication, disappointment, and joy of an artist’s life. Therefore, a real-life guide for anyone thinking of choosing a creative career.
Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life
, by Anne Lamott
Think you have a creative artist inside of you? Writer Anne Lamott’s quirky and honest voice will help you find your true passion and voice.
The War of Art
, by Steven Pressfield
What’s stopping you from doing what you truly long to do? This book helps you understand the naysayer within. Then, break through the internal barriers that every artist faces. It’s a real and practical guide for succeeding in any creative arena from writer to entrepreneur.
Song Building: Mastering Lyric Writing
by Marty Dodson and Bill O’Hanlon
A comprehensive, insightful overview of successful lyric writing by 6-time #1 hit songwriter Marty Dodson. (Co-authored with noted book author Bill O’Hanlon.) A must-read for any musician or songwriter embarking on a career involving writing songs. This also appeals to the seasoned writer who wants to improve their craft level and speed throughout the writing process.
The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron
This book has been making its way through artistic circles for a couple of decades. Whether you are a musician, poet, or painter, this book will help you discover and develop the true artist within.
Letters to a Young Poet
, by Rainer Maria Rilke
A beautiful collection of 10 letters written by Bohemian-Austrian poet Rainer Maria Rilke to Franz Xaver Kappus, a 19-year-old officer cadet at the Theresian Military Academy. In these letters, Rilke advises Kappus on deciding between pursuing his dream of a literary career or choosing a career in the Austro-Hungarian Army.
The Songwriter’s Guide To Mastering Co-Writing
by Marty Dodson, Clay Mills, and Bill O’ Hanlon
From the great musical duos of John Lennon/Paul McCartney to Elton John/Bernie Taupin, co-writing has long been an important skill for songwriters. Surprisingly, there are very few pro books on this subject! The Songwriter’s Guide To Mastering Co-Writing will help you identify your strengths as a collaborator and elevate your writing by creating the perfect co-writing combinations in your music world. Therefore, eliminate your writing weaknesses and increase your chances of songwriting success!
Write On! ~CM
Clay Mills is a 16-time ASCAP hit songwriter, producer, and performer. He has 2 Grammy nominations for “Beautiful Mess” by Diamond Rio and “Heaven Heartache” by Trisha Yearwood. Clay is also the co-founder of the world-wide songwriting community SongTown.
Your Welcome Champlain!
I ordered my copy of A Songwriter’s Guide to Mastering Co-writing! I’m so excited to get my hands
on this book! Thank you for gifting us with your knowledge!-Dana Matthews
She used one of my songs in that book. She was my first songwriting instructor. Brilliant woman.
~Clay Mills
Thanks for sharing these books…. I love it all
Great list, Clay! I was happy to see Rilke’s book on your list. That book can’t be red enough times.
Thank you for the email and the list of great books.
Thank you so much for the great information I look forward in hearing from you in future and learning all I can about songwriting .
Tunesmith by Jimmy Webb??
It’s a great one too. I’ve read it a couple times. It gets very technical and into theory in the second half of the book so it’s not for everyone.
CM
Agree. As a non musician I had to skim over a the technical info in Tunesmith.
I love the Artist’s Way. I just keep forgetting to do it.
I have one book, then got 2 through Audible, including On Writing which is read by Stephen King. It is very interesting listening to him talk!