The best book I've read on creative writing since Stephen King's 'On Writing.'

You want to write? Do you know what you want to write? Fiction, non-fiction, short stories, local interest? Do you know where to start? How to start? Are you a little afraid of taking this decision?
Then pick up a copy of A Guide To Creative Writing by SJ Banham. In an easy to read conversational tone this experienced author helps you overcome the fear, get organised and shows you the best way to approach a creative project.
In a personal, nurturing style you’ll be eased through a perfectly structured program which shows you how to start, where to get ideas, opens a plethora of perspectives with helpful tips and answers the questions we all have.

The perfect start for anyone who wants to write and a helpful refresher for those who have already taken the plunge.

David Pipe

This is a great resource for those wishing to explore the art of writing. It’s packed full of advice and tips and includes useful ‘Take Away Top Tips’ at the end of each chapter.

Banham covers fiction, non fiction, poetry, legacy writing and publishing options and has structured the book to allow for easy access to the different areas of interest. Headings are used making it easy to navigate the many different aspects and dip into each chapter.

Banham shares her experience as a writing coach using suggestions and examples. Aimed mainly at new writers and those looking to turn a writing hobby into something more, Banham uses a friendly, gentle tone. The chapters on writing projects and exercises set out practical activities that encourages the new writer to push themselves as they continue on their writing journey.

There are also helpful suggestions for the more experienced writer. For example, under the banner of ‘Trouble Shooting’, Banham explores issues such as procrastination, writer’s block and lack of focus to name a few. These are factors all writers face at some point during their writing journey and Banham’s sensitive approach to making suggestions for resolution are helpful.

If you are starting out on your writing journey, embarking on a writing project, or are already someway into your journey, I recommend you check out Banham’s book.

Jennifer Godfrey

A great reference book for new and aspiring writers especially.

This book covers a little of everything. There are sections on Non-Fiction, Fiction, Poetry, Legacy, etc. There are answers to common issues when writing. It covers different ways to publish. The book covers different style of writing. How to use tense. It covers why having someone else edit / proofread for you is so important. Prompt. Fan-fic.

It’s all here. Well written. Very useful book to have on your shelves, especially for on days that you are struggling to write and need motivation.

NetGalley, Ramie Pace

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

This has come in so useful! I have always wanted to write my own book, and this has given me a great jumpstart. With practical advice and exercises, this is the perfect book to get you started! This would also be super useful in a creative writing class - I wish I had it when I taught it!

NetGalley, Nicole Wagner

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

As a person who strives to be a writer, this book gave me real perspective when it comes to the entire "writing experience".
It did not only give me so many useful insight as to how to get into "writing mode" with all the amazing advice and exercises it provided, but it also instilled to me lessons I should keep in mind whenever I'm writing but also when I read other books or even when I'm just doing routine daily life stuff. Everything plays a part in the writing process and this book helped me understand it better.
I really great book for anyone who's interest in creative writing ,as a hobby , as their job or even as their past time activity, it gives tools, lessons and advice about writing ,all in one with great care and greater love for the reader. Definitely would recommend to friends who love to write and seek advice and guidance to better their skills.

NetGalley, Antonia Argyrou

As seen in 'Creative Writing: Casting characters'.

Read the article here!

Writers Online

If you’ve ever wondered how to unleash your creativity, this book is a must-read.

NetGalley, J. Kromrie

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

The best book I've read on creative writing since Stephen King's 'On Writing.'

You want to write? Do you know what you want to write? Fiction, non-fiction, short stories, local interest? Do you know where to start? How to start? Are you a little afraid of taking this decision?
Then pick up a copy of A Guide To Creative Writing by SJ Banham. In an easy to read conversational tone this experienced author helps you overcome the fear, get organised and shows you the best way to approach a creative project.
In a personal, nurturing style you’ll be eased through a perfectly structured program which shows you how to start, where to get ideas, opens a plethora of perspectives with helpful tips and answers the questions we all have.

The perfect start for anyone who wants to write and a helpful refresher for those who have already taken the plunge.

Goodreads, David Pipe

A generally very useful and inspiring guide to the ins and outs of creative writing full of helpful exercises and covering everything from the importance of good habits, discipline and organisation to useful insights into style and technique.

NetGalley, Chris Hallam

If you’re looking for advice on how to write any type of fiction or nonfiction, this little book will have some great tips for you. I appreciated the summaries at the end of each chapter, and Banham also includes some helpful exercises to get the creative juices flowing. The author is British, and thus many of the recommendations are as well, but the book is for anyone. This was just published, so check it out!

NetGalley, Books the Magical Fruit

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars


This is written by a prolific published writer, about her experiences in the field, to help other writers and creatives. She has an encouraging and egalitarian voice, and her recollections of starting out as a writer and being discouraged by the very people who should have been inclusive and encouraging were poignant, and could be especially important to neophyte writers who don't have the benefit of hindsight to know they can and should persevere.

The information is arranged logically and accessibly: the benefits of handwriting (and how to get thoughts onto "paper"), projects & maintaining a habit of actually writing, exercises (for all ages), fiction (a huge and information dense chapter), nonfiction, poetry, legacy/recollection history, and a tie-together troubleshooting chapter.

Each chapter contains numerous prompts, exercises, explanations, and guides for doing the included assignments. They're not onerous and they're open ended. In fact the author has a gentle and encouraging touch with her guidance.

NetGalley, Annie Buchanan

This is the book I wish I’d had before I started writing my first novel. I know it sounds like a cliche but it really is a must have guide for anyone who wants to write. It has great advice for inspiration. Of particular importance is the section on getting children to write, and how to encourage young minds. Any parent of a child that wants to write should have this book. Simple tips, like the ‘word jar’ to hold words to be taken out and used as prompts to write a story, or the ‘long word list’ for when a child learns a new word.

Over the course of ten chapters SJ Banham gives advice on just about every aspect of writing, from inspiration to publication. There are creative writing exercises for all ages, advice on fiction, non-fiction, poetry, legacy writing, et al. All of which are delivered with an authorial friendly voice.

A passage early on struck a chord with me. ‘I had heard from my careers officer that to be a writer you must have lots of qualifications and money. I had neither. I often wonder how many young minds are thrown off their intended path because of one person’s ill-conceived thoughts influencing them’. So often we are told what we can’t do, well, this book will tell you that you can do it. So what are you waiting for? Get the book and unleash the author in you.

TG Trouper

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

As a lifetime amateur writer, I am always looking for helpful books on the subject of writing. My personal collection has several in this category. I also moderate a monthly writing group at our library branch, so I am always eager to find books on the subject to suggest to my friends there.

Banham covers a wide range of topics over ten chapters - from the inspiration to plans for publication. She hits upon various different format as well - fiction, nonfiction and even poetry. There is a little bit of something for everyone in this one.

The longest chapter by far is the one dedicated to fiction (though it does also include sections on inspiration and process - two key aspects of creative writing). As someone whose creative writing mostly falls into the fiction bucket, I certainly appreciated this part of the book. The chapter on troubleshooting also had several useful pointers and tips.

Banham's gentle approach and voice are welcoming and very encouraging. She opens herself to the reader through her own experiences with the hope that they can enlighten those just starting on their writing journeys and to reignite the fires in those who have stepped away from the craft for awhile. She also makes it a point to present potential writers with options; she reiterates often that what might work for one writer might not for another. This is an important point that I don't see often enough in these kinds of books.

NetGalley, Martin Maenza

Packed with tons of information. This book is a great resource for people new to creative writing, as it hits on a lot of pertinent topics.

I enjoyed the Take Away Tips at the end of each chapter. And I was a particular fan of problem/solution chapter toward the end of the book.

A valuable resource for those ready to dip their toes into the world of creative writing.

NetGalley, Erica Baxter