So you want to be a writer? These five books will help you get started

So you want to be a writer?

Everyone has a book inside of them, but how do you start writing yours? These five guides will help

By Ernie Richardson

Ask anyone about their deepest-held ambitions and you’ll often learn that they want to be a writer. It’s a widespread phenomenon that is getting ever more prevalent: people feel they have something to say.

    ...if you want to keep your readers engaged, committed and hungry for more, it pays to invest some time in finessing your technique.  

The proliferation of self-publishing – via blogs, or print platforms such as Kindle Direct Publishing – makes it easier than ever to get your words in print.

But easy access to an audience is no guarantee of quality. And if you want to keep your readers engaged, committed and hungry for more, it pays to invest some time in finessing your technique.

To help you get started, here are five great books about writing. Read them before putting pen to paper and your output can only be improved.

1) First You Write a Sentence by Joe Moran

Joe Moran is a professor of English and cultural history at Liverpool John Moores University, so should know a thing or two about turning a phrase.

As it happens, he knows a whole lot more than that. First You Write a Sentence is one of the best books in its genre for a generation.

Moran steers clear of technical language and paints a striking picture of the interaction between writing and becoming. The book is as much a work of philosophy as it is a guide to writing, and it’s all the better for that.

Read it in one sitting and you’ll be caught up in the joy of writing. By the end, you’ll be itching to start your own work. That’s the inspirational effect of Moran’s words.

So you want to be a writer?2) Write to the Point by Sam Leith

Sam Leith is a former literary editor of The Daily Telegraph, so you can take it for granted that he’s well-read.

He leverages all this knowledge to produce a winning guide to the nuts and bolts of writing. It’s not as sharp or entertaining as his brilliant book about rhetoric (You Talkin’ To Me?), but the advice given is more germane to the written word.

Write to the Point equips you with everything you need to sharpen your syntax and tighten your grammar. So even if you never find time to write that novel, at least your Trip Advisor reviews will be well crafted.

3) Steering the craft by Ursula K. Le Guin

If you want to write fiction, the late Ursula K. Le Guin’s seminal work is a must-read. A prolific author of fantasy, fiction, children’s literature and literary criticism, she knew more than most about the craft not just of writing, but of telling ripping good yarns.

The updated version of Steering the Craft addresses such important topics as the impact of the internet on written communication and the way to convey emotion in prose.

Overall, though, its biggest contribution to the developing writer’s knowledge is in Le Guin’s instinctive understanding of how to construct narratives. Read her insights, and you’ll find it that little bit easier to write your first story.

    Brayfield considers the ingredients of books that hit the big time,...  

4) Bestseller: Secrets of Successful Writing by Celia Brayfield

Not everyone wants their novel to hit the top of the bestseller lists. But if you do, Celia Brayfield’s guidebook is well worth a look.

Bestseller is more than a writing textbook. It’s a guide to writing novels that sell. Brayfield considers the ingredients of books that hit the big time, distilling the elements that keep readers coming back for more.

Apart from the prosaic advice that is found on every page of this brilliant volume, you’ll gain from a down-to-earth approach that uses simple language and resists pretentiousness.

Like the books it focuses on as examples, Bestseller is straightforward, accessible and brilliantly written. It is truly fascinating to spend time with, even if you don’t plan on becoming the next Jack Higgins.

5) Eats, Shoots and Leaves by Lynne Truss

Every writer needs a rulebook. A way of ensuring that the basics are in place. You could choose something dull like Fowler’s Modern English Usage, but Lyne Truss’s witty volume is far more enjoyable.

Eats, Shoots and Leaves made Truss’s name as a writer, and was much mimicked in the years that followed. But no one has her ability to explain the vagaries of language with such a light touch.

This is a rare book of its ilk, in as much as you’ll happily sit and read it from cover to cover. At the end, you’ll be much better informed about the ways to construct decent sentences. And you’ll have a useful reference guide to keep on your desk for whenever a tricky linguistic problem rears its head. Whatever you’re writing, that’s an invaluable tool.

Published: 25 March 2021
© Just Recruitment Group Ltd 2021

If you enjoyed this article, you may like: Five steps to spring-clean your CV
You may also enjoy: How to create the perfect cover letter

Jobs currently available

New job
Warehouse Operative
Sector: Warehouse
Salary: £12.25 - £13.07 per hour
Location: Snetterton
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913715
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing organisation, based near Snetterton, to recruit a Warehouse Operative on a permanent basis to their long-standing team.

The key purpose of this role is to ensure that all items are correctly received and packed to meet company requirements.

Duties include:

  • Operating MHE safely and effectively according to requirements
  • Unloading goods-in
  • Checking in goods
  • Putting away products, keeping the warehouse tidy
  • Picking products as per order requirements
  • Checking orders, ensuring accuracy
  • Packing orders to ensure safety in delivery
  • Loading deliveries
  • Undertaking any other duties as may be required
  • Using WMS

Key skills required:

  • Good level of numeracy and literacy
  • Basic PC skills
  • Knowledge of company's health and safety policy
  • Housekeeping awareness
  • Qualifications to operate Bendi/Flexi
  • Physically active

Please note that this is a very manual-based role; you will need to be able to lift heavy items safely.

Due to the company’s location, you must have access to your own transport.

This is a great opportunity to join a friendly team.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
New job
Brand Coordinator
Sector: Customer Service
Salary: Discussed on application
Location: Braintree, Essex
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913714
About the role

Just Recruitment is supporting a well-regarded business based in Braintree who are recruiting for a Brand Coordinator to add to their team.

This role will involve working closely with Account Managers on new developments, handling samples of new products and sending them to the client for approval.

Duties will include:

  • Liaising with design to generate new artwork and amend existing artwork correctly
  • Liaising with purchasing at UK and international sites to obtain pricing and sampling quotations, and updating the CRM/Creator system accordingly
  • Handling customer enquiries and complaints efficiently and resolving them to a successful resolution
  • Producing periodic reports when required for the Account Manager and the client
  • Monitoring stock usage of certain products and taking ownership for ordering stock within company guidelines
  • Setting up brand manuals to include order forms, procedures, item references and prices
  • Keeping department code lists and size charts up-to-date
  • Liaising with the international sites regarding customer and retailer enquiries in regard to the production and dispatch of products
  • Keeping the CRM/Creator updated with all relevant artwork required for each brand
  • Assisting order processing as and when required, paying attention to detail

Working hours: Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.00pm.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

Read more
New job
Counterbalance Forklift Driver
Sector: Production and Stock Control
Salary: £12.70 per hour
Location: Halstead, Essex
Role: Full Time
Contract: Temporary to Permanent
Job ref: JT-HAL-CFD-0725
About the role

Just Temps seeks an experienced Counterbalance Forklift Driver looking for a fresh start with a company in Halstead, Essex, that values hard work and reliability. This could be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.

What’s in it for you?

This is more than just a job – it’s a chance to build a long-term career. Starting on a temporary basis, this role offers the genuine opportunity to go permanent. You'll be joining a close-knit team within a growing business where your efforts are recognised and rewarded.

About the role:

  • Operating a Counterbalance forklift safely and efficiently
  • Loading and unloading deliveries
  • Moving stock within the warehouse
  • Supporting the wider warehouse team with general duties
  • Maintaining a clean and safe working environment

Hours:

  • Monday to Friday
  • 6.00am to 2.00pm
  • Weekly pay
  • Ongoing support and progression opportunities

What we’re looking for:

  • A valid Counterbalance forklift licence
  • Previous warehouse or forklift experience
  • A strong work ethic and a team-player mindset
  • Punctuality, reliability, and attention to detail

This is a fantastic opportunity to secure stable, long-term work with the potential to grow within the company.

 

Just Temps acts as an Employment Business for the supply of Temporary Staff.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
New job
Procurement Manager
Sector: Purchasing and Merchandising
Salary: £40,000 - £50,000 per annum
Location: Sudbury
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913713
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing manufacturing business, based on the outskirts of Sudbury, to recruit a Procurement Manager to join their growing team.

About the role:

  • The primary purpose of this role is to lead the procurement function in delivering greater strategic and operational value, supporting the achievement of key business objectives.
  • This is a hands-on, strategic and operational role that requires a confident leader with deep procurement expertise and the ability to inspire and develop a team.
  • You will work closely with the Supply Chain Manager to shape and implement a fit-for-purpose procurement strategy, ensuring alignment with business goals across quality, cost, sustainability and risk management. This role is pivotal in maintaining robust and value-driven supplier relationships while enabling continuous improvement in all procurement activities.
  • You will also oversee raw material planning and call-offs, ensuring that the business maintains the right balance between availability and inventory control — essential for production continuity and working capital efficiency.
  • This role includes direct line management of a Procurement Specialist, supporting their development and day-to-day activity management.

Key duties include:

  • Develop and implement a comprehensive procurement strategy aligned with business objectives, operational needs and sustainability goals.
  • Identify, evaluate, and manage suppliers across raw materials, packaging, and indirect categories to ensure quality, continuity and cost-effectiveness.
  • Collaborate with the Supply Chain Manager and other departments to align procurement with broader supply chain goals and business plans.
  • Contribute to the company’s sustainability, traceability and ethical sourcing commitments through strategic supplier partnerships.
  • Oversee the procurement of raw materials, packaging, indirect goods and services, and CAPEX items, ensuring optimal quality, cost and delivery performance.
  • Manage tendering processes, contract negotiation and supplier onboarding activities.
  • Ensure the ERP system is updated and used effectively for procurement activities and reporting.
  • Monitor and report on procurement KPIs, savings and supplier performance metrics.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and service providers, driving continuous improvement and innovation.
  • Lead supplier performance reviews, audits and corrective action processes.
  • Identify and assess risks within the supply base and implement mitigation strategies to ensure business continuity.
  • Lead, mentor and develop the procurement team to achieve high levels of engagement, performance and professional growth.
  • Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous learning within the team.
  • Support the wider Supply Chain team by contributing to cross-functional initiatives and projects.
  • Ensure adherence to company procurement policies, financial controls and ethical standards.
  • Support internal and external audits with relevant documentation and compliance reporting.
  • Drive process improvement initiatives and embed best practices across the procurement function.
  • Build and nurture key working relationships with Production, Quality Assurance, Finance, Warehousing, Sales and Commercial Teams, Suppliers, Logistics Providers and Regulatory Bodies.

This is an excellent opportunity to drive change within a business — offering a great working environment.

Working hours for this role are Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm — although some flexibility is required.

Please note that due to the location of the business, you must have access to your own transport.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
New job
Production Operative
Sector: Production and Stock Control
Salary: £12.21 per hour
Location: Hadleigh
Role: Full Time
Contract: Temporary to Permanent
Job ref: JT-HAD-PO-0725
About the role

Just Temps is excited to be supporting a fantastic company based in Hadleigh, assisting with the search for dedicated Production Operatives to join their friendly and fast-paced team.

This is an immediate start, temp-to-perm opportunity role!

You will be working in a clean, well-organised working environment, and full training will be provided — no previous experience required.

This role involves:

  • Manual production work
  • Standing on your feet and using your hands for the majority of the shift
  • Supporting day-to-day operations on the production line
  • Following health & safety procedures at all times

What we’re looking for:

  • A strong work ethic and attention to detail
  • Reliability and punctuality are essential
  • Own transport – the site is not accessible by public transport
  • Safety shoes and long workwear are required

If you're ready to start immediately and want to be part of a stable, supportive team, we’d love to hear from you.

Hours:

  • 8 hour shift
  • Day shift
  • Monday to Friday
  • No weekends
  • Overtime

 

Just Temps acts as an Employment Business for the supply of Temporary Staff.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. 
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more