Fiction Books about Writers

Seven Days in June

Author: Tia Williams

Year: 2021

Genre: Romance

More info: June 2021 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

The latest Reese’s Book Club pick was quite a unique read. It was billed as a romance but that doesn’t do this novel justice. Yes, there are some steamy scenes, but it also deals with childhood trauma, drug addiction, racial issues, and single motherhood.

Eva Mercy is a single mom and a bestselling author of Erotica. Shane Hall is an award-winning novelist. The two meet at a literary event and sparks fly, but what nobody knows is that the two met years ago and spent a week together. Since that time, their novels have been declarations of love for each other.

Trigger Warnings

Trauma, addiction

Why Kirsten loves it

It was much heavier than I expected, especially with a second-chance romance novel. If you are looking for something that will make you think, this is the right pick for you from our list of books about books.

Why Jackie likes it

This is such a complex and deep second-chance romance. The years have been difficult for these two and they carry a lot of baggage.

Find this book in: Books About Books / Becoming Movies in 2024 / Second Chance Romance Books / Romance Books About Books / Reese Witherspoon Book Club List 2021 / Books with Numbers in the Title

Writers and Lovers

Author: Lily King

Year: 2020

Genre: Romance

More info: March 2020 Read with Jenna Book List Pick

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 16+

Plot

This is the story of Casey, who has been working on a novel for 6 years. She was a former child golf prodigy. The story follows Casey and her coming-of-age.

Why Jackie likes it

I had high hopes for this book because I loved Euphoria. This was a well-written book that is slower-moving. I did not develop an emotional connection to the characters, but that is not anything to do with the writing.

Find this book in: Read with Jenna Book Club List 2020 / Novels About Publishing

Historical Fiction Books about Writers

The Help

Author: Kathryn Stockett

Year: 2009

Genre: Historical Fiction

More info: New York Times Bestseller

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 16+

Plot

Skeeter has just entered college and is trying to find her place in her small town in Mississippi, where being married is the only true accomplishment for a woman. Itching to make a name for herself, Skeeter decides to write a tell-all about the unjust treatment of the maids in her community.

Aibileen and Minny are maids willing to help Skeeter in secret while also navigating personal struggles at the hands of their employers. But what these three women are doing is dangerous in 1932, and they might just learn that the hard way.

Trigger Warnings

Racism, Domestic Abuse, Miscarriage

Why Jackie loves it

This is a powerful novel that made me feel deeply connected to the characters. The ultimate “terrible Awful” is unforgettable! I love this story about friendship and adaptation as well.

Find this book in: Friendship Books / Books Set in the 1960s / Summary of The Calamity Club

Hamnet

Author: Maggie O’Farrell

Year: 2020

Genre: Literary Historical Fiction

More info: New York Times Bestseller

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range:

Plot

This is the story of Shakespeare’s life, family, and extraordinary wife during the time of the plague. Shakespeare himself is never actually mentioned by name in this extraordinary and heartbreaking book that was so hard to put down.

Trigger Warnings

Child Death

Why Jackie loves it

I had this book on my TBR for so long and I am so happy that I finally had a chance to read it. I know why it made so many lists of top books for 2020. And if you are looking for biographical novels about writers, this one is a must-read.

Adaptation Information

Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal star in the movie adaptation of this bestseller. Chloé Zhao directed it and it’s expected to hit theaters Thanksgiving 2025.

Find this book in: Biographical Fiction Novels / Books About Books / Books Becoming Movies / The Best Queen Camilla Book Club Books / Historical Fiction Books About Books

The Jane Austen Project

Author: Kathleen Flynn

Year: 2017

Genre: Historical Fiction

Spice Rating:💋💋

Age Range: 16+

Plot

As part of a group of workers from the future, Liam and Rachel are sent back in time to diagnose Jane’s illness, and help her complete her next book.

Why Kirsten loves it

I love the grittier side of this novel. It doesn’t romanticize the time period, very similar to the way Diana Gabaldon shows the harsh realities of life in the Highlands or onboard a ship at sea.

Find this book in: Best Time Travel Books / Books Like Outlander / Fiction Books About Writers / Novels About Jane Austen

The Paris Wife

Author: Paula McLain

Year: 2011

Genre: Historical Fiction

More info: New York Times Bestseller

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 16+

Plot

This biographical fiction novel revolves around Hadley Richardson, the first of Ernest Hemingway’s wives. It chronicles their meeting, wedding, and their adventures in Paris as the golden couple of the Lost Generation. Until Ernest descends into Gertrude Stein’s world of Jazz, liquor, and free-love. Then Hadley needs to examine her life and more specifically, Ernest’s role in it.

Trigger Warnings

Infidelity, Suicide, Alcoholism

Why Jackie loves it

This historical fiction centered around Hemingway perfectly captures post-war Paris. We all know Hemingway through his brilliant writing, but this story captures the side of him that caused Hadley heartbreak and pain through infidelity. This is a book we recommend often; it’s about art and Paris, but it is also a story of love and betrayal.

Find this book in: Books Set in Paris / Fiction Books about Writers

The Royal Governess

Author: Wendy Holden

Year: 2021

Genre: Historical Fiction

More info: Royal Outsiders #1

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 16+

Plot

Well, this was a juicy bit of royal historical fiction!!! I had no idea that Crawfie, Queen Elizabeth II’s governess, wrote a book about their time together later in her life, essentially banning her from the royal fold.

This work of historical fiction is based on the information gleaned from that book as well as Mary Crawford’s own history.

Why Kirsten loves it

It was so interesting to see the lives of the Queen and her sister through the eyes of their governess. This is perfect for royal lovers!

Find this book in: Books About the Royal Family / Books About Queen Elizabeth II / Fiction Books About Writers

Mr. Dickens and His Carol

Author: Samantha Silva

Year: 2017

Genre: Historical Fiction

Age Range: 16+

Plot

Charles Dickens’s latest book is a flop and he needs money. Christmas is around the corner and he’s become somewhat of a grump when thinking of all the expenses coming his way.

He decides to take his publishers up on their offer to finance a Christmas novel, but he can’t seem to get inspired. A chance meeting with a young woman helps give him the inspiration he requires to write his classic tale.

Why Kirsten loves it

The new perspective on the classic Christmas tale makes this a perfect pick for the best holiday books. I loved stepping into Dicken’s world and seeing what might have inspired the various parts of A Christmas Carol.

Find this book in: Best Christmas Books Of All Time / Fiction Books about Writers

Mystery Novel About Novelists

The Mystery of Mrs. Christie

Author: Marie Benedict

Year: 2020

Genre: Historical Mystery

Age Range: 16+

Plot

⁣Marie Benedict is the master of bringing women back to life in her historical fiction novels. The Mystery of Mrs. Christie is my favorite to date and I found it hard to put down. ⁣In December 1926, Agatha Christie went missing for 11 days. She re-emerged as mysteriously as she disappeared and more questions than answers persist.

Why Jackie loves it

Benedict does a wonderful job of building the mystery using her brilliant imagination and bringing us into the world of Agatha Christie. It is the perfect blend of fiction and mystery and is an absolute delight.

Find this book in: Historical Mystery Books / Books about Writers / Books About Books / Biographical Fiction Novel / 1920s Novels / Best Historical Fiction Books About Books

The Fiction Writer

Author: Jillian Cantor

Year: 2023

Genre: Mystery

More info: USA bestselling author

Spice Rating:💋

Plot

Olivia Fitzgerald, a struggling writer, lands a lucrative ghostwriting gig for a reclusive billionaire, Henry Asherwood. Tasked with uncovering a dark secret about his grandmother and Daphne du Maurier, Olivia becomes entangled in a gothic mystery that challenges her notions of creative freedom and whose stories should be told.

Why Kirsten loves it

I got swept into the book and finished it in one sitting. It’s got Rebecca Easter eggs, Du Maurier fun facts, a hunky billionaire recluse with a cryptic mission, and a book within a book. It’s one of the most unique novels about writers I’ve ever read. #gifted by Park Row

Why Jackie loves it

Kirsten said it all. I loved the references to Du Maurier, but the story stands on its own as a unique and unputdownable read. I was not sure where the book was headed, and I loved how it developed.

Find this book in: Fiction Books About Writers / Mystery and Thriller Novels About Writers / Best Books by Jewish Writers and Authors / Books About Books

Jane and Dan at the End of the World

Author: Colleen Oakley

Year: 2025

Genre: Fiction

More info: A Most Anticipated Book of 2025

Age Range:16+

Plot

Jane and Dan have been married for 19 years but their marriage is failing. Jane is pretty sure Dan is cheating on her as well. When the two go out for dinner at an upscale restaurant, they are taken hostage by a climate activist group.

The strangest part is that everything the terrorists do is directly out of Jane’s failed book which sold less than 200 copies. Only she and Dan know what is going to happen next so it is up to them to save everyone.

Why Jackie loves it

This book is such an interesting look at marriage while being hilarious at the same time. I laughed out loud at certain moments. It is also a look at parenthood and the changes that come as we get older and our kids get older as well.

Find this book in: March 2025 Book Releases / Fiction Books About Books

Romance Books About Writers

Bad Words

Author: Rioghnach Robinson

Release Date: October 6, 2026

Genre: Romance

More info: Debut, Romance Books About Books

Spice Rating:💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

Parker’s debut novel was supposed to be the book of the decade. He even earned a 7-figure advance. But when Selina Chen, a renowned book reviewer, trashed the book, it became the flop of the decade.

When he publishes his sophomore novel, Selina reviews it again. However, this time, when she bashes it, it starts a literary feud unseen in the industry. The debate begins between writers, reviewers, publishers and fans: What is fair game in a review and what is too personal?

When Parker and Selina start to chat privately, outside the public sparring matches, they begin to see a different side of each other.

Why Jackie loves it

I loved the way this story developed. The conversation about what a review is, and what people should be writing in a review- love it or hate it. This novel is beautifully written by someone who clearly loves the power of the written word. I cannot wait to discuss this book with everyone.

Find this book in: Fiction Books about Writers

How to Write a Love Story

Author: Catherine Walsh

Year: 2026

Genre: Romance

Spice Rating:💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

Clara Sheridan’s father was a bestselling author known for his epic fantasy series. When he died, he left Clara their house and the task of finishing the series. As much as she needs the money from the last book to repair the house that is falling apart, she has a horrible case of writer’s block.

Sam Avery is an editor who also happens to know the Frank Sheridan series very well. He arrives at Clara’s house with the task of helping her finish the books.

As they work together to meet the deadline, there is undeniable chemistry between them.

Why Jackie loves it

The relationship between Sam and Clara is just what I needed to go along with a fantasy series, a writer, and a dilapidated house on the Irish coast. This is a romance that is a balm and a must-read for any book lover.

Find this book in: Romance Books About Books / Novels About Publishing

Romantic Hero

Author: Kristy Greenwood

Release Date: June 16, 2026

Genre: Romance

More info: Bestselling Author of GMA book club pick Love of My Afterlife

Spice Rating:💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

Gertie is a romance writer with writer’s block ever since her breakup. Now, she cannot write a word, and her deadline is coming up fast. When she wakes up to find a cowboy on her sofa, she is shocked, and even more so because he is the villain in her unfinished novel.

River wants to go home, and Gertie wants to finish the book. They decide that he will help her get her ex back so she can finish the novel, and he can go home. But will the ending be what she expected?

Trigger Warnings

Grief

Why Jackie loves it

I love this romance and the little magical twist. This is a spicy one! The character development is fulfilling because Gertie was so compliant at the beginning of the story. I was so happy to see her find herself and her confidence. I loved that River, who was the “villain” of her stories, started as a caricature of a cowboy and became so much more. #gifted

Find this book in: Best Beach Reads 2026 / Fiction Books about Writers

The Roughest Draft

Author: Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegmind Broka

Year: 2022

Genre: Romance

Spice Rating:💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

Katrina and Nathan are cowriting literary darlings that have not spoken since the release of their last book, three years ago. It also happens to be their greatest success.

Now, they have one more book in their contract and they are forced to come together and write it. Stuck together in a small house and writing a romance with someone you never wanted to see again…that can be stressful enough without feelings getting involved.

Why Jackie like it

This is an adorable romance about writers. What could be better for a book lover?

Find this book in: Celebrity Romance / Forced Proximity Trope / Poolside Reads / Romance Books About Books