The one book every aspiring author should read...

[samaulle_esun]

Hero with 1000 faces by Joseph Campbell is helpful in an outer stream kinda way. It's recieved heaps of kudos over the years, and George Lucas even holds it as the book that inspired Starwars. It takes a look at mythology, archetypes and dreams and is about mans search for identity. Not much help with writing tips though.

[AlexSivier]

I can also heartily recommend 'Elements of Style', 'On Writing' and 'The Hero With A 1000 Faces' as must reads for any serious writer.
I have another suggestion: 'Writing to Sell' by Scott Meredith
It's really good if you plan to break into the industry and actually get published.

[L.L.]

All I've ever read of Stephen King, is his introduction to Lord of the Flies. Interesting, that...