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Write Short Stories and Get Them Published: Your practical guide to writing compelling short fiction (Teach Yourself)
by Zoe FairbairnsLEARN HOW TO WRITE WONDERFUL AND VARIED SHORT STORIES AND SHARE THEM WITH THE WORLD.Written by one of the country's leading experts on the short story, this book is ideal if you want to write creatively in a genre that is increasingly attracting attention from publishers, and which offers plenty of competition and festival opportunities for you to showcase your work.This new edition includes uptodate material on web resources and outlets and provides new information on self-publishing. In addition it discusses genres such as micro-fiction, and throughout is fully updated with new resources, events, slams and competitions.It will help unlock your imagination and creativity, and to discover stories you didn't know you had. It will help you to observe the world around you more sharply, as well as to structure, shape and polish your story. It is full of practical exercises that will both inspire imagination and refine skills, and confidence-building suggestions and hints.
Write Your Life Story and Get it Published: Teach Yourself (Teach Yourself)
by Anne GawthorpeIf you have ever wanted to write down your life story but never found the time or the confidence, this book is for you. It will help you to find a style that suits you, collect and structure all the information you need, plan your story and discover your voice. In reading this book you will learn how to gather anecdotes and other infromation from your different sources, plan and structure your work and, ultimately, how and where to publish, guided by a highly experienced and prize-winning winning author.NOT GOT MUCH TIME?One, five and ten-minute introductions to key principles to get you started.AUTHOR INSIGHTSLots of instant help with common problems and quick tips for success, based on the author's many years of experience.TEST YOURSELFTests in the book and online to keep track of your progress.EXTEND YOUR KNOWLEDGEExtra online articles at www.teachyourself.com to give you a richer understanding of writing your life story.FIVE THINGS TO REMEMBERQuick refreshers to help you remember the key facts.TRY THISInnovative exercises illustrate what you've learnt and how to use it.
Write Your Way In: Crafting an Unforgettable College Admissions Essay (Chicago Guides to Writing, Editing, and Publishing)
by Rachel ToorWriting, for most of us, is bound up with anxiety. It’s even worse when it feels like your whole future—or at least where you’ll spend the next four years in college—is on the line. It’s easy to understand why so many high school seniors put off working on their applications until the last minute or end up with a generic and clichéd essay. The good news? You already have the “secret sauce” for crafting a compelling personal essay: your own experiences and your unique voice. The best essays rarely catalog how students have succeeded or achieved. Good writing shows the reader how you’ve struggled and describes mistakes you’ve made. Excellent essays express what you’re fired up about, illustrate how you think, and illuminate the ways you’ve grown. More than twenty million students apply to college every year; many of them look similar in terms of test scores, grades, courses taken, extracurricular activities. Admissions officers wade through piles of files. As an applicant, you need to think about what will interest an exhausted reader. What can you write that will make her argue to admit you instead of the thousands of other applicants? A good essay will be conversational and rich in vivid details, and it could only be written by one person—you. This book will help you figure out how to find and present the best in yourself. You’ll acquire some useful tools for writing well—and may even have fun—in the process.
Write Your Way In: Crafting an Unforgettable College Admissions Essay (Chicago Guides to Writing, Editing, and Publishing)
by Rachel ToorWriting, for most of us, is bound up with anxiety. It’s even worse when it feels like your whole future—or at least where you’ll spend the next four years in college—is on the line. It’s easy to understand why so many high school seniors put off working on their applications until the last minute or end up with a generic and clichéd essay. The good news? You already have the “secret sauce” for crafting a compelling personal essay: your own experiences and your unique voice. The best essays rarely catalog how students have succeeded or achieved. Good writing shows the reader how you’ve struggled and describes mistakes you’ve made. Excellent essays express what you’re fired up about, illustrate how you think, and illuminate the ways you’ve grown. More than twenty million students apply to college every year; many of them look similar in terms of test scores, grades, courses taken, extracurricular activities. Admissions officers wade through piles of files. As an applicant, you need to think about what will interest an exhausted reader. What can you write that will make her argue to admit you instead of the thousands of other applicants? A good essay will be conversational and rich in vivid details, and it could only be written by one person—you. This book will help you figure out how to find and present the best in yourself. You’ll acquire some useful tools for writing well—and may even have fun—in the process.
Write Your Way In: Crafting an Unforgettable College Admissions Essay (Chicago Guides to Writing, Editing, and Publishing)
by Rachel ToorWriting, for most of us, is bound up with anxiety. It’s even worse when it feels like your whole future—or at least where you’ll spend the next four years in college—is on the line. It’s easy to understand why so many high school seniors put off working on their applications until the last minute or end up with a generic and clichéd essay. The good news? You already have the “secret sauce” for crafting a compelling personal essay: your own experiences and your unique voice. The best essays rarely catalog how students have succeeded or achieved. Good writing shows the reader how you’ve struggled and describes mistakes you’ve made. Excellent essays express what you’re fired up about, illustrate how you think, and illuminate the ways you’ve grown. More than twenty million students apply to college every year; many of them look similar in terms of test scores, grades, courses taken, extracurricular activities. Admissions officers wade through piles of files. As an applicant, you need to think about what will interest an exhausted reader. What can you write that will make her argue to admit you instead of the thousands of other applicants? A good essay will be conversational and rich in vivid details, and it could only be written by one person—you. This book will help you figure out how to find and present the best in yourself. You’ll acquire some useful tools for writing well—and may even have fun—in the process.
Write Your Way In: Crafting an Unforgettable College Admissions Essay (Chicago Guides to Writing, Editing, and Publishing)
by Rachel ToorWriting, for most of us, is bound up with anxiety. It’s even worse when it feels like your whole future—or at least where you’ll spend the next four years in college—is on the line. It’s easy to understand why so many high school seniors put off working on their applications until the last minute or end up with a generic and clichéd essay. The good news? You already have the “secret sauce” for crafting a compelling personal essay: your own experiences and your unique voice. The best essays rarely catalog how students have succeeded or achieved. Good writing shows the reader how you’ve struggled and describes mistakes you’ve made. Excellent essays express what you’re fired up about, illustrate how you think, and illuminate the ways you’ve grown. More than twenty million students apply to college every year; many of them look similar in terms of test scores, grades, courses taken, extracurricular activities. Admissions officers wade through piles of files. As an applicant, you need to think about what will interest an exhausted reader. What can you write that will make her argue to admit you instead of the thousands of other applicants? A good essay will be conversational and rich in vivid details, and it could only be written by one person—you. This book will help you figure out how to find and present the best in yourself. You’ll acquire some useful tools for writing well—and may even have fun—in the process.
Write Your Way In: Crafting an Unforgettable College Admissions Essay (Chicago Guides to Writing, Editing, and Publishing)
by Rachel ToorWriting, for most of us, is bound up with anxiety. It’s even worse when it feels like your whole future—or at least where you’ll spend the next four years in college—is on the line. It’s easy to understand why so many high school seniors put off working on their applications until the last minute or end up with a generic and clichéd essay. The good news? You already have the “secret sauce” for crafting a compelling personal essay: your own experiences and your unique voice. The best essays rarely catalog how students have succeeded or achieved. Good writing shows the reader how you’ve struggled and describes mistakes you’ve made. Excellent essays express what you’re fired up about, illustrate how you think, and illuminate the ways you’ve grown. More than twenty million students apply to college every year; many of them look similar in terms of test scores, grades, courses taken, extracurricular activities. Admissions officers wade through piles of files. As an applicant, you need to think about what will interest an exhausted reader. What can you write that will make her argue to admit you instead of the thousands of other applicants? A good essay will be conversational and rich in vivid details, and it could only be written by one person—you. This book will help you figure out how to find and present the best in yourself. You’ll acquire some useful tools for writing well—and may even have fun—in the process.
Write Your Way In: Crafting an Unforgettable College Admissions Essay (Chicago Guides to Writing, Editing, and Publishing)
by Rachel ToorWriting, for most of us, is bound up with anxiety. It’s even worse when it feels like your whole future—or at least where you’ll spend the next four years in college—is on the line. It’s easy to understand why so many high school seniors put off working on their applications until the last minute or end up with a generic and clichéd essay. The good news? You already have the “secret sauce” for crafting a compelling personal essay: your own experiences and your unique voice. The best essays rarely catalog how students have succeeded or achieved. Good writing shows the reader how you’ve struggled and describes mistakes you’ve made. Excellent essays express what you’re fired up about, illustrate how you think, and illuminate the ways you’ve grown. More than twenty million students apply to college every year; many of them look similar in terms of test scores, grades, courses taken, extracurricular activities. Admissions officers wade through piles of files. As an applicant, you need to think about what will interest an exhausted reader. What can you write that will make her argue to admit you instead of the thousands of other applicants? A good essay will be conversational and rich in vivid details, and it could only be written by one person—you. This book will help you figure out how to find and present the best in yourself. You’ll acquire some useful tools for writing well—and may even have fun—in the process.
Write Yourself Happy: The Art of Positive Journalling
by Megan C PhDPsychologists tell us that writing helps us cope with and recover from depression, anxiety, job loss and even heartbreak. Exciting new research shows that we can flourish further by actively choosing to write about positive emotions. Journalling is a hot trend - for personal expression, creativity, self-actualisation and goal-setting. In Write Yourself Happy, author Megan Hayes shows us how, using positive journalling, we can journal more consciously, writing in a way that engages and promotes our most supportive and life-affirming emotions.This practical workbook demonstrates how to put eight of the most commonly experienced positive emotions - joy, gratitude, serenity, interest, hope, pride, awe and love - to work, helping us not simply to feel better, but to live better.Based on groundbreaking research in positive psychology, and backed up by extensive scientific studies, the book includes practical exercises and case studies to inspire readers to shift their focus, use different words, see the world in a subtly different way - and discover how things go right when we write.Praise for Write Yourself Happy:'The power of positivity comes together with the power of the pen. It is a mighty force for well-being.'Miriam Akhtar MAPPAuthor of Positive Psychology for Overcoming Depression and What is Post-traumatic Growth?'Write Yourself Happy is filled with practical, applied and scientifically proven methods - it offers readers a direct path to increase positivity and sustain happiness. It is the perfect resource for optimal wellbeing.'Daniel J Tomasulo, PhD, TEP, MFA, MAPPPsychologist and author of Character Strengths Matter'This book is ideal for anyone who is looking for a creative and uplifting path to happiness. Megan's encouraging tone and fun exercises not only boost your mood but also help you to forge a stronger connection with yourself. I highly recommend the read - and doing each of the writing exercises in it!'Susanna HalonenThe Happyologist® and author of Screw Finding Your Passion'Forget the pressure to become a perfectionist Photoshop you. Write Yourself Happy is about easing into a reality that already exists and needs nothing more to bloom than pen on paper. Let the scientifically nuanced and reassuring rhythm of your compassionate Sherpa Megan C Hayes steal you away.'Kristen Truempy, MAPPCreator of the Positive Psychology Podcast 'Megan artfully combines the world of writing with positive psychology producing this guide to 'writing yourself happy'. Written with a delicate balance of scientifically based wellbeing advice alongside an open playfulness that allows the reader to consider and interpret things for themselves. It is thanks to reading this book that my clients, and of course myself, enjoy the many benefits of Positive Journaling.'Samantha SpaffordPsychologist and Director of Positive Mind Works
The Writers' and Artists' Yearbook Guide to Getting Published
by Harry Bingham"Invaluable to writers of all kinds" Mark Le Fanu, The Society of AuthorsWritten emphatically from the author's point of view, this is an expert guide to the process of getting published, from submitting your work and finding an agent, to working with a publishing house and understanding the book trade. Together with interviews from authors, agents and publishers (including the CEO of Harper Studio, and the Editorial Director of Pan Macmillan) as well as buyers from Waterstones and Asda - this is an expert guide to:* finding an agent or publisher* successful approaches for covering letters and synopses* understanding contractual terms * working with publishers and the editorial process* your role in helping to publicise your workGetting Published will enable you to market your work more professionally, understand the relationship you will have with both agent and publisher and offers a contemporary inside view of the publishing industry. Along with the essential contacts in the Writers and Artists Yearbook, this is a professional tool you will not want to be without.
Writers' & Artists' Guide to Getting Published: Essential advice for aspiring authors (Writers' and Artists')
by Bloomsbury PublishingThe W&A Guide to Getting Published provides the would-be published author with expert knowledge on securing a book deal – from preparing a manuscript for submission, to finding an agent, from working with an Editor, to effective self-promotion. It considers all stages in the 'selling' of your idea and manuscript and gives up-to-date information on how the publishing industry functions and how authors can best navigate its mysteries and complexities.Each chapter provides practical, how-to advice on what to do, where to seek additional help, what costs might be involved, cautionary dos and don'ts, and useful case studies.This guide considers all publishing formats (print, digital and audio) and markets (fiction, non-fiction, children's and books for adults) to offer all-round support for the budding writer.
Writers' & Artists' Guide to How to Write: How to plan, structure and write your novel (Writers' and Artists')
by William RyanHow to Write is all about writing for publication, it concentrates on advice on how to construct, craft and draft novels across all genres, but the examples and details on what to consider when writing for any audience means it is relevant to writing in all its forms, including books for children and non-fiction.The advice and techniques suggested in this book have been tested in practice by author William Ryan, successful novelist, and creative writing tutor at City University and Guardian Masterclasses and are an extension of the 'Your Novel' writing course he has delivered with W&A over several years.
Writers' & Artists' Guide to How to Write: How to plan, structure and write your novel (Writers' and Artists')
by William RyanLearn the craft of effective storytelling with the Writers' & Artists' Guide to How to Write. Novelist William Ryan introduces the techniques needed to construct, craft and draft a novel. He provides tried-and-tested examples and details on what to consider when writing for any audience, across any genre. Each chapter tackles a key aspect of the writing process, including how to: structure a novel, develop central and subsidiary characters, create atmosphere and tension, write punchy dialogue and pacey scenes. This is the perfect guide for any writer looking for clear and informed advice on getting their ideas on to the page from the bestselling and trusted creative writing brand.
Writers' & Artists' Guide to Writing for Children and YA: A Writer's Toolkit (Writers' and Artists')
by Linda StrachanThe W&A Guide to Writing for Children and YA provides informed, practical advice from a successful and experienced writer of children's books across all ages. Its coverage includes picture books through middle grade and young adult; fiction and non-fiction; books for reluctant readers and books for the education market. It is one author's lifetime of experience distilled into an engaging guide on how to manage, kickstart or begin your writing career. This is a heavily revised and expanded edition of Linda's Writing for Children (2008). Much has happened in both Linda's writing life and in the world of children's books since then. Staying true to the essence of the original, the new edition includes more advice and experience to reflect changes in digital publishing, self-publishing, and the explosion of YA and children's writing more broadly.
Writers' & Artists' Yearbook 2017 (Writers' and Artists')
by Bloomsbury PublishingThis bestselling guide to all areas of publishing and the media is completely revised and updated every year. The Yearbook is packed with advice, inspiration and practical guidance on who to contact and how to get published.New articles in the 2017 edition on:Stronger together: writers united by Maggie GeeLife writing: telling other people's stories by Duncan Barrett (co-author of the Sunday Times bestseller GI Brides)The how-to of writing 'how-to' books by Kate Harrison (author of the 5:2 Diet titles)Self-publishing Dos and Dont's by Alison BaverstockThe Path to a bestseller by Clare Mackintosh (author of the 2015 Let Me Go)Getting your lucky break by Claire McGowan Getting your poetry out there by Neil Astley (MD and Editor at Bloodaxe Books)Selling yourself and your work online by Fig TaylorThen and now: becoming a science fiction and fantasy writer - Aliette de BodardWriting (spy) fiction - Mick HerronMaking waves online - Simon ApplebyAll articles are reviewed and updated every year. Key articles on Copyright Law, Tax, Publishing Agreements, E-publishing, Publishing news and trends are fully updated every year.Plus over 4,000 listings entries on who to contact and how across the media and publishing worldsIn short it is 'Full of useful stuff' - J.K. RowlingForeword to the 2017 edition by Deborah Levy.
Writers' & Artists' Yearbook 2018 (Writers' and Artists')
by Bloomsbury PublishingThis bestselling guide to all areas of publishing and the media is completely revised and updated every year. The Yearbook is packed with advice, inspiration and practical guidance on who to contact and how to get published. Foreword to the 2018 edition by David Lodge New articles in the 2018 edition on:- Writing popular history by Tom Holland- Editing and writing by Diana Athill- Ghostwriting by Gillian Stern- Writing Thrillers by Kimberley Chambers- The health and wellness market by Anita Bean- Self-publishing online by Harry Bingham- How to choose your agent by Jo Unwin- First Chapters by Emma Flint- Pitching your ideas by Mike Unwin- How to make a living by Alison Branagan All articles are reviewed and updated every year. Key articles on Copyright Law, Tax, Publishing Agreements, E-publishing, Publishing news and trends are fully updated every year. Plus over 4,000 listings entries on who to contact and how across the media and publishing worlds In short it is 'Full of useful stuff' - J.K. Rowling
Writers' & Artists' Yearbook 2019 (Writers' and Artists')
by Bloomsbury PublishingThis bestselling guide to all areas of publishing and the media is completely revised and updated every year. The Yearbook is packed with advice, inspiration and practical guidance on who to contact and how to get published. Foreword by Joanne Harris, bestselling author of 18 novels, including Chocolat New articles in the 2019 edition include: Ruby Tandoh Writing a cookbookAndrew McMillan How to become a poetClaire North Writing speculative fiction Frances Jessop Writing about sportJane Robinson Writing non-fiction Tony Bradman A successful writing career James Peak Should I make an audio book? Wyl Menmuir Debut successAlice Jolly Crowdfunding your novel Andrew Lownie Submitting non-fictionLynette Owen UK copyright law All articles are reviewed and updated every year. Key articles on Copyright Law, Tax, Publishing Agreements, E-publishing, Publishing news and trends are fully updated. Plus over 4,000 listings entries on who to contact and how across the media and publishing worlds In short it is 'Full of useful stuff' - J.K. Rowling
Writers' & Artists' Yearbook 2020 (Writers' and Artists')
by Bloomsbury PublishingPacked with practical advice, guidance and inspiration about all aspects of the writing process, this Yearbook is the essential resource on how to get published.It will guide authors and illustrators across all genres and markets: those looking for a traditional, hybrid or self-publishing route to publication; writers of fiction and non-fiction, poets and playwrights, writers for TV and radio, newspapers and magazines.New articles for the 2020 edition include:- Raffaella Barker Writing romantic fiction- Chris Bateman Narrative writing for video games- Dean Crawford Why self-publishing can be a good option- Jill Dawson On mentoring- Melissa Harrison So you want to write about nature …- Kerry Hudson Putting characters at the heart of your novel- Mark Illis Changing lanes: writing across genres and forms- Maxim Jakubowski Defining genre fiction- Antony Johnston Creating graphic novels- Suzanne O'Sullivan Writing about science for the general reader- Tim Pears Writing historical fiction- Di Redmond Ever wanted to write a saga?- Anna Symon Successful screenwriting- Ed Wilson Are you ready to submit?
Writers' & Artists' Yearbook 2021 (Writers' and Artists')
by Bloomsbury PublishingThe latest edition of the bestselling guide to all you need to know about how to get published, is packed full of advice, inspiration and practical information. The Writers' & Artists' Yearbook has been guiding writers and illustrators on the best way to present their work, how to navigate the world of publishing and ways to improve their chances of success, for over 110 years. It is equally relevant for writers of novels and non-fiction, poems and scripts and for those writing for children, YA and adults and covers works in print, digital and audio formats. If you want to find a literary or illustration agent or publisher, would like to self-publish or crowdfund your creative idea then this Yearbook will help you. As well as sections on publishers and agents, newspapers and magazines, illustration and photography, theatre and screen, there is a wealth of detail on the legal and financial aspects of being a writer or illustrator.
Writers’ & Artists’ Yearbook 2022 (Writers' and Artists')
by Bloomsbury PublishingThe latest edition of the bestselling guide to all you need to know about how to get published, is packed full of advice, inspiration and practical information. The Writers' & Artists' Yearbook has been guiding writers and illustrators on the best way to present their work, how to navigate the world of publishing and ways to improve their chances of success, for over 110 years. It is equally relevant for writers of novels and non-fiction, poems and scripts and for those writing for children, YA and adults and covers works in print, digital and audio formats. If you want to find a literary or illustration agent or publisher, would like to self-publish or crowdfund your creative idea then this Yearbook will help you. As well as sections on publishers and agents, newspapers and magazines, illustration and photography, theatre and screen, there is a wealth of detail on the legal and financial aspects of being a writer or illustrator.New articles for 2022:Peter James Becoming a bestselling author: my writing storyFemi Kayode Shelf space: a debut writer's journey to claim his placeSam Missingham Building your author brandJonathan Myerson Audio dramatist or novelist?Ed Needham Setting up and editing a new magazineIngrid Persaud The winning touch: the impact of winning an awardCathy Rentzenbrink Reading as a writerSallyanne Sweeney What a debut novelist should expect from an agentDavid Wightman Getting books to market: how books are soldJonathan and Louise Ford Managing your finances: a guide for writers
Writers' & Artists' Yearbook 2023 (Writers' and Artists')
by Bloomsbury Publishing'A definitive guide, in here you'll find everything you need' S. J. WatsonWith over 4,000 industry contacts and over eighty articles from a wide range of leading authors and publishing industry professionals, the latest edition of this bestselling Yearbook is packed with all of the practical information, inspiration and guidance you need at every stage of your writing and publishing journey.Designed for authors and illustrators across all genres and markets, it is relevant for those looking for a traditional, hybrid or self-publishing route to publication; writers of fiction and non-fiction, poets and playwrights, writers for TV, radio and videogames.If you want to find a literary or illustration agent or publisher, would like to self-publish or crowdfund your creative idea then this Yearbook will help you. As well as sections on publishers and agents, newspapers and magazines, illustration and photography, theatre and screen, there is a wealth of detail on the legal and financial aspects of being a writer or illustrator.Includes advice from writers such as Peter James, Cathy Rentzenbrink, S.J. Watson, Kerry Hudson, and Samantha Shannon.Additional articles, free advice, events information and editorial services at www.writersandartists.co.uk
Writers' & Artists' Yearbook 2024: The best advice on how to write and get published (Writers' and Artists')
by Bloomsbury Publishing'WAYB remains an indispensable companion for anyone seriously committed to the profession of author, whether full-time or part-time; and as always it is particularly valued by those who are setting out hopefully on that vocational path.' - David LodgeRevised and updated annually, this bestselling guide includes over 3,500 industry contacts across 12 sections and 80 plus articles from writers across all forms and genres, including award-winning novelists, poets, screenwriters and bloggers. The Yearbook provides up-to-date advice, practical information and inspiration for writers at every stage of their writing and publishing journey.If you want to find a literary or illustration agent or publisher, would like to self-publish or crowdfund your creative idea then this Yearbook will help you. As well as sections on publishers and agents, newspapers and magazines, illustration and photography, theatre and screen, there is a wealth of detail on the legal and financial aspects of being a writer or illustrator.Additional articles, free advice, events information and editorial services at www.writersandartists.co.uk
Writers' & Artists' Yearbook 2024: The best advice on how to write and get published (Writers' and Artists')
by Bloomsbury Publishing'WAYB remains an indispensable companion for anyone seriously committed to the profession of author, whether full-time or part-time; and as always it is particularly valued by those who are setting out hopefully on that vocational path.' - David LodgeRevised and updated annually, this bestselling guide includes over 3,500 industry contacts across 12 sections and 80 plus articles from writers across all forms and genres, including award-winning novelists, poets, screenwriters and bloggers. The Yearbook provides up-to-date advice, practical information and inspiration for writers at every stage of their writing and publishing journey.If you want to find a literary or illustration agent or publisher, would like to self-publish or crowdfund your creative idea then this Yearbook will help you. As well as sections on publishers and agents, newspapers and magazines, illustration and photography, theatre and screen, there is a wealth of detail on the legal and financial aspects of being a writer or illustrator.Additional articles, free advice, events information and editorial services at www.writersandartists.co.uk
The Writer's Diet: A Guide to Fit Prose (Chicago Guides to Writing, Editing, and Publishing)
by Helen SwordDo your sentences sag? Could your paragraphs use a pick-me-up? If so, The Writer’s Diet is for you! It’s a short, sharp introduction to great writing that will help you energize your prose and boost your verbal fitness. Helen Sword dispenses with excessive explanations and overwrought analysis. Instead, she offers an easy-to-follow set of writing principles: use active verbs whenever possible; favor concrete language over vague abstractions; avoid long strings of prepositional phrases; employ adjectives and adverbs only when they contribute something new to the meaning of a sentence; and reduce your dependence on four pernicious “waste words”: it, this, that, and there. Sword then shows the rules in action through examples from William Shakespeare, Emily Dickinson, Martin Luther King Jr., John McPhee, A. S. Byatt, Richard Dawkins, Alison Gopnik, and many more. A writing fitness test encourages you to assess your own writing and get immediate advice on addressing problem areas. While The Writer’s Diet is as sleek and concise as the writing ideals contained within, this slim volume packs a powerful punch. With Sword’s coaching writers of all levels can strengthen and tone their sentences with the stroke of a pen or the click of a mouse. As with any fitness routine, adhering to the rules requires energy and vigilance. The results, however, will speak for themselves.
The Writer's Diet: A Guide to Fit Prose (Chicago Guides to Writing, Editing, and Publishing)
by Helen SwordDo your sentences sag? Could your paragraphs use a pick-me-up? If so, The Writer’s Diet is for you! It’s a short, sharp introduction to great writing that will help you energize your prose and boost your verbal fitness. Helen Sword dispenses with excessive explanations and overwrought analysis. Instead, she offers an easy-to-follow set of writing principles: use active verbs whenever possible; favor concrete language over vague abstractions; avoid long strings of prepositional phrases; employ adjectives and adverbs only when they contribute something new to the meaning of a sentence; and reduce your dependence on four pernicious “waste words”: it, this, that, and there. Sword then shows the rules in action through examples from William Shakespeare, Emily Dickinson, Martin Luther King Jr., John McPhee, A. S. Byatt, Richard Dawkins, Alison Gopnik, and many more. A writing fitness test encourages you to assess your own writing and get immediate advice on addressing problem areas. While The Writer’s Diet is as sleek and concise as the writing ideals contained within, this slim volume packs a powerful punch. With Sword’s coaching writers of all levels can strengthen and tone their sentences with the stroke of a pen or the click of a mouse. As with any fitness routine, adhering to the rules requires energy and vigilance. The results, however, will speak for themselves.