Holy Worlds Christian Forum
https://archive.holyworlds.org/

On Writing Well
https://archive.holyworlds.org/viewtopic.php?f=250&t=1093		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  Evening L. Aspen [ October 4th, 2010, 3:50 pm ]
Post subject:  On Writing Well
Last year, my writing teacher had me go through a fabulous book called On Writing Well, by William Zinsser. The book is divided into four sections: principles, methods, forms, and attitudes. In "principles", the author talks about words and their usage, style, simplicity, and eliminating "clutter" (unnecessary words). The second portion talks about methods, mainly the flow/outline of the article. In the third section, the author talks about different types of articles, such as interview, travel, memoir, sports, humor, and several others. And in the fourth portion, he talks about attitudes - about the "sound of your voice", the final product, decisions, and some other stuff.

Even though the book is about writing non-fiction, it is immensely helpful for fiction writers as well. My teacher showed us how learning to write different types of non-fiction would help us get better at writing certain aspects of fiction. For instance, writing a sports article can help you get better at writing battle scenes, interviews can help you get better at dialogue, and memoirs can build your skills in adding depth and emotion to your fiction.

You can get this little book for about $10 on Amazon and it's worth every penny. It's simple and easy to read but is full of helpful information. I enjoyed reading and learning from this book and I have to say that it's been one of the most helpful books I've read on writing.
Author:  Airianna Valenshia [ October 4th, 2010, 4:16 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: On Writing Well
Wow, that book sounds like it would be a good addition to my library.

I never thought about the fact that an interview could help you with dialogue! That's so out of the box!
Author:  Rachel Newhouse [ October 4th, 2010, 4:50 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: On Writing Well
I'm taking a writing webinar, and this book is recommended reading. I think I will have to check it out!

Thanks for posting your review!
Author:  Willow Wenial Mimetes [ October 8th, 2010, 4:43 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: On Writing Well
Eeeeeeeeee! This was an amazing book! I have two copies.:D

Although, it DOES tend to cater more to a non-fiction crowd, it's still really good!

I would also recommend "The Elements of Style". AMAZING book. And very practical.
Author:  Lady Ellen [ October 15th, 2010, 1:36 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: On Writing Well
That book definitely does sound like one that would be very helpful! I will have to look it up at some point. :) Thank you for letting everyone know about it!
Author:  Andrew Amnon Mimetes [ October 15th, 2010, 11:05 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: On Writing Well
Willow Wenial wrote:
Eeeeeeeeee! This was an amazing book! I have two copies.:D


Can I have one? ;) :D
Sounds like a great book, I'd like to find it someday.

eruheran
Author:  Neil of Erk [ November 7th, 2010, 11:50 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: On Writing Well
Willow Wenial wrote:
I would also recommend "The Elements of Style". AMAZING book. And very practical.


Well, Elements of Style was amazing, but not very accessible or readable. Thank goodness it's short.

And, as I side note, there are certain, nearly poetic styles of prose that break the "clutter" rule and get away with it wonderfully.
Author:  Bethany Faith [ July 1st, 2011, 9:18 am ]
Post subject:  Re: On Writing Well
Moved topic to The Watchtower. :)
Page 1 of 1 All times are UTC - 6 hours [ DST ]
Powered by phpBB © 2000, 2002, 2005, 2007 phpBB Group
http://www.phpbb.com/