Read, read, read. Then write, write, write!
If you want to write well, you must read and develop your own style. You need to act like a sponge, soaking up books on writing techniques. My writing career began when I wrote my name on the wall with my mom’s bright red, lipstick at age three. Communication is a chore in any walk of life. We write white papers, create advertisements, and make speeches, all requiring exceptional writing skills.
When I decided to write full time, my sponge-like existence grabbed me worse than when I was a child, taking books with me to the movies. I continue to read to see how famous and infamous writers create their works of art. I am recommending four books for you about writing. If you want to write for publication, whether it’s articles, a fiction or non-fiction book, I hope you will read all four. The internet offers a wealth of books, videos and pod-casts for study. I’m recommending books I read and love.
Books on Writing Style
- “You’ve Got a Book in You” –Elizabeth Sims
Ms. Sims writes and edits for Writers Digest, created the Lillian Bird crime novels and “…Book in You” in 2013. Down to earth, a bit a humor and reality are the bones of the book, covering many aspects of writing.
- “A Writer’s Coach: The Complete Guide to Writing Strategies That Work”-Jack Hart
Mr. Hart writes from a journalist’s point of view. He is conservative and professorial in his style. His viewpoint shows the reader insight into the mechanics of writing. I could not find a website for him.
- “On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft”-Stephen King
Mr. King’s shares fascinating stories of rise to fame through personal angst and funny stories. He began writing this book about the time of his serious accident. Although I’m not a Stephen King fan, I was hooked from the start.
- “Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life”-Ann Lamott
Ms. Lamott’s book, introduced to me by a friend in my writers’ group, inspires me more than the rest, as I envy her style and honesty about the fear in writing. Although I found the book a bit long, I’m glad I own this book and will use it as a reference repeatedly.
Your Style
If you want to improve your writing, I urge you to make time to think about your style. Peruse the bookstore or online resources. Look online or at your local library for books on style and stay focused. Soak yourself in the muddy, dingy waters of writing. When my writing sponge is dry, I figure my coffee cup will be empty and my pen (or computer) won’t work any longer.
I list books for you on my website tab “MORE Books.” Please click for a direct link to low prices for them. I’ll be listing more of my favorites for your reading pleasure.