How-To

Reviewed by: 

How to Draw to a Novel is an imaginative examination of the art of novel writing that is thought provoking and invigorating in equal measure.”

Reviewed by: 

Writing Coach in a Box is an exemplary course to improve one’s writing.”

Reviewed by: 

“My husband of 26 years just died and, ironically, I am reviewing a book about writing obituaries by James Hagerty, the long-time obituary writer for The Wall Street Journal.”

Reviewed by: 

“a writing guide that digs below thesis, punctuation, paragraphs, and sentence structure to offer a philosophical view of the art of written communication.”

Reviewed by: 

“This book stands out as a practical manual for practical people—how to accomplish an objective using the shortest, most concise written product possible.”   

Reviewed by: 

“Whether you have a story to tell, or just think you have something to share—How to Tell a Story belongs at the top of your reading list. “

Author(s):
Reviewed by: 

“Bell’s sage advice holds for a range of writers, not just novelists.

Reviewed by: 

“A beautiful sentence stops you cold. You savor it not only for what it says but also for the way it is written.

Author(s):
Reviewed by: 

Writing to Persuade provides solid instruction.

Author(s):
Genre(s):
Reviewed by: 

“The challenge of making something from almost nothing is met by using the right words ‘frugally, parsimoniously.’ With the right words we can make the reader go places he could never imagi

Author(s):
Genre(s):
Reviewed by: 

Semicolon is a charming book. Cecelia Watson takes on “the most feared punctuation mark on earth” (cf.

Reviewed by: 

“‘Armed with cool, nerdy facts’ the reader will be able to discuss language as an entry point into larger ideas of gender equality.”

Reviewed by: 

“Add Dreyer’s English to The Elements of Style and a select few books no writer should be without.

Reviewed by: 

A chaos of color is what you will find in The Great Grammar Book.

Author(s):
Genre(s):
Reviewed by: 

In his book, Read This If You Want to Be a Great Writer, author Ross Raisin emphasizes his theme of “experiment” in every chapter.

Genre(s):
Reviewed by: 

There is something about a machine named the “bestseller-ometer” that has a snake oil feel to it, and yet The Bestseller Code by Jodie Archer and Matthew L.

Author(s):
Genre(s):
Reviewed by: 

“A beautiful and unstinting look at the inner thoughts and difficult choices made by writers who dig past the false self to confront a truer, more honest version of themselves.”

Genre(s):
Reviewed by: 

“Let’s get one thing straight right from the beginning,” says Mary Norris. “I didn’t set out to be a comma queen.

Author(s):
Genre(s):
Reviewed by: 

“With more than 80 contributors covering various aspect of speculative fiction, there is bound to be something for everyone.”

Reviewed by: 

“. . . will empower you to give the technique a try.”

Barbara Abercrombie has packed her extensive knowledge into an exercise book for writers.

Reviewed by: 

“Ms. Goldberg pushes the reader past fear and doubt into a glorious empowerment . . .”

The road to good writing does not proceed in a straight line.

Reviewed by: 

“All writers, seasoned or newbie, should read, absorb, and put to use the lessons Don McNair offers . . .”

Author(s):
Genre(s):
Reviewed by: 

“. . . learn to express yourself in a language that is in alignment with your true nature.”

Reviewed by: 

“. . . [a] worthwhile addition to any word-lover’s book shelf.”

Pages