Books on Writing

One of the best things about being a writer in this day and age is the endless stream of resources on the craft available to us. It’s also probably one of the worst things, because in truth, there’s so much vague writing advice floating around that’s really not that helpful.

I have, however, read a few books this year that have really helped me understand and practice some writing techniques. They’re rich with practical tips, are straightforward and easy to follow, and they leave room for you to try them out for yourself. 

The Glamour of Grammar

This isn’t your school textbook on English grammar, and I wouldn’t say it’s for beginners – it goes deeper than your basic verb tenses, but helps you review them anyway. What I enjoyed most were the chapters on archaic grammar rules and the evolution of the language and what constitutes acceptable. The book is also very, very Not Boring. I recommend it for all writers and editors. 

It me, your father.

Best thing I learned: when and when not to use a semi-colon and an em-dash.

Entrepreneurial Journalism: How to Build What’s Next for News

A must-read for journalists, website owners, bloggers and anyone in the publishing industry, this book looks at the earning side of writing and features the big wigs of today’s media (Boing Boing, The New Yorker, et al). Part history, part how-to, it paints the picture of the news industry’s landscape.

Best thing I learned: the workflow of media houses that manage both print and digital publications in straightforward language.

The Sense of Style: The Thinking Person’s Guide to Writing in the 21st Century

This is for the writer who wants to take it to the next level. Take your writing style for a spin, and let this book guide you! I enjoyed this so much because Steven Pinker writes exactly like the kind of person whose life revolves around words and piecing them together in the most tasteful way possible. The book teaches us how to step over grammar and writing rules that might get in the way of our message, and also takes into consideration the different kinds of readers we might have (and their backgrounds) and how to cater to them.

Best thing I learned: the technique of “teaching” your readers a different language when you’re writing a book that features non-English, without having to translate them all.

Non-Fiction Writing Machine: How to Write a Book in 5 1/2 Days in 3 SIMPLE Steps

This book might have been not-very-well-written (a lot of typos and grammatical errors, and as someone who taught English for 8 years, I place the author as a Level 7 ESL student), but it was just one of the most helpful books I have read in a long time. I finished reading it in one sitting, laughing my ass off because of sentences that are both accidentally and purposely funny, but I can’t deny that it has helped me structure my writing for NaNoWriMo.

Best thing I learned: to simplify my book-writing process into 5 steps, and looking at the big picture. This author isn’t joking at least in that area, and it delivers.

It’s Not How Good You Are, It’s How Good You Want to Be

If you’re looking to take a break from all that practical advice on writing, make this the book you read. It’s inspirational, like all vague advice is, and it’s so very easy to read (literally).

Best thing I learned: that I don’t have to yell out so loudly about how good I am (if I really am good at what I do). Basically, good work yells for itself.

What are your favorite writing books?