Average customer rating:
- Decent book
- Craft of Research
- A Must Have!
- Very comprehensive but not easy to remeber and follow
- An authentic jewel.
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The Craft of Research, 2nd edition (Chicago Guides to Writing, Editing, and Publishing)
Wayne C. Booth ,
Joseph M. Williams , and
Gregory G. Colomb
Manufacturer: University Of Chicago Press
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ASIN: 0226065685 |
Amazon.com
Skillfully done, research can be the solid cornerstone of your term paper (or dissertation, essay, or article); inadequately executed, it can cause your whole project to crumble and fall. Yet essential as research is to the ultimate success of your work, performing it is not an innate talent. The precepts, steps, and skills of solid research are readily acquired if you spend some time with The Craft of Research before you start on your outlines and thesis statements. Written by three distinguished professors in 1995, published by the University of Chicago, and winner of the 1995-96 Critics' Choice Award, The Craft of Research teaches how to plan, carry out, and report on research for any field and at any level. Aimed at assisting student researchers, from raw beginners to accomplished graduate and professional students, the book shows how to choose a topic, plan and organize research, and how to draft and revise a report of findings such that a convincing solution is offered to a significant problem.
The Craft of Research is more than just another instruction manual getting you from topic to outline to notes to report. Recognizing that good research is rarely a simple, sequential procedure, but is instead a complex and intricate process, it discusses the subtle ways in which asking questions about your topic can influence how you draft your report, how a quality introduction can send you back to the library, and how the process of drafting can highlight flaws in your argument that need to be addressed. Clear and explicit, sophisticated and practical, The Craft of Research encourages high standards of scholarly achievement, and spells out the steps by which to get there. --Stephanie Gold
Book Description
Since 1995, more than 150,000 students and researchers have turned to The Craft of Research for clear and helpful guidance on how to conduct research and report it effectively . Now, master teachers Wayne C. Booth, Gregory G. Colomb, and Joseph M. Williams present a completely revised and updated version of their classic handbook.
Like its predecessor, this new edition reflects the way researchers actually work: in a complex circuit of thinking, writing, revising, and rethinking. It shows how each part of this process influences the others and how a successful research report is an orchestrated conversation between a researcher and a reader. Along with many other topics, The Craft of Research explains how to build an argument that motivates readers to accept a claim; how to anticipate the reservations of thoughtful yet critical readers and to respond to them appropriately; and how to create introductions and conclusions that answer that most demanding question, "So what?"
Celebrated by reviewers for its logic and clarity, this popular book retains its five-part structure. Part 1 provides an orientation to the research process and begins the discussion of what motivates researchers and their readers. Part 2 focuses on finding a topic, planning the project, and locating appropriate sources. This section is brought up to date with new information on the role of the Internet in research, including how to find and evaluate sources, avoid their misuse, and test their reliability.
Part 3 explains the art of making an argument and supporting it. The authors have extensively revised this section to present the structure of an argument in clearer and more accessible terms than in the first edition. New distinctions are made among reasons, evidence, and reports of evidence. The concepts of qualifications and rebuttals are recast as acknowledgment and response. Part 4 covers drafting and revising, and offers new information on the visual representation of data. Part 5 concludes the book with an updated discussion of the ethics of research, as well as an expanded bibliography that includes many electronic sources.
The new edition retains the accessibility, insights, and directness that have made The Craft of Research an indispensable guide for anyone doing research, from students in high school through advanced graduate study to businesspeople and government employees. The authors demonstrate convincingly that researching and reporting skills can be learned and used by all who undertake research projects.
New to this edition:
Extensive coverage of how to do research on the internet, including how to evaluate and test the reliability of sources
New information on the visual representation of data
Expanded bibliography with many electronic sources
Customer Reviews:
Decent book.......2007-09-25
This book was on my book list for a college writing course. It is helpful but some of it is just tedious and common knowledge. Helps you write your paper if you have no idea where to start and some references to how to cite a book or article. There are some good tips when it comes to research, but take it with a grain of salt. Reusable, but there's a point to how much knowledge is just retained. Worth buying used, but not brand new.
Craft of Research.......2007-09-14
This book is so well- written, that I actually enjoy reading it. All it talks about is how to be a good writer, but it was written as if the reader is having a conversation with the author. It is also offers extremely helpful strategies for improving academic writing.
A Must Have!.......2007-08-05
As a seminary student in the midst of a master's thesis, 'The Craft' is a joy. It is helpful, and both easy to navigate and understand.
Very comprehensive but not easy to remeber and follow.......2007-06-02
The book is really great if you are persuining any degree. The only problem is that the authors did not lay out the guidlines as clear and strainght forward as I would expected. As you read you SHOULD take notes for later usage and "easy" reference.
An authentic jewel........2007-03-14
This book is a complete and authoritative guide to do sound academic research in any field at any level. It is stupendously well organized and brightly written. Many clear examples and illustrating anecdotes are included.
It is structured in five sections. The first section explains the nature of research and why it is important to write it up. It identifies the roles of writers and readers, focusing in making a connection between them. The second section deals with perhaps the most complicated task new researchers, and old ones adventuring into a new field, face: framing their research problem. In this section the authors describe, step by step, this process: from choosing a topic to asking questions to defining a problem to using sources. Section three is probably the core of the book. Its purpose is to illustrate how to make a claim and supporting it. This section explains that claims launched in research reports must be backed with reasons that are based on evidence; and that convincing research reports should also acknowledge and response other views. Section four is entirely devoted to the long and crucial task of clearly communicating what it has been found. It basically consists of three stages: planning, drafting and revising the report. Finally, in section five some last considerations are presented, including the ethics of research.
This book has been very helpful to me not only to do my own research, but also to supervise my students to do theirs. After having read it several years ago, I still find it useful as reference book.
Book Description
This text does for reporting what Tim Harrower's The Newspaper Designer's Handbook has previously done for design: make it fun and accessible to newcomers. Harrower is an award-winning editor, designer and columnist who has previously taught at Portland State University and currently conducts journalism workshops. Inside Reporting emphasizes the basics but also provides a wealth of information on online reporting and packaging stories in more visual, interactive ways. It also includes more useful information on feature writing--from stories to reviews and column-writing--than any other text in the field.
Customer Reviews:
The way all textbooks should be.......2007-05-23
I have purchased dozens of books on journalism over the past few months, but nothing matches the content, style or ease in finding information of this great book.
While there are many great books on journalism, most if not all of them are much the same as any other textbook, pages and pages of text which you must read and interpret to find what you want.
This book is visual in the most unique way I have ever seen in a textbook. Almost like a cross between a real newspaper and a comic book, all the information is presented in little snippets and pictures that are easy to understand and easy to digest.
As an example it has a page in the news writing section about writing a lead for a plane crash and gives examples of how different leads could be written highlighting the who, what, when, where and why. Most texts have something like this, but most would not go to the lengths that this author has done to enable the reader to understand the benefits and pitfalls of leading with a particular method.
The text has dozens of tips and information from working journalists and I liked the section in the back called the Morgue which contains examples of the stories used in the text.
The text has great background information on journalism which I would otherwise have ignored in other texts because of the way it is normally presented and overall I would rate this from a student's perspective as the single best investment I have made so far.
It is simply a gem of a book that is easily lost in Amazons catalogue. Decide for yourself if this book is for you but I would be surprised if anyone interested in journalism could not come away from reading this book and not have learned anything.
Best journalism text ever.......2007-05-07
I am both a veteran journalist and a veteran college journalism teacher and "Inside Reporting" is the best introductory book ever. Interesting, accurate, visually pleasing and fun to read, it is the new "gold standard" of books with which to teach news writing and reporting. I am adopting it as the required text for the fall semester, and I keep my own copy handy to remind me of what I should be doing.
If you want to learn or teach journalism, this is the book.
Good night and good luck.
A great survey of journalism.......2007-03-17
Tim Harrower's Inside Reporting is unlike any textbook I've ever seen, and I've seen a lot of them throughout my years and years of college.
It looks weird on the shelf because it's an inch taller and an inch wider than most typical textbooks. Open it up to any one of the first 186 pages and stunning graphics jump off the page. Sections are small and fit nicely on one sheet. It looks like a colorful newspaper. The following hundred pages (aka, "The Morgue") look like the typical textbook--large blocks of text. The Morgue is a section of reference articles and examples.
Inside Reporting is well organized. Each section is brief but packs a punch. Look to the bottom of most pages and you'll find directions to other page numbers with more material or references to the Morgue. Each chapter is also full of surveys, quotes from those in the industry, tests, and extra tidbits to help the budding journalist.
I'm not yet and established journalists and I don't teach the subject. In fact, I'm not even in a journalism class. I picked up Inside Reporting because I wanted a good survey of journalism. This grad student of a different study wants to learn more about journalism. I wanted a book with meat but was fearful that an introductory book would be too fluffy and lack the information I needed. This book was not the case.
Inside Reporting is a fantastic textbook. I couldn't have picked a better book, and I'm sure I'll be going back to it often as I move forward in the journalism arena.
A GREAT book!.......2007-02-14
I've been a reporter and journalism instructor for 20 years and have used everything out there during that time. I've also used Tim's other text "The Newspaper Designer's Handbook" in my editing sections. This book is a joy to use --- last night I went over chapter 4 during a 6-9 p.m. class and as I added my anecdotes to the lecture, two hours flew by thanks to the slick structure of this text.
All instructors think they could do it better when assembling a textbook, but I can't say that any more. Tim has done it. This book covers everything I could ever think of and more. He discusses style. He includes tests and exercises and there is even an anthology he uses as a "morgue." Get a desk copy and require it for your students. It is a great book, one that will not be sold at the end of the semester, but kept on the shelf and used as a reference for years to come. He stresses convergence and the move from print to the web in a way that makes us old timers feel less of the pain. This is the new basic text for me. Wow what a book!
A ground-breaking book.......2006-08-21
Newspaper editors bemoan the unpreparedness of the entry-level reporters they hire right out of college. You need only look at the typical college journalism texts to see part of the problem. These ancient tomes read and look as if they were prepared a century ago - and many of them were.
This is not the case with Tim Harrower's "Inside Reporting: A practical guide to the craft of journalism." This amazing book is chock-full of everything that motivated me to become an ink-stained wretch 30 years ago. It's relevant, compelling and interesting in ways you'd never expect from a textbook.
Harrower has written the book not just on reporting, but on how to produce a college textbook on any subject -- with an editing style and design that is absolutely captivating.
This book will do for newspaper reporting what "All the President's Men" did for journalism a generation ago - encourage a whole new generation of young people to take up today's digital tools and get the story.
Average customer rating:
- Can't Say It Better Than Zin!
- So you want to write a memoir?
- Capturing Memories
- On Writing a Memoir
- A good motivator
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Inventing the Truth: The Art and Craft of Memoir
William Zinsser
Manufacturer: Mariner Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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Similar Items:
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Writing the Memoir
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The Situation and the Story: The Art of Personal Narrative
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ASIN: 0395901502 |
Amazon.com
Every time Inventing the Truth appears in a new edition, editor William Zinsser can't help but add to it. The first edition (1987) evolved from a series of New York Public Library talks, for which the mandate was not to lecture about the genre of the memoir but to explain how a specific memoir came to be written. In the book's 1995 edition, Russell Baker, Annie Dillard, Alfred Kazin, and Toni Morrison were joined by Jill Ker Conway, Eileen Simpson, Henry Louis Gates Jr., and Ian Frazier. This time around, Zinsser has added a rich and charming reminiscence by Frank McCourt (Angela's Ashes).
The authors do stick to their assignment: Russell Baker credits his huge family with helping him "learn a lot about humanity from close-up observation"; Jill Ker Conway talks about her desire to write a female memoir that was not a romantic happily-ever-after; and Henry Louis Gates Jr. discusses "want[ing] to write a book that imitated the specialness of black culture when no white people are around." But there is also plenty of advice for writers here, and some general thoughts about the genre. Conway addresses the difficulty of "going back as a historian" and trying to understand "all the things you took as a given when you were a child." Gates warns us to "be prepared for the revelation of things you don't even dream are going to come up." And Annie Dillard contemplates the strangeness of spending "more time writing about [a scene or an event] than you did living it." --Jane Steinberg
Book Description
In this perfect companion for anyone beguiled by memoirs or embarking on writing one, nine distinguished authors -- Russell Baker, Jill Ker Conway, Annie Dillard, Ian Frazier, Henry Louis Gates, Jr., Alfred Kazin, Frank McCourt, Toni Morrison, and Eileen Simpson -- reflect on the writing process.
Customer Reviews:
Can't Say It Better Than Zin!.......2007-03-17
Zinsser is a Zen master when it comes to memoir writing. The introduction to this book is nothing short of a tour de force. It inspires, articulates, and deconstructs the myths and perils of memoir writing. The title, INVENTING THE TRUTH, is well crafted because the book addresses the ardous task of conflating truth and memory. One caveat this book is not an easy read for high school students; in fact it is nearly inaccessible, however, a teacher or memorist could glean invaluable experience on the craft of memoir writing from the collection. In a college memoir class this book would be and should be a must-have. If this book were to be expanded again, I would suggest including exercises or contemplation questions for the writer,teacher, and student.
So you want to write a memoir?.......2002-06-01
Memoir writers Russell Baker, Annie Dillard, Alfred Kazin, Toni Morrison, and Lewis Thomas share their thoughts on writing memoir. The chapters are taken from a series of talks given on the subject.
The authors point out that memoir is not biography. The hardest thing about writing memoir, they agree, is not deciding what to put in, but what to leave out.
They point to Emerson, Thoreau, Twain, and each other as models of good memoir writers.
Annie Dillard says that she writes memoir to fashion a text. She advises that those who want to preserve memories will avoid writing memoir since the act of writing an event often takes more time than the event itself. She compares writing to taking care of a baby. "You don't take care of a baby out of will-power, you do it out of love," she says. It's the same, she says, with writing.
Capturing Memories.......2001-12-08
Capturing Your Memories
In the book Inventing the Truth: The Art and Craft of Writing a Memoir William Zinsser along with other well renown authors take the reader through the writing process of a memoir.
The book is divided into six sections individually composed by each author. In their own words they describe how to create a memoir that will be interesting, fluid, and accurate. A memoir is not just the facts as they are, but the facts as you experienced them. There are many other pieces of advice through out the book that add to the reader's knowledge of writing a memoir.
William Zinsser is a well renowned author and teacher. He has written and been editor for the New York Herald Tribune, and Life Magazine. Zinsser has also taught non-fiction writing at Yale University. In his book Inventing the Truth Zinsser gathers advice from many talented and experienced authors. They not only offer up advice but also describe their own trials and tribulations throughout the process. From Zinsser's boyhood in Long Island to Thomas's interpretation of evolution the book Inventing the Truth: The Art and Craft of Writing a Memoir gives comfortable and informative lessons that a writer will find useful.
On Writing a Memoir.......2000-12-08
According to Webster, the definition of memoir is "a biographical sketch, usually one written by someone who knows the subject well." It is from the Latin word memoria, meaning memory. But in Inventing the Truth, Annie Dillard says, "Don't hope in a memoir to preserve your memories. If you prize your memories as they are by all means avoid--eschew--writing a memoir" (70). Inventing the Truth: The Art and Craft of Memoir is a sort of instructional anthology composed of six chapters written by six authors. The purpose of this book, edited and introduced by William Zinsser, is to give writers different perspectives on how to write a memoir. If you are writing a memoir, or even just thinking about writing one, this book will be helpful to you. It contains examples of good memoir writing, advice on what to put in and what to leave out, and an overview of the process of writing a memoir. The advice given by William Zinsser and the other five contributors to Inventing the Truth pertains mostly to organizing memories. Annie Dillard's chapter entitled "To Fashion a Text" is very focused on memoir writing, and would not prove useful to the average Joe. However, Lewis Thomas' chapter called "A Long Line of Cells" would be interesting for anyone to read. Unless you are thinking about writing a memoir, this book probably will not entirely interest you.
A good motivator.......2000-10-08
A pleasant read, well written and even inspirational. A good motivator for the writer that needs to connect with other writers. I did find it helpful in terms of creating a concept of *focus* when writing a memoir. Still, if one is looking for help with craft or skill, it has its limitations.
Amazon.com
One of Ludwig Miës van der Rohe's favorite aphorisms was that "God is in the details." Jon Franklin would beg to differ. A pretty turn of phrase is no use at all, says he, if you don't have a firm structure on which to hang it. Franklin pioneered the field of creative nonfiction by applying fiction's classical complication-resolution form to standard nonfiction (specifically to news stories, most of which, he states, are generally "endings without beginnings attached"). Instead of focusing on style, grammar, and word use, as do many books on writing, Writing for Story provides a rigorous lesson in building a nonfiction story (short or long) that has structural integrity. Franklin advocates starting with an outline, writing the climax first, and engaging in other grueling tasks that seem like hard work because they are.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent........2007-01-26
I bought this book for me, and I bought a copy for a friend. I like books that can actually demonstrate the lessons they profess, and the lessons here are clear. Jon Franklin includes two stories he won Pulitzer prizes for, and theyre excellent examples of what he's teaching the rest of us to do.
The book wont teach you everything you need to learn about writing. It wont teach you a lot about writing. But it will teach you how to make your stories interesting...or as interesting as they can be. And if a story is compelling, readers will gladly endure grammatical errors, and spelling errors, and punctuation glitches. There are other books that cover the grammar and spelling and punctuation. Few books address how to make what you write interesting. This one does. This book isnt Business Writing 101.
Building your nonfiction story.......2007-01-17
Mr. Franklin starts with two short nonfiction stories that he uses as canvases for painting his techniques. He describes the essential elements of a salable story and provides a fundamental structure for building and supporting the story. After teaching you how to transpose your story idea into rough copy, he shows you how to "polish" your rough copy until it shines.
Finally, something that makes sense to me.......2006-08-12
After several tries with other well-reputed books, this is the first that has truly conveyed to me a clear understanding of how to write for story. Indeed, when I read this for the first time, I found it difficult at times to focus on Franklin's words, finding myself pulled away by story ideas crystalizing for me as never before.
It may be that my technical background renders his methodical approach, liberally sprinkled with engaging anecdote and warm humor, particularly transparent and memorable, when the words of others yielded little real insight.
If you seek understanding of - a solid 'feel' to - an approach to storytelling that facilitates the construction of engaging and memorable tales, then this book might work as well for you as it does for me. If, though, you view organized thought as antithetical to creativity, then you might not find this work so appealing.
Powerful and practical medicine...........2006-05-02
This is an atypical book on writing, which focuses on something that man has been doing since language was invented -- telling engaging stories. The concepts are simple and powerful, but the application of them is not! I found that this book has helped me to improve my writing and appreciate other people's writing. Jon Franklin is a two-time Pulitzer Prize winner who honed his skills in the writing trenches rather than in a classroom. At times, what he has to say is bitter medicine, but reading your finished product will be worth the effort.
I at times found Jon Franklin's tone a bit offensive. Sometimes, he came across as a "know it all" or that his way was the only way. In other words, he seemed a bit rigid and perhaps even arrogant. However, the advice is sound and I must admit that after trying the techniques, I can see why he encourages (pushes!) so hard for the writing principles he obviously believes in and that have made him very successful.
THE best book on feature writing.......2005-05-08
This wonderful book changed my writing life. I wish that I could say that I have lived up to Jon Franklin's writing advice, but at best I have aspired to live up to the advice Jon Franklin shares in WRITING FOR STORY. I first read this is 1988 and have periodically re-read it since then. For nonfiction feature writers, this book is on a par with Strunk & White. Highly recommended.
While I was in the middle of writing "NIGHTMARE IN WICHITA: The Hunt for the BTK Strangler" I re-read WRITING FOR STORY. Perhaps I followed Franklin's advice to an adequate degree because in 2005 my book placed as high as number 4 on the NEW YORK TIMES bestseller list (for paperback nonfiction).
The criticsms of the negative reviewers appear to me to have little or no merit. In my experience, successful writers treat this book as gold. Writers of kindred spirit can read WRITING FOR STORY for pure enjoyment, often nodding one's head in recognition of similar experience.
If, besides WRITING FOR STORY, you are looking for an additional book on writing feature stories, I recommend FOLLOW THE STORY by James B. Stewart.
If you are ready to go beyond feature writing, Franklin's SHOCK-TRAUMA is a living example of how to write a book-length nonfiction narrative following the feature-writing advice in WRITING FOR STORY.
Bravo, Jon Franklin, and thank you.
Robert Beattie
Wichita, Kansas
Book Description
"John Gardner was famous for his generosity to young writers, and (this book) is his . . . gift to them. The Art of Fiction will fascinate anyone interested in how fiction gets put together. For the young writer, it will become a necessary handbook, a stern judge, an encouraging friend."--The New York Times Book Review.
Customer Reviews:
Happy Customer.......2007-04-06
Got what I want in the condition I wanted when I expected. Good work.
2 Stars........2006-04-14
This book has many wonderful reviews. I ordered the book and was looking forward to reading it. So I read it, then read it again. I didnt find much that is helpful to new writers. Certainly no "Ah,Hah!" moments.
Gardner reminds me of something a professor once told me: "If you were lost in the Amazon jungle would you want an Indian to help you OR someone who knows a lot about Indians?" Gardner knows a lot about writers! This book showcases his knowledge of writers and literature. Very interesting book.
But what exactly it does to help new writers is a mystery. New writers are not Tolstoy or Dickens or Balzac. New writers need to know how to hobble a book together that will fly...later they can soar.
Fantastic Advice.......2006-03-08
This is simply one of the best books on creative writing I have ever read (a sizable list by this point.) Gardner not only breaks down the process very carefully but elucidates with such beautifully precise language that the book is a joyous as well as an instructive read. In addition, Gardner focuses on the purpose and history of fiction, bringing his extensive academic knowledge to the fore. Rather than a how-to book, Gardner explains how some of the best works were constructed and shows how different narrative structures achieve different effects on their audiences. Perhaps the only drawback, and only a drawback for some, is how vociferously opinionated Gardner is, never afraid to laud his favorites (Tolstoy) and censure those who don't cut the mustard (Steinbeck, Faulkner). Yet even if you don't always agree with him, you can certainly admire his analysis.
I recommend this book to anyone who cares about literature, drama, and narrative (I actually read it for a screenwriting course).
Infamous Bridge-Burner Offers Highly Subjective Opinion On Writing.......2006-01-18
No wonder John Gardner didn't write more fiction books. He was far too preoccupied with what he believes makes good fiction, rather than actually writing it. "Creative atrophy" I believe John Gardner himself would call it. If there's ever been a better example of the "those who can't do, teach" argument, I haven't encountered it. This is hardly the place a "Young Writer" should start. Instead, how about reading what you like and avoiding "ignoramouses" such as John Gardner? John Gardner is unable to accept the fact that many of the world's finest writers never made it through college, and many more didn't have the luxury of a "rigorous classical education." The most hilarious part is where Gardner mentions that only through a line-by-line university level discussion will anybody ever be able to fully enjoy Shakespeare. It's interesting to note how Gardner, who "taught" creative writing at the university level, fails to exhibit the critical thinking and objectivity he says one can only obtain through a college education.
The Path Hath Twists.......2005-10-19
What most people don't know about good writing could fill a book. This is probably that book. If you're considering purchasing it, don't hesitate. 'The Art of Fiction' is worth any price if you honestly want to learn to write. Gardner is the most readable authority. However, I offer one warning: His mathematical explanation of plotting profluence is cold. Profluance can be achieved more organically, I believe, and the process of artificially constructing emotive 'triggers' (as will be plain all over 'Grendel' after reading his instructional book) is, to use Gardner's own term, a little frigid. But then again, if it hadn't been for John Gardner, I might never have become that sensitive to linguistic nuances. Get this book, buy it for anyone who you believe wants to write. But do not be wooed into thinking John Gardner's mastery can be your own. 'The Art of Fiction' is a path, not a destination.
Book Description
The Craft of Scientific Writing is designed to help scientists and engineers--both professionals already active in the disciplines as well as students preparing to enter the professions--write about their work clearly and effectively. The author, who is both a writer and an applied physicist, approaches the subject in a fresh way. Using scores of examples from a wide variety of authors and disciplines (including such well-known figures as Einstein, Bohr, and Freud), the book demonstrates the difference between strong scientific writing and weak scientific writing. In essence, this book shows you how to bring your ideas across to your intended audience. In addition, it contains advice on how to start writing, and how to revise your drafts. Written for use as a text in courses on scientific writing, the book includes many useful suggestions about approaching a wide variety of writing tasks--from laboratory reports to grant proposals, from internal communications to press releases--as well as a concise guide to style and usage appropriate for scientific writing. The book will also be useful for self-study and it will be an important reference for all scientists and engineers who need to write about their work. Topics covered include: - Deciding Where to Begin - Structure: Organizing Your Documents; Providing Depth, Transitions, and Emphasis - Language: Being Precise, Clear, and Concise; Being Forthright, Familiar, and Fluid - Illustration: Making the Right Choices; Creating the Best Designs - Handling Special Situations - Actually Sitting Down to Write: Drafting; Revising; Finishing
Customer Reviews:
Scientific writing review.......2007-01-04
I found it to be an inciteful book giving my patterns and thoughts to form ideas and concepts into a technical article.
Waste of money........2007-01-04
This book is a total waste of money. You can get the same information and tips online for free.
Heal Thyself........2006-12-20
If you are publishing someone who writes as well as Michael Alley, you should hire a designer who can make his work more scannable, dippable, and chunkable. The writing is superb. The layout is as inticing as a four-day old Krispy Kreme.
Who would have thought there was a craft to writing?.......2006-01-20
The goal of writing in science is to communicate information. Unfortunately too many people in science, including myself, write in a manner that is little more than unintelligible. I now feel sorry for the people who had to read my work having read this book. Too much scientific literature is poorly crafted and it is only natural that newcomers to science emulate this poor style.
As a reader I always though there was something wrong with me because I could not read scientific articles. I would get stuck on a passage and, no matter how hard I tried, I would not be able to get past it. Now I know that this is because the writing is poorly crafted.
The Craft of Scientific Writing isn't a style book. It gives the reader an appreciation of the flaws that we all make in our writing. There are plentiful examples of poor writing, which are contrasted with good writing styles. Also, the explanations are clear and easy to understand. You would hope so given the subject of the book.
Despite appearances, there is no rule, man-made or natural, that says that scientific writing cannot be clear, crisp and fluid. This book will help you to become a better writer. While I do not agree with everything that that is said in this book, it makes a lot of sense. If you write any kind of scientific literature do yourself a favour and read this book.
points out technical writing ruts & shows a better way.......2001-07-14
I've had this book for many years, and I still pull it out to use it. It is a light read, and not the style guide of other technical writing manuals. What is unique is that it points out the usual ruts we all get into, like redundant or overly complicated sentence construction. By giving 'before' and 'after' writing samples, it is easy to see how much better a few changes make. I have gotten more out of this book, in terms of being a better technical writer (I'm a systems engineer), than I have out of any other book. I also like the reference section in the back about proper word usage (ex: affect vs effect). The book also covers illustration do's and don'ts. If you want style guide info, you will have to look elsewhere. But to improve the clarity of your writing, this is the book to get.
Book Description
Pulitzer Prize-winning author Donald M. Murray takes a lively and inspiring approach to writing and revision that does not condescend but invites students into the writer's studio.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent Book.......2007-10-04
This is an excellent book. I am surprised because I don't usually like to read "instructional manuals." Mr. Murray has a very personal and friendly writing style, and I found myself drawn into the book as if it were an inviting novel. I highly recommend this book if you want to become a more efficient and effective writer.
Packed with advice for the budding writer.......2002-10-15
This was a very enjoyable book to read. The author leads you through the various ways and reasons to edit your work.
As I read the first chapter, I wished for a more compact version of these points, sort of a Cliff Notes approach. But Mr. Murray's expanded approach was certainly more enjoyable and personal.
Although the book is perhaps targeted to a more experienced writer, I underlined many points that I will refer to for help. A beginner might be over-whelmed with all the great techniques on revision, but just the first two chapters alone will yield a dramatic pay-back for his efforts.
The book is interspersed with interviews with other authors and their responses to the author's questions also provide useful information, and add credibility to his points.
"The Craft of Revision" captures the subject of the book. You'll learn more about revising your copy than you probably can use for a long time.
I highly recommend this book.
John Dunbar
Sugar Land, TX
If you want to be a better writer, read this book.......1999-10-04
Murray is a real writing teacher, full of voice. He practices what he preaches. Craft of revision is a must read for any student of writing.
Book Description
With over 100,000 books in print, this successful author and songwriter provides a complete guide to writing words for and to music, showing how to create lyrics with universal appeal, choose a song form, and more. 350 pages. 6x9.
Customer Reviews:
Surprisingly good.......2007-07-09
I've gotten over "writer's block", which was a myth to begin with. I'm writing great lyrics now, and feeling confident in my lyrics.
THIS IS THE BEST BOOK ON THE SUBJECT OF LYRIC/POETRY WRITING .......2007-01-13
If your goal is to learn all you ever need to know about lyric writing, then this is the book you must own. I have read many books on this subject, and this book is clearly, the authority on the subject. And because this book brings forth a sound foundation for meter and rhythm, it is perfect for high school and college students that are studying poetry; I should know, by reading this book, I got all A's in my English classes where poetry was taught. And being a songwriter for over 10 years, I can't say enough about what a great help this book has been to all my research in the field of popular music composition. The book is full of examples from newer pop songs, but also gives examples of Tin-Pan Alley songs that are worth noting; upon listening to the Tin-Pan-Alley songs, my taste in music has expanded.
How Lyric Writers Eat their Veggies.......2006-10-02
This is THE book to learn the tools to write excellent lyrics for pop music. It systematically explores techniques and presents successful examples of their use. Yes, it plods like a school textbook, but it is written by a successful teacher who has mastered her craft. Yes, some examples are old, but they still illustrate excellence in action. Some other books are certainly quicker and more entertaining reads, but if your goal is to write the very best lyrics you possibly can, you are only hurting yourself if you do not work carefully through this book, however long it takes. Then do it again, and keep it handy for future reference.
This book is awesome!.......2006-07-02
This book proves that Lyricism is a craft that can be taught, not a gift that you either have or have not. In reading it I have already identified which of my lyric ideas are the strongest, which ones need a lot of work, and which ones need to be thrown out all together. Every page of this book gives you more tools to work with to push your lyric writing in the right direction.
Much of the book is written about popular music (but not necessarily "pop" music) with a lot examples from older country songs and theatre songs. However, no matter what style of music you want to write, the same principles apply. If you are looking to write quality lyrics for a band, a singer, or for publication, you MUST read this book.
Obscure . . . .......2004-07-26
Maybe I'm just too young, but I became frustrated with the references to obscure songs from the roaring 20's. Most of the lyrical references in this book are before 1950. Surely there are some modern songs containing good lyrics, right? The book reads like a reference book, and is quite preachy. Not a joy to read. I suggest "88 Songwriting Wrongs, and How to Right Them".
Book Description
Are you a writer longing to rediscover the joy that you once had in the craft (or even find it for the first time)? In this inspiring guide, Jane Yolen, an author who has been called America's Hans Christian Andersen, shows writers how to focus on aspects of the craft that bring them joy.
She remarks in the first chapter, "Save the blood and pain for real life, where tourniquets and ibuprofen can have some chance of helping. Do not be afraid to grab hold of the experience with both hands and take joy."
Addressing topics all writers struggle with, Yolen discusses the writer's voice, beginnings and endings, dealing with rejection, the technical aspects of writing, and the process of coming up with an idea—and deals with each of them in a way that focuses on the positive and eliminates the negative.
As Yolen says, "Be prepared as you write to be surprised by your own writing, surprised by what you find out about yourself and about your world. Be ready for the happy accident."
Get ready to take joy in your writing once again.
Customer Reviews:
Gift Item.......2007-01-11
Sorry I cannot give a first hand review but I did select it as a gift for a young college student who aspires to write. I gave it 5 stars because I hope it turns out to be the perfect gift under the circumstances. She has responded in the form of a thank you with the note that she can't wait to begin reading it in support of her writing aspirations.
A Practical and Helpful Guide.......2006-07-20
TAKE JOY is a book that contains some advice for writers, some suggestions on how to write, a review of writing terms such as plot, character, voice, and point of view, mixed together with advice that the author provides from her own experiences as a writer. While there are many other books on writing that contain much of the same information, this book does have some qualities that I believe make it worth reading. First, the author assumes that the reader is also an active writer even if the reader is a bit of a discouraged writer, and is somewhat familiar with much of the material in the book so she dispenses herself from much of the theoretical information and speaks about how the information she provides is practical. Second, she doesn't claim that her way of writing is the only way to write and knows that readers will find some of what she has to say helpful and other parts will not be as important, and that the needs will vary from reader to reader. She's not so much a guru as she is a guide.
Jane Yolen wrote this book primarily for people who want to write but have been discouraged by rejection, writer's block, the overwhelming task of trying to complete a book, or trying to find time to write in the midst of busy schedules. Her supportive and helpful tone will no doubt be helpful to many readers and anyone who enjoys writing will probably find at least one helpful bit of information, whether it be with her advice, her alphabet of writing, or her personal quips.
Revered Children's Author Inspires Writers Across the Ages.......2006-02-08
When I saw this book, I knew the author was
familiar but I couldn't place her immediately.
OH YES! Children's book author - now I remember.
In reading only the first few pages, it is
evident that Ms. Yolen practices what
she preaches. Her friendly, conversational tone
is like that of a wise, content but not obnoxiously
cheerful friend who you truly like to have
around.
She uses words that communicate her take on
JOY as a spiritual experience. She writes
about writing being sacred and writing being
an important path to ones emotional truths.
I learned fun facts from the very beginning -
such as "Publish" comes from "To make public".
Each chapter concludes with an "Interlude" which
is almost fable like. "Here's the Stuff according
to Ms. Yolen and Here is the Moral of the story."
My favorite Interlude conclusion was "Good research
swims upstream where it can spawn again."
Highlights within the content itself include
Yolen's "Decoder ring for rejection letters."
My only criticism of this book is that
sometimes the quotes are too densely sprinkled.
There are times when I want to hear just
Yolen's voice, not the voices of others.
We love YOU Jane - speak it, sister - don't
quote others!
This book is a great pick-me-up reminder.
Nice, small, easily digestable chunks of
good information. A winner.
Book Description
In On Writing Romance, award-winning romance novelist Leigh Michaels talks you through each stage of the writing and publishing process. From the origins and evolution of the romance novel to establishing a vital story framework to writing that last line to seeking out appropriate publishers, everything you ever wanted to know about writing a romance novel is here.
In addition to a comprehensive breakdown of more than thirty romance subgenres, including such categories as historical, inspirational, Regency, and sweet traditional, you'll discover how to:
· Steer clear of clichés and stereotypes by studying the genre
· Craft engaging and realistic heroes and heroines readers will adore
· Convincingly develop the central couple's blossoming relationship
· Add conflict by utilizing essential secondary characters like the "other woman"
· Use tension and timing to make your love scenes sizzle with sensuality
· Get your characters to happily-ever-after with an ending readers will always remember
Plus, read a sample query letter, cover letter, and synopsis, and learn how to properly prepare your romance novel for submission to agents and editors. On Writing Romance has everything you need to leave readers swooning!
Customer Reviews:
On Writing Romance.......2007-06-29
This is one of the best books I've seen on how to write a romance. It walks you through the whole process from beginning to end and tells you how to market your work. If I were a newbie I'd want to have this book on my shelf.
Provides specific and practical 'how to' information.......2007-06-10
In addition to several nonfiction books, Leigh Michaels is the published author of more than eighty romance novels and so brings a very special expertise to "On Writing Romance: How To Craft A Novel That Sells", her instruction manual for aspiring writers in a demanding and popular genre. Practical, comprehensive, informed and informative, "On Writing Romance" covers the origins and evolutions of the romance novel, and then takes the aspiring writer through each and every stage of the writing and publishing process. Breaking down more than thirty romance subcategories, aspiring writers will learn how to steer clear of cliches and stereotypes by studying the genre they propose to establish themselves in; craft engaging and realistic characters that will appeal to a discerning readership; add conflict through the use of secondary characters; utilize tension and timing to make love scenes come alive; and provide stories with 'happy-ever-after' endings that are neither ordinary or uninspiring, but will reward the reader with a story that they will remember long after the book is finished and returned to the shelf. Enhanced with a sample query letter, a cover letter, and synopsis, "On Writing Romance" also provides specific and practical 'how to' information on preparing a manuscript for submission to agents, editors, and publishers. Anyone seeking to write a commercially successful romance novel of any kind should begin by giving a careful and considered reading to Leigh Michael's "On Writing Romance".
A FABULOUS WRITING REFERENCE.......2007-02-21
This is an amazing book--written by a truly stellar author. How can you go wrong, choosing to learn from the very best?! Ms. Michaels has written many, many novels and also does online teaching, so she really knows what she's talking about! This book is a wonderful resource for both beginning and experienced writers. The chapters are clear and easy to understand, yet are packed with the sort of information that one would need years and years to acquire. The title is "On Writing Romance", but writers of other genres would be very wise to pick up this book, as well. Highly recommended!
From a beginning writer in the uk.......2007-02-05
This is a superb book. I don't think I've ever learnt such a lot in such a short space of time and enjoyed it so much than when reading this.
What singles this book out is it's attention to detail and thoroughness. Michaels guides us all through the process from deciding to write a book, to which sub-genre suits you best, summarising all the different aspects of how to write each, straight through to editing and presenting, to writing a synopsis and query letter.
Each chapter takes one aspect of writing a novel, such as plotting, characterisation, dialogue, love scenes, sexual tension etc. and explains it in easy to read language. Then she goes on to use excerpts from different authors, together with more explanation, to illustrate each point. Its very effective and must have taken ages to compile, as she's used a wide variety of authors from both the UK and America.
Her writing and her chosen excerpts are so easy to read that it's very easy to follow, I can quite see why she`s won so many awards.
I enjoyed it so much I just wanted to hole up somewhere and read the whole book straight through, soaking up every word. There's a lot of it (257 pages) and it's quite densely printed, but that doesn't make it difficult to read because the text is broken up by subtitles, bullet points and boxouts.
As a novice writer myself I couldn't recommend it highly enough and will treasure my copy for many years to come.
Books:
- The Elements of Resume Style: Essential Rules and Eye-Opening Advice for Writing Resumes and Cover Letters that Work
- The Elements of Style, Fourth Edition
- The Fifth Discipline: The Art & Practice of The Learning Organization
- The Fifth Discipline: The Art & Practice of The Learning Organization
- The Fifth Discipline: The Art & Practice of The Learning Organization
- The Gregg Reference Manual
- The Gregg Reference Manual
- The Longman Writer: Rhetoric and Reader, Brief Edition (6th Edition)
- The McKinsey Way
- The Pot That Juan Built (Pura Belpre Honor Book. Illustrator (Awards))
Books Index
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