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Book club

Started by QueenOfHearts at 07-06-2009 2:03 PM. Topic has 1 replies.
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   07-06-2009, 2:03 PM
QueenOfHearts


Joined on 12-18-2008
Posts 2
The Elements Of Style

I picked up this book by Strunk & White on our latest magazine's suggestion under "10 Must-Have Grammar and Style" books. 

Has anyone else read it?  How has it helped your writing?


"It's a foolish man who looks for logic in the chambers of the human heart" ~ O Brother Where Art Thou

"It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see" ~ Henry David Thoreau

"We don't live in a world of reality; we live in a world of perceptions" ~ Gerald J. Simmons
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   08-13-2009, 9:34 AM
batmanwebb

Joined on 08-13-2009
Posts 1
Re: The Elements Of Style

I'm sure by now you've read Strunk and White.  It is, after all, only 80+ pages.  I'm sure any writer, regardless of experience, would agree that the information in that small book is invaluable.  Strunk (and later edited and updated by White) offers many of the basics that seem to slip between the cracks of life as time distances you from high school and Freshman English classes. As far as craft goes, however, it is a bit light.  In spite of that, every writer should read it and then re-read it several years later.  It's like adding booster to your engine.

Strunk is quite opinionated though.  He admits that some of his critiques on style are debatable, but if you follow his words, there is safety.  After reading this book, I was more aware of my writing.  The advice there in is crucial when rewriting, even if you debate about some of the more stylistic pet peeves like "student body" vs. "studentry."

White's short chapter on craft and usage is concise and emphasizes simplicity in writing.  He bolsters Strunk in everything and admonishes the need to cut unnecessary words.

If you haven't read it yet, do so.  It, at times, feels a bit tedious, but you will be grateful to have read it and your writing will be that much stronger.

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