On the Craft of Writing
Digital publishing tools like blogs give anyone the ability to publish and have their work accessible to a worldwide audience.
The exclusivity of the author’s domain is dissolving as a new breed of writers emerges in today’s social media world. But who is training this new breed?
No one would pick up a paintbrush for the first time and expect to paint a work of art. Writing is no different.
Will the art and craft of writing fade away? Will it dissolve into a faint memory stored in those obsolete relics called books? I hope not.
I hope the next generation of writers will come to value the art and craft of writing—to obtain training and continually work on their craft, if only from studying the right books and editing their work ruthlessly.
Here are a few books that should be mandatory for all writers:
The Elements of Style by Strunk and White: The small, classic guide that writers can reference and read each year as a refresher course.
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On Writing Well by William Zinssner: The first 91 pages are indispensable for any writer.
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The First Five Pages by Noah Lukeman: Although focused on fiction writing, Lukeman’s instructions and illustrations will help strengthen any writer’s craft.
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If You Want to Write by Brenda Ueland: More on the art than the craft of writing, Ueland’s book will free you to write from within.
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.There are many more, but these four books should be on the bookshelf of every modern-day writer.
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