Good Writing Book Review
36 Ways to Improve Your Sentences
Good Writing by duo Neal Allen and Anne Lamott belongs in every writer’s personal library. Originally a check-out from the local public library, my own copy should arrive soon. That’s how much I like this book.
I struggle to read non-fiction. This self-help guide defies this generalization. Perhaps, the annotation by Anne on Neal’s 36 rules appealed to me most. Or maybe the commonsense presentation kept me turning the page. Regardless of why, Good Writing engaged this lover of fiction.
36 Rules of Thumb
Sadly, I did not grow up learning grammar through the Shurley Method as did my youngest two offspring. So, I struggle. Seldom will I use either who or whom. The same holds for lie or lay.
Good Writing goes far beyond good grammar. The authors concentrate on sentence structure. Eliminating passive voice is the subject of Rule 3: Keep it Active. I often fail with this.
Rule 9: Question Transitions contradicts the writing skills my kids were taught in school. Back then each new paragraph started with a transition. Am I splitting hairs too much? The SEO engine also stresses transitions. So, there is a bit of confusion here.
Good Authors and Good Writing
The repartee between Neal and Anne resonated with me. (Oops, repartee may violate Rule 5-but I can’t think of a better word.) They are a couple of veteran writers first, and soul mates second. Genuine respect and care flow in their writing. And the writing is truly continuous. And yes, I am breaking so many rules. Hence the ordered book.
The higher numbered rules prove even more difficult to incorporate into my writing. I plan to try harder. Rule 26: Show Then Tell and Rule 24: Crystallize Your Dialogue challenge this struggling writer. Both chapters deserve another read.
Recommendation for Good Writing
I think Allen and Lamott hit the target with Good Writing. Every household with students needs a copy. The book benefits office workers as a handy reference guide whether they write memos or reports. I suggest all readers, writers, students, teachers, parents and grandparents buy a copy now!
