Product Description

On Writing Well has been praised for its sound advice, its clarity and the warmth of its style. It is a book for everybody who wants to learn how to write or who needs to do some writing to get through the day, as almost everybody does in the age of e-mail and the Internet. Whether you want to write about people or places, science and technology, business, sports, the arts or about yourself in the increasingly popular memoir genre, On Writing Well offers you fundamental priciples as well as the insights of a distinguished writer and teacher. With more than a million copies sole, this volume has stood the test of time and remains a valuable resource for writers and would-be writers.

Customer Reviews (203)

Overrated
I don't know why this book is so well regarded.I'm in the middle of reading it for the second time and I am coming away with the same impressions that I did the first time:charming but unhelpful to writers.

Zinsser has some good writing advice at the beginning but it quickly ends and becomes a book about commentary on writing rather than instruction.

He also introduces his political beliefs heavy handedly.

Like a fine wine, this book only gets better
I have read this book multiple times now and I am most gracious for it.

It's great to have a book of this clarity that actually covers the subject of writing in a manner that people will understand it.

In just about every category Zinsser is right on. I especially like his chapter on Business Writing. His main advice there is to be human. Something that is certainly lacking in writing for your work. Too much jargon, sentences and paragraphs that go on forever. Saying very little about anything that relates to people. Don't let this be you.

Cheers,
Jeremy

Jyl Scislow- Author of Moral Hazard-A Wall Street Thriller
While this book is marketed as a guide to non-fiction writing- it is just as pertinent to fiction writing.It aided me with my decision making and caused me to take a second look at areas I breezed over while writing mynovel.Get this book and read it more than once! Moral Hazard - A Wall Street Thriller

Good price, bad quality
It was a great price for the book, but it was written in and in bad condition.

On Writing Well
Love the book. It's a great tool for all writers, especially those aspiring to improve their mastery of the craft. I highly recommend that this book be used wherever proper English usage and writing is taught. ... Read more

Product Description
WRITING POETRY is intended to be an all-purpose poetry writing textbook, a fount of inspiration and informtion on the writing process, a solid first step for beginners, and a source of ideas for writers and teachers at all levels. Taken from the Greek word meaning making something up, poetry gos beyond the simple act of creation to inspire. In this textbook, the core structure of the genre is dissected so the intangible may be a little more understood. WRITING POETRY is an appreciative study of an allusive art. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Barbara Drake Teaches Writers and Readers.
I have used Barbara Drake's Writing Poetry with my writing classes. Many of my students keep and reuse their copies for years. Drake knows how to encourage imagination, imagery and layered depth in a poet's thoughts on what it means to be alive.

Well worth it for any aspiring poets
I am currently using this book as a textbook for a poetry class, and I am very satisfied with it. It utilizes plenty of examples to illustrate the concepts in the book, and has dozens of ideas for getting started writing poetry.

Terrific aid for aspiring poet
This book is well done with many writing ideas to keep you generating poems for the rest of your life. The discussions of the sample poems are excellent and clear.Another good book to add to my stash of books for teaching writing classes.

~Joan Mazza, author of six books including DREAMING YOUR REAL SELF.

good but not $47 good
This forty-seven dollar paperback is an adequate introduction into poetry writing.In fact, it's quite compreensive in its approach.

But it won't make you a good poet.You need other things, like a dictionary, a dictionary of synonyms, a brain, and a heart.Now to get all of these things after paying $47 for a paperback is tough.A good dictionary is tough to find these days.So is a good brain, and even harder to find after you got the brain is the heart.Who has all five things?

I'm holding the book in my hand and it seems small.It's helped my poetry skills (but, of course, I'm only writing for myself)but, I don't think it was worth the whole $47.Maybe $20.But it's worth having.

Bible for Aspiring Poets
This book is full of examples and ideas to jumpstart a struggling writer into many rich hours of poetic bliss. ... Read more

Product Description
Writing at Work is for people who do or will write while on the job whether the writing be an interoffice memo, e-mail, a status report, a lab report, marketing materials, or a letter to a customer. The philosophy behind Writing at Work is that such writing needn't be stale and unoriginal but can instead be a sophisticated piece of work that positively reflects the competence of its composer to all who read it.Rather than dwell on picky, little "rules" that you must adhere to when writing, Writing at Work focuses on the real rules of grammar and aspects of style that you really need to know in order to write with confidence.Using examples realistically drawn from work settings, Writing at Work presents each topic in a manner that is at once accessible and inviting. Spread throughout the text are exercises that provide you with ample opportunity to write, revise, and correct the kinds of written tasks typically encountered at work. You can immediately gauge your progress by checking your work against the answers listed at the end of each chapter. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

great refresher
this is a great purchase for those that need a refresher for writin in the work place. i loved it SO MUCH that I gave it as a gift.

Writing at Work works!
In the course of twenty-five chapters, Smith and Bernhardt write in a lively manner about the elementary rules (and "non-rules") of grammar, punctuation, sentence structure up through discussions on jargon, technical language, and then on to the "tones" of writing, parallel structure, and playful and elegant prose. I really enjoyed reading this book because I was able to review those elementary rules (without too much pain) as well as get some validation for stylistic choices I've made in my own writing. So much of how a person writes -- whether it's "good" writing or not -- is rather semi-conscious. "Writing at Work" makes the reader conscious about what they're doing in their writing as well as makes a strong case for putting elegant, persuasive writing back into technical and business communications.

And I only had to re-write the last paragraph a few times.... ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (7)

A MustFor Every Middle School Teacher!
I have been teaching 6th grade for 5 years and I was ecstatic when Ruth Culhams's Traits of Writing: The Complete Guide for Middle School (Theory and Practice) was released last year. My earlier elementary versions were dog-eared and manipulated to apply to my middle school writing environment. With this new release I have found it to be extremely targeted and well designed for grades 6,7,8. My students love to read and score the included writing samples, and the warm-up exercises are very age appropriate and are great writing starters for young teenagers. I would highly recommend Ruth Culham's Middle School Trait book as well all of her supplemental publications...NO SCHOOL DISTRICT SHOULD BE WITHOUT THIS WRITING SERIES!

Everything Old is New Again
Although I have read Culham's previous books and have had experience with the "traits" before, I found this particular edition to be a wonderful resource.The difference is that it is geared towards the 6, 7, and 8th grade population.As any middle school teacher knows, finding resources that address the unique needs of "those in the middle" can be challenging.This book provides tons of writing models that you can use right out of the book or adapt to create your own depending on the needs and level of your class.Additionally, there is a CD packed with writing models, rubrics and support materials.I teach in a school that offers little flexibility and I have found ways to sneak in these superb writing strategies and still adhere to my school's rigid curriculum.

Middle School 'Diamond in the Rough!'
Teachers, I have taught middle school for 22 years now, this book is a 'must-have' and refreshing to my old school ways! I have valued Ruth Culham's previous books/workbooks on the traits, and this addition surpasses my expectations by far! Traits of Writing: The Complete Guide for Middle School makes my job much easier and enjoyable knowing I have a realistic tool to provide numerous student samples and lesson ideas. The CD Ms. Culham adds makes this a 'gem'. In the world of proficiencies, grades, scoring, and teaching...Ruth keeps the wonder and creativity included which makes my rating of this book right up there at the top.I wish our school district would fund a staff development day to hear her speak and help more of us join in the fun of writing, and teaching students to love writing!

A Must -Have For Every Middle School Teacher!
Ruth Culham has again written a book that revolutionized the way writing is taught in schools.

Now with her new Middle School release specifcally for grades 6 through 8, this thoughtful, entertaining book will help your students become better writers than they ever thought they could be.

Withscored sample papers and brand new scoring guides, this wonderful book will help not only you as a teacher, but also help your students 'get it' when it comes to writing.

It even comes with a handy CD so you can print forms off of it.

Buy this book! No disappointments.

Good Intro
I thought this book was a very good introduction to the 6 Traits and I will be using it as a reference to introduce my teachers to the traits. ... Read more

Product Description
Sharp Writing is a compact guide with all the information you need to increase your grasp of language and boost your writing skills using Kaplan's easy-to-follow Building Block Method. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Basic and Practical
Kaplan's "Sharp Writing" is a practical overview of grammar and usage, but is quite basic.If you are looking for a book that will provide you with more "Style" advice than grammar, I would recommend Style: Toward Clarity and Grace (Chicago Guides to Writing, Editing, and Publishing).I would recommend the Kaplan book for anyone looking for quick refresher or short reference work.

The first section of the book provides an overview and refresher on the different grammatical categories, strucure/usage, puncution, tone, etc.The chapters in the first section cover very basic items such as "what is a noun" or "what is a verb" to a bit more complex topics such as "intransitive verbs," phrase/clause interaction, the passive voice (and its uses), and appositives.Each chapter uses the "Building Block Method" wherein Kaplan provides you with a basic quiz at the beginning, then information, and then a further quiz at the end of each chapter.This does help the reader to understand where their knowledge is lacking and pay more attention to those areas as they go through the book.

The second section is titled "Sharper Writing Stages" and shifts the focus of the book from grammar to strategies on actually writing your paper/book/etc.Kaplan provides a standard overview of common topics such as: brainstorming, outlining, journaling, researching, and paper structure (intro, body, conclusion).There is also a moderately detailed refresher on sentence structure, word choice, quotation usage, and revising your paper through editing (I particular found the editing symbol chart helpful).As with section 1, there are practice questions and quizes, but I found those less helpful in this section as the materical was not as rule based.

The third section is titled "Sharper Writing Formats" and focuses on putting the previous sections into practice in such ways as business writing, letter writing, etc.The section provides overviews of topics such as resumes, business emails, academic writing and personal letters, and provides formats and tips for each.

Ultimately the book is similar to what most people will probably cover in 11th or 12th grade English or possibly English 101 or 102 at University.However, if you are like me, you probably do not remember everything you learned in these courses and this book serves as a helpful reference and quick refresher.

Kindle Note: I chose to read this book on Kindle for PC instead of my Kindle because there are a lot of diagrams and questions that were easier to view and use in a larger format than my Kindle screen. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (9)

Not exactly what I needed, but it will do
When I ordered Real Writing by Susan Anker, I forgot to check to make sure that it included the readings, which was my fault.However, I am making it work for the student to whom I am lending it this semester.
The delivery was fast and that was very important.
The book is in excellent condition and that was also a plus factor.

love it!
i love this book; it has helped me in so many ways to become a better writer and teacher. i received this book in excellent condition just as the seller said it would be.

Required Text
The book is required for my English class. It seems to be good for sentence and paragraph stucture!...Everything need for good writing!...
Helpful in creating Essays!..

Just what I needed for College
Got the book it was used, but that is how I bought it, but just because it was used doesn't mean it was bad, the pages were all inside and not no one wrote on it, it was a solid book I would give this seller 2 thumbs up and if I had a third arm I would give them three

Good Book!
The book has been a great help for my husband who uses it at his English class. He finds it as a very good reference textbook. And I bought the book at a good price and received the book earlier that I expected. Thanks. ... Read more

Product Description
WRITING WITH STYLE: APA STYLE FOR SOCIAL WORK, Fourth Edition, applies a proven "learning through modeling" approach to help readers master the elements of writing research papers and other professional documents in APA style. In addition to reviewing APA style basics, the book includes numerous integrated writing exercises to help readers apply what they learn and hone their skills by practicing writing professional literature. Further support is provided through resources such as sample outlines, title pages, abstracts, and numerous templates included throughout the book as references. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Never received book
I never received the book. Tracking information said it was sent, so it may not be the seller's fault, but I did not get it. Since it was cheap, I didn't go through the hassle of arguing for a refund.

Redundant
I have experience writing in APA style formatting, and already have the APA Style manual yet all the professors in my Social Work program said this book was specific to social work and necessary. I don't know if they are getting kick-backs - but it's not specific and it's not necessary. I will add that if you don't have the full APA style manual and you are in Social Work, this is less cumbersome than the APA manual. So, it wasn't necessary for me - but it might be for you!

Excellent Service!
The Book came much sooner than I expected and was in excellent shape. I am very pleased with this purchase!

A Must Have
This book is a must have for all who are entering the field of social work.The book uses clear examples of how a future social work is to write.

Good guide but not worth the $27 I paid.
This information written in the Preface would have been helpfeul before I purchased this book.(Social workers should not expect this book to replace the Publication Manual.They should be aware that this is one of several reference books that belong on their desk when they write. Somtimes the transition from first-year English composition classes to social work classess leaves students confused because these first-year classes tend to be taught with emphasis on the Modern Language Association (MLA) style.In these courses students learn how to organize a coherent paragraph, how to develop a thesis statement, and how to write an essay or a library research paper in generic (MLA-based)style.This is a useful start, but it does not enhance students' technical writing skills when it comes to using APA gudelines.They must now learn to write using APA Style, which includes not only rules made excilict in the Publication Manual but also other conventions that constitute the unwritten rules of the APS style.For example, rather than write about what other authors "said" or "believed", they should concentrate on what the author "found or "reported".Also, the title of an article should not be mentioned in a literature review, and passive voice may sometimes be used.) ... Read more

Product Description
Whether you're just getting started with the traits or want to invigorate your trait-based writing instruction, the 20 fun and engaging lessons in this resource are just what you need. Classroom-tested, ready-to-go lessons for all the traits-ideas, organization, voice, word choice, sentence fluency, and conventions-are included. For each lesson, you'll also find an independent writing activity and creative group-share ideas. These powerful lessons are sure to boost students' writing performance. For use with Grades 4Ð6. ... Read more

Product Description
Writing for the Real World is a two-level course in writing for practical purposes. ... Read more

Product Description
For Writers From All Walks of Life!

There's no need to fear the big, bad world of writing with The Little Red Writing Book in hand. Brimming with clever advice, this book offers writers, students, and business professionals a concise guide to penning strong and effective work for all occasions.

The Little Red Writing Book is designed for visual appeal and ease of use. Elegant yet practical, it will be an intriguing, inviting reference you'll turn to again and again. Author Brandon Royal offers clear explanations and non-intimidating instruction based on the four pillars of sound writing - structure, style, readability, and grammar. His discussion centers on 20 immutable writing principles as well as 30 commonly encountered rules of grammar. A wealth of examples, charts, and engaging exercises make The Little Red Writing Book an invaluable guide for anyone who wants to master those skills that will make a good writer even better. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

Excellent
Excellent work. Should be used in all non-English speaking schools. Particularly useful in TOEFL preparation.

Excellent Overall Reference Book
Great book to show what is necessary for good writing.Excellent reference tool.Highlights all the significant elements for effective writing.

Exceptional
This book is exceptional.I really cannot say enough good things about it.It covers everything related to writing with ease.

Simply the best...
Writing guides and handbooks fall into roughly two categories: Some are long, comprehensive, and, except for the extremely punctilious writer, unfathomable; a few are direct, useful, and ideal for serious writers who would rather write than spend hours finding the rules for semicolons. In the latter category falls Brandon Royal's brilliant The Little Red Writing Book.

The articulate exposition of his twenty principles of writing and thirty rules of grammar fit neatly into 159 short, accessible pages, pages undoubtedly well-thumbed by thousands of grateful writers for years.Built carefully and simply around the categories of structure, style, readability and grammar, Mr. Royal's little book will satisfy both the sit-down-and-read-all-about-it reader and the frustrated-fly-by-and-check-something-quickly writer.

I recommend this wonder to all my writing students; one day the writing committee with wise up and make this a primary text for all writing courses at my school.I won't hold my breath, butyou could buy a copy now anyway.

A great tool
A visually appealing and gentle book, this is as enjoyable as a book on the art of writing can be. The author communicates in an engaging, personal manner that speaks to us no matter where we're at in our skill as a writer. Even a reluctant writer will find this little manual easy to tolerate. The introduction alone, while giving a helpful, brief overview of the pillars of writing, is an encouraging invitation to come along for the journey. Think of each of the twenty principles of writing as little gems to be uncovered by those who wish to write better. Who among us is not guilty of using needless words? Or how about long sentences?

He also emphasizes things I wanted reiterated to my homeschooled child such as sentence variety and reworking his writing. Additionally I like how the author uses both positive and negative examples for his readers to examine and compare. The errors of bad writing become obvious to us when held up against good writing that follows sound principles. As to the exercises, while they are short, and not every chapter contains them, they are useful and help cement the rule given. As a home educator I used this book, along with the exercises, as a supplemental refresher for my sixteen year old, who is a strong writer but needed some help in "polishing" his work. Finally, the grammar section is concise and beneficial and will be considered a reference tool in our home. I highly recommend this book! ... Read more

Product Description
“From everyday letters, e-mails, and reports to Web site content, proposals, and new media, you’ll discover what it takes to make every written word count.” --Jerry Allocca, President, CORE Interactive

Business writing that packs a punch: Make the most of your message to get what you want!

• The truth about supercharging your business writing
• The truth about writing directly, clearly, and convincingly
• The truth about writing in today’s varied business formats

Simply the best thinking

THE TRUTH AND NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH

This book reveals 52 proven, bite-size, easy-to-use business writing techniques that work.

Natalie Canavor launched four national magazines for business and professional audiences and directed communications for New York’s largest educational agency.

Claire Meirowitz, an award-winning author, has served as project manager and copy editor for leading business publications. Natalie and Claire own and run C&M Business Writing Services.

Customer Reviews (46)

Blink and you miss the chance to make your point
Communications today in business is vastly different than it was even a few short years ago.People skim their letters, emails, blogs, reports.... attention spans are quick.Blink and you are on to something else.

Enter this book.A worthy contender in trying to address the information saturation and overload of our day.Good business writing is still essential.But the times have changed, so the writing has to adapt or be lost in that elusive blink.

Whether its email, business letters, web, reports, this book takes them all on and then some.Offering solid tips, strategies and insights that can help writers do a better and more effective job.

Open anywhere and you can pick up tips.No need to read cover to cover, though you should to get the most of it.

A great business tool for our fast-paced world.

A practical, accessible guide to a vital career skill: effective business writing
Some people believe good writing involves big words, long sentences and complicated concepts. Nothing could be further from the truth, explain Natalie Canavor and Claire Meirowitz, co-owners of a business writing consultancy and co-authors of this handy guide. That's why they spell out the tenets of effective business writing in 52 simple "truths," covering virtually every type of business communication, from emails, letters and reports to websites and blogs. Their message is that good writing is concise, engaging and accessible - much like human conversation. They warn that, in this day of information overload, your communications have to meet these criteria or no one will read them. Though their writing advice is not particularly groundbreaking, Canavor and Meirowitz offer a clear, comprehensive, easy-to-use manual. getAbstract predicts that their guide will quickly become a well-thumbed resource.


Read more about this book in the online summary:
http://www.getabstract.com/summary/13510/the-truth-about-the-new-rules-of-business-writing.html

Good advice that is too often violated
The author provides what some would call very basic advice on good writing.Truth is that many people ignore this advice (and are less persuasive/effective as a result), or don't know it in the first place.A good basic guide for anyone who is seeking to improve their writing skills or coach others.

Writing for reduced attention spans....
The new rules for business writing can be summed up as "write at a 5th grade level".That is my summary, not the summary of this book.

It seems that in this fast paced world, no one takes the time to really READ any more.Writing in business is necessarily short and to the point.This book gives guidelines for this sort of writing.What I was looking for was something with more substance to it.Sometimes writing short sentences using simple words just doesn't get the point across adequately.

This book delivers what it promises, which are the rules for writing memos and web pages that get a point across quickly before the reader is off onto something else.sorry, but I just object to this sort of writing.

I was hoping for something that would help with writing clearly, but this is just a collection of quick ideas that would be useful for short attention spans.What other reviewers liked about this book is exactly what I did not like.

If everyone read this book, it would make the workplace so much better!
If everyone followed the business writing tips from this book, the workplace would be a much more efficient place. I cannot tell you how many times a day I have to deal with extremely verbose emails or documents. This book shows you examples and also the thought process for making your writing more concise and to the point. One of the biggest tips that is pretty much common sense but no one does is taking the time to read over their writing just once before sending. This book covers not only business writing for emails and summary reports but also writing for webpages and blogs. I found the writing tips for webpages to be extremely helpful and will be revamping my homepage to incorporate some of their ideas. I would highly recommend this book to anyone that communicates with others in a written form. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (2)

Nothing but Praise

The Dictionary of Concise Writing is a book to be read from cover to cover by every wordsmith in any discipline or profession if for no other reason than to gain the realization of just how "shoddy" much of our writing is. -- Nancy Berger

This is brilliant! This is exactly what I have been looking for. As a translator, I often have to convert wordy dreck into readable English -- it is too easy to be influenced by the wordiness of the original, and pass it through the filter of translation. For quite some time, I have been collecting as many books as I could find to help me edit and revise, but this is undoubtedly the best. -- Kirk McElhearn

I keep three books on my desk next to my monitor: a dictionary, the AP Stylebook, and Robert Fiske's The Dictionary of Concise Writing. I use it frequently. -- Gary B. Larson, Garbl's Writing Resources Bookshelf

The Dictionary of Concise Writing is a great book. -- Professor Charles Lave, University of California

Your book The Dictionary of Concise Writing is worth its weight in gold. ... Your book has been invaluable to me in ridding sentences of useless words. -- William G. Penner, Russian-to-English translator

I am forcing my associate to read Concise Writing because lawyers are schooled in its antithesis and I am learning a great deal myself despite having had the illusion that I was a competent butcher who wielded a terrible swift sword of fat-trimming from the legal garbage I face daily. -- Bill Martin, lawyer

An indispensable tool for respectful writers
Use this book before you use an editor. No one will be as capable as you of initially editing your writing for wordiness, IF you have the "The Dictionary of Concise Writing" at your side.

It's easy to use and durable. It has 400 pages in two parts. Part One is "Words and People," with concise advice about concision, and Part Two, beginning on page 45, is "The Dictionary of Concise Writing." The dictionary alphabetically lists wordy phrases with "alternative expressions and real-world examples." ... Read more

Product Description

A complete, step-by-step, practical overview of the process of writing successful theses and dissertations

Every year thousands of graduate students face the daunting–sometimes terrifying– challenge of writing a thesis or dissertation. But most of them have received little or no instruction on doing it well. This book shows them how in ways no other book does. It combines the practical guidance and theoretical understanding students need to complete their theses or dissertations with maximum insight and minimum stress. Drawing on her extensive research and experience advising hundreds of graduate students, Dr. Irene Clark presents a solid overview of the writing process. Clark shows how to apply innovative theories of process and genre and understand the writing process for what it is: your entrance into a conversation with the scholarly community that will determine your success or failure. This book offers useful strategies for each phase of the process, from choosing advisors and identifying topics through writing, revision, and review. Coverage includes

•  Getting started: overcoming procrastination and writer’s block

•  Understanding the genre of the thesis or dissertation

•  Speaking the “language of the academy”

•  Writing compelling proposals

•  Developing and revising drafts

•  Constructing effective literature reviews

•  Working with tables, graphs, and other visual materials

•  Working with advisors and dissertation committees

•  Avoiding inadvertent plagiarism

Experience based, theoretically grounded, jargon free, and practical, Writing the Successful Thesis and Dissertation will help you become a more effective writer–and a more meaningful contributor to the scholarly conversation.

Preface xi

Introduction: Writing a Thesis or Dissertation: An Overview of the Process xix

Chapter 1: Getting Started 1

Chapter 2: So What? Discovering Possibilities 17

Chapter 3: The Proposal as an Argument: A Genre Approach to the Proposal 33

Chapter 4: Mapping Texts: The Reading/Writing Connection 63

Chapter 5: Writing and Revising 83

Chapter 6: Writing the Literature Review 103

Chapter 7: Using Visual Materials 125

Chapter 8: The Advisor and Thesis/Dissertation Committee 139

Chapter 9: Working with Grammar and Style 155

Chapter 10: Practical Considerations 175

Index: 193

Customer Reviews (4)

Clean and Quick!
Once again ... I am very happy with the quality and speed I received this book.

Great for demystifying the process
It didn't hurt that Dr. Clark was my thesis advisor, but she also gave me her book to read as I began writing my thesis.The information about invention heuristics was invaluable, and in general, this book really helped me to better conceptualize the task ahead of me.Throughout the process I referred back to this book often, and as I am now beginning my dissertation, I am planning on reading it again and keeping it handy as I go through the process.

Excellent Book for Doctoral and Masters Students
Professor Irene Clark has written an excellent book for the student in either Doctoral or Masters studies.

There appears to be an emerging market for these books in recent times and any student contemplating either course of study had better know what they are going to be confronted with.

I had earlier purchased another reference on this topic, as I am currently undertaking studies myself and wanted to ensure that I was well-armed with knowledge on what was required. The earlier reference was good; however it was somewhat dated in terms of some of the information contained within and I have found Prof. Clark's book to be an improvement.

Prof. Clark deals with very important issues in her work; like the requirement of writing to an audience, genre in writing and how the literature review underpins the proposal paper. The literature review is highlighted as much more than just a list of sources read-it needs to support the argument and be weaved into the paper and eventual dissertation. Prof. Clark's analogy of being able to pick up on a topic of conversation within a group before you sail forth and offer your thoughts to the group are very well detailed and the basis of her book's title.

Professor Clark also discusses the use of visual aids. I also note that earlier works on writing thesis and dissertation discuss computers when they were a luxury, not a necessity. The use of computers and computer programs for writing have advanced greatly since the end of the 1990's. So also, in this regard, an up-to-date reference is required to deal with the issue of the writing task for the aspiring student.

In summary, an excellent reference for both the student-to-be and the student already. Practical and well written with the information 'current'. Well done, Professor Clark!

Recommended read before you start your thesis or dissertation work...
Never having gone the route of graduate school, I've never had to contemplate writing a thesis or dissertation.But it's always sounded like a monumental task to me.In Irene L. Clark's book Writing the Successful Thesis and Dissertation: Entering the Conversation, she covers the steps and mindset necessary to successfully complete the chore.It's still a lot of work, but at least she puts a framework around it that makes it do-able.

Contents:
Getting Started; So What? Discovering Possibilities; The Proposal as an Argument: A Genre Approach to the Proposal; Mapping Texts: The Reading/Writing Connection; Writing and Revising; Writing the Literature Review; Using Visual Materials; The Advisor and These/Dissertation Committee; Working with Grammar and Style; Practical Considerations; Index

I appreciated Clark's analogy of a thesis or dissertation.Imagine you're in a large room of academics who are talking about a subject.You hang around and spend time listening to all their points of view.Once you've understood and heard all they have to say, you then add your voice to the conversation...your viewpoint or slant on the issue.Your thesis is your conversation.All the books and papers written on the subject are the conversations of others.Your contribution is akin to entering the conversation.When put that way, the concept doesn't seem quite as daunting as it did before.Once you have that mental image in place, she takes you through the entire process; from coming up with an idea to the act of writing, through the process of review and acceptance by the committee.When you finish the book, the effort facing you is still the same.But the monster now has discrete parts instead of just sitting there as a massive blob that's intimidating.

I would strongly recommend that anyone looking at the thesis/dissertation route take the time to read this book early in the process.You're still going to work like you've never done before, but your chances of success (or at least survival) should go up significantly.
... Read more

Product Description
We all have stories to tell about our lives and the lives of people we know. Rebecca Rule and Susan Wheeler help new and experienced writers commit those stories to paper. ... Read more

Product Description
All writers are faced at some point with feelings of self-consciousness and self-doubt about their work. In this invaluable guide, Laraine Herring offers advice to writers who want to become more comfortable with their writing, face their inhibitions, and gain the confidence to release their true voice. Utilizing the breath, a vigorous movement practice designed to break up stagnation with the body and the mind, and writing exercises aimed both at self-exploration and developing works-in-progress, Herring offers a clear path to writing through illusion. Learn how to remove obstacles in your writing and develop techniques to help you relax into your own voice; discover ways to enter into a compassionate, non-judgmental relationship with yourself so that you can write safely and authentically from a place of absolute vulnerability; and discover the interconnectedness of your personal writing process and the community as a whole. The Writing Warrior will not only help you find ways to develop your writing, but also ways to develop yourself. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Shake, Rattle and Write
I've read piles of how to-books for writers. This one stands out from the rest., and not just because I've never been advised at the start to commit to a practice of breathing and shaking to enhance my writing. She doesn't insist on the shaking. If you don't want to shake, she agrees that other physical practices like yoga, qigong, dancing, jogging will do as well. The important thing is to get your body moving to break up stagnation and free your creative juices.

Iappreciated that she makes it clear from the beginning that the form she suggests is only that, a suggestion. "However, just like with clothing (no matter what the labels say), a one-size structure does not fit all writers." I read food recipesfor inspiration more often than directions, and I'm even less likely to follow recipes for writing. But I do love a good idea -- like shaking and moving -- and this book is full of good ideas.

The shaking and moving instruction is fundamental to the metaphors of movement and "practice" embedded in the core of the book. She sees writing as movement along a path, and she moves the writing student along a path of movement and practice, much as a martial arts warrior moves during practice. Like the martial arts warrior, the Writing Warrior "stands steady in the center of her work, not reaching too far into the past or too far into the future. She is rooted to the earth, and her spine reaches toward heaven."

Herring remains rooted in her metaphor and centered on her path. Her material is neatly sorted into five parts: Breaking Ground, Building Your Foundation, Dissolving Your Illusions, Committing to Your Authentic Path, and Deepening Your Writer's Roots.Each short chapter resembles a blog post, tightly focused on one key concept. Although the chapters are arranged to gradually build on her theme, each is a concisely contained unit capable of standing on its own. As a bonus, each part ends with Writing Warrior Practice, including several suggested exercises to help you master the principles it covers.

Just as martial arts training is about a way of life as much or more than a way of self-defense, this book is about a way of thinking as much ormore than a way of writing. It's about sorting out your heart and your head so words can flow forth unimpeded.

One way to tell whether I've been engaged with a book is the number of stickyflags bristling from the edges. This book has a lot of flags.

Not like making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich
This book frees would-be (and experienced) writers from their biggest obstacle -- themselves. Some of Herring's concepts are both literary and profound. If the elements involved are: the writer, the words he or she writes and the reader--her focus is on the first two. She faces off against the writer's mythical hamster wheel of suffering with its spokes of "the illusion of time," " the illusion of control," " the illusions of publication, success, fame and money, etc" and integrates some countering writing practices in conjunction with yoga and breathing.

I thought the journal writing exercises somewhat elemental though they probably originated from Ms. Herring's extensive teaching experiences, but some of her concepts--for example, "structure is alive," "the energy of the moment," "there is no overnight anything" and "a writer must remember he or she is always a beginner"--stayed with me long after I had finished the book. I like the joining of yoga and teaching, in fact I conduct workshops called "YogaWrite(tm)," but there is a danger that the focus becomes too subjective. Readers want an example of facing their vulnerabilities (and a good author provides this), but my experience is that art has to make reality, heightened reality. There are dynamics between characters in scenes that dramatize inner and outer conflicts. These techniques Laraine Herring seems to leave to a readers' further research. Maybe they are the subject of a follow-up book, but I think would have been perfect to explore in the last third of this one (which is mostly after-the-fact bromides).

Herring can write; her rather personal examples are very moving. I wish there was more on the breathing and movement, but her comments about attaining a non-judgmental relationship with ourselves are inspirational. She says, "Don't worry about the end results.... Write the best book possible. Then do the next right thing." But isn't there more? This is a book worth reading, worth believing in, and (also) worth moving beyond.

- John Lehman, Rosebud Book Reviews

Finding your inner warrior
This book kicks my writerly butt in the best possible way, and I know it will kick yours, too. Laraine Herring--with all her wisdom, honesty and humor--will get you moving, both in your body and on the page. The Writing Warrior will take you to places in yourself and in your writing that you've never dared to travel before; it will open you up and you'll be amazed by what emerges. A glorious and profound book for writers.

Writing for the Whole Body / Mind / Spirit
Herring's The Writing Warrior: Discovering the Courage to Free Your True Voice would appeal to writers who encounter difficulties at any stage of the process. The author guides you along with a gentle, but firm and confident hand, through exercises that are supposed to change how you write.

PHYSICALITY
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I have to admit that I am not terribly taken with the idea of a writing "warrior." It is an intriguing alliteration in the title, and a metaphor that is carried throughout the book, but not especially helpful for me. Warfare, courage, and true voice? The title put me off a little, but I am glad I opened it up and gave it a try. After reading the book, I think it ought to have been called something like The Writer as Athlete (except, I am sure Herring could make that sound more catchy).

My point is that the book is about making writing physical, focusing one's mental energies on the task at hand, and disciplining oneself through training. Of course, both warriors and athletes do this, but I think I can relate to athletes a bit more readily. There are breathing exercises, shaking ones, meditative practices, writing prompts, and so forth. It's a nice mix of the physical, contemplative, and practical.

MYSTICISM/SPIRITUALITY
----------------------
I could have done without the mysticism. I felt like I was reading Carlos Castaneda + Buddhism (Chapter 8 was playfully titled the Writer's Wheel of Suffering) for writers. The particular approach didn't inspire me. I really do appreciate the attempt to make writing into a spiritual practice, though, and will be chewing it over in my mind.

STRUCTURE
----------------------
The author is emphatic that she is only suggesting a structure that you can use for your own writing. She encourages you to try it out for 49 days (I don't remember why it has to be this length of time). Don't feel like this has to be done--you can adapt it as you see fit. I have not completed my 49 days yet, so we'll have to see how this goes. I do like the idea of structure, and I think it is a good idea to set up a time frame for trying out something new. Old habits are difficult to break.

SUMMARY
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If you feel uncomfortable about bringing a physical element to your writing, or you don't want to read about writing strategies that are mixed with an eclectic blend of mysticism, then this book is not for you. If you are looking for a new approach to overcoming your writing difficulties, though, then you'll want to give this a try.

Sit still...
If you're someone who's always felt they have something to write about, something burning in you to be brought to the light of the blank page, this book is for you- "You contain everything within you that you will ever need. Just sit still long enough to uncover it." From the book, page 242- Alma Luz Villanueva ... Read more

Product Description
A nationally recognized psychotherapist and creativity consultant shows writers how to overcome psychological blocks in order to create with passion, power, and ease. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (25)

Answers to Writers' Issues
Eric Maisel is one of the top creativity coaches in the US and has 30 books out.He's published in both fiction and non-fiction.

I had an opportunity a few months ago to hear Dr. Maisel speak in person. Everything he said resonated deeply with my own experiences.He answered many of my half-formed questions about my creativity, depression, obstacles, and frustrations.

I spent all of my "writing craft budget" for the next six months and bought about five of his books on Amazon...including "Deep Writing."

I'm about three-quarters of the way through the book, and am impressed by the topics he's touched on I've not seen addressed elsewhere like the internal debates between meeting commercial goals and creative goals when they conflict.He also presents some unique ideas on editing your work by seeing it through different lenses.

He also talks about how to quiet your mind - and as a mother and writer I need to perfect that skill.

I've also read his book "Sleep Thinking" which is also unique and insightful in different directions.

Inspirational
There are writing books for those who would rather read than really write, and then there are writing books that are more like gentle guidance into meditation.Deep Writing is the latter.Writing is a profoundly lonely affair, and books like this help us to reconnect with what we know to be true about life, while validating our profession.Maisel's wisdom in this gem of a book is not to be missed by serious writers.

Deep and wide
As writer Rick Bassobserved in "The Racoons of Yaak," (Orion, Spring 1999) "Art (is) the desire to make order and meaning out of otherwise random elements." This definition fits neatly into Eric Maisel's keen explication of writers and the forces that move them. Maisel calls writers "meaning-makers," and while recognizing that everyone seeks some level of meaning in life, he posits that those called to write have a stronger urge to seek and explain the world's ways. Writer's formalize the thoughts that others are content to quietly mull. Further, it is Maisel's position that deep writing is an imperative goal for writers and would-be writers, whatever their interim aspirations. To tap the truest feelings, the profoundest thoughts, the wellspring of personal understanding, and communicate as clearly as possible requires depth. It doesn't matter if the project is a training manual, a sales brochure, a popular novel or an intellectually turbid masterpiece, a screenplay, a memoir, a doctoral thesis or ... a book review. If you currently write or have ever had the notion, or in the broader context have ever been drawn to express meaning through art, you will find sage counsel and some clever tricks in DEEP WRITING. Eric Maisel works with artists as a psychotherapist and creativity counselor both in private practice and writing workshops, and has written numerous fiction and non-fiction books. He clearly understands that the differences between wanting to write and writing (and "only" writing versus deep writing) are not creative but psychological. His observations resonate with my own creative experience: twenty years of good intentions and sporadic jabs that finally crossed an invisible border ten years ago from intent to imperative, from "someday" to NOW. Two days past reading Maisel's slim, insightful book, his clarity has already changed my work and my relationship to my work in deeply satisfying ways. In short, DEEP WRITING is the best writer's road atlas I have stumbled into -- ever -- a Fodor's guide to the creative interior land of high art.

Deep? No... But Not The Kiddie Pool
Eric Maisel turns in a decent effort here-- one that is worth a read. He as an easy, readable style and an obvious love of the craft. Not much in the way of brand-new insight to be found in these pages, however... except for a few goofy exercise straight out of the therapist's office (Mr. Maisel, in addition to being a writer, is a creativity therapist or something along those lines).
Nonetheless, the ideas he does retread - respect the craft, nurture your ideas, etc.-- bear repeating. And let's face it, even a single fresh perspective on an old truth can be valuable.. and you're apt to find at least a couple here.

Bringing Ideas to Fruition
"Deep Writing" has one goal: to get your writing projects off the ground and onto paper. Dr. Maisel doesn't do you the disservice of promising that if you only follow his seven steps everything will be simple and easy. He shows his sample writers stumbling and falling as well as succeeding, and he shows them changing direction, taking their time, and engaging in other realities of the writing process. It is important to him that we understand the realities of the writing process, not that we believe his method is a cure-all.

The first step is as easy as quieting your mind and allowing yourself to think. It's also as difficult as quieting your mind. Simple? Yes. Obvious? Yes. But in my experience, it's the obvious things we often miss in life. Maisel presents an exercise called TIPS (Themes, Intention, Plan, Steps) that will help you make your first steps toward actually working on your project, and another exercise that will help you connect theme and intention.

Another chapter deals with choices pertaining to marketplace and ethical concerns. Maisel presents arguments on both sides of the issue. Do you aim your work at the marketplace to make more money? Do you stick to your guns and write what you want regardless of whether anyone will want it? Is there a happy middle ground? He gives us the tools we need to decide for ourselves which goal is more important to us.

He continues on to discuss more issues of the process of writing, evaluating the work, feeling comfortable with the work, and doing what's necessary. Maisel provides a checklist of requirements writers can meet in order to help themselves, and some brief exercises to help with that goal.

"Deep Writing" is not a huge book, but it does pack a pretty good punch. It might not have massive reams of advice to convey, but the simple principles it does present are ones that can make a big difference in your writing. This book does get into a certain amount of touchy-feely psychobabble, but even if you're a bit skeptical of such things (as I tend to be), you might find it useful. If you ever have trouble sitting down to work, if you ever find it difficult to move from idea to product, this book could do you a lot of good! ... Read more

Product Description
A book about spirit, creativity, and the inner life of the writer

Certain writing books go beyond questions of craft and art to explore the deepest sources of the creative impulse.Writing from the Body is not a "head book"; it is a heart book, a shoulder book, a hand book, a back book, and a soul book that liberates writers from the shackles of self-consciousness and doubt.

Developed from John Lee's popular workshops that have helped thousands of writers, this book offers meditative techniques, physical exercises, and candid counseling--all designed to combat the fears, self-imposed standards, and suppressed feelings that block creative potential.Inspirational qutoes from poems and prose develop John Lee's central message: in order to write from the truth of our total experience, we most return to our bodies.

As Lee notes, "The call to write is a call that's received in the body first.If we are to answer this call, we have to feel every part of our lives.In this book you'll learn the grammar of the gut, the syntax of the sinews, the launage of the legs.For everyone who is tired of living life in the little closet between the ears, get ready."

Any writer, artist, teacher, or psychologist interested in the creative process will find this book invaluable, a lasting source of hope and power.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A fear supressor!
Writing From the Body combats the fears, self-imposed standards, and suppressed feelings that block writers' creative potential. It frees those feelings and teaches writers how to use them productively. If you canextinguish the flames of self-criticism, you can ignite your soul'screativity

A+++
This book has helped me in my creativity processes, through meditaion and listening to what my body has to say, facing my inner most fears, blowing out the flame of lies that have been forced feed into me, and by breathingexercises that help me consentrate and relax.Anyone remotely interestedin writing should have this book in their collection. ... Read more

Product Description
Discover an all-in-one guide to writing with Seech's WRITING PHILOSOPHY PAPERS, 5e. Written specifically for philosophy students, this unique book leads you through every aspect of writing philosophy papers and is an invaluable tool for any philosophy class that includes writing assignments. The book guides you through every step of creating and organizing a compelling philosophy essay--from the conception of a thesis and basic mechanics of writing through conducting effective research and accurately citing sources. You even learn tips for formulating an articulate, intelligent argument. Sample essays in the back of the book are provided for your reference. Specifics on the organization, style, and reasoning behind each primary type of philosophy papers prepare you to complete compare-and-contrast, research, and summary and explanatory papers. A new chapter on Internet research (Chapter 7) discusses source accountability and use of the Internet encyclopedia Wikipedia. New discussions on plagiarism in a digital age and word processing today further equip you for success. WRITING PHILOSOPHY PAPERS, 5e, serves as a valuable, ongoing reference for any current or future philosophy class. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Writing Philosophy Papers
I never received the book. I e-mailed Amazon.com on this but got no reply. I was shortchanged on this title.

Prescribed reading
This is an excellent guide for academic writers, not only for students of Philosophy, for whom, as the title indicates, the book is primarily intended, but for students in all disciplines. The strength of this little manual lies particularly in that, although compact, it leaves nothing to chance. In other words, it covers ground that other well-meaning how-to books on writing assume that authors know, but material with which first-timers are either unfamiliar, or which seasoned writers, specifically writers in other genres, have forgotten. It should be made compulsory reading for all students. ... Read more

Product Description
Originally published by the Sierra Club in 1995, this handbook has already helped thousands of aspiring writers, scholars, and students share their experiences with nature and the outdoors. Using exercises and examples, John Murray covers genres, techniques, and publication issues. He uses examples from such masters as Barry Lopez, Annie Dillard, Larry McMurtry, Edward Abbey, Ernest Hemingway, and Henry David Thoreau. Also included are recommended readings, a directory of creative writing programs, professional organizations for writers, and a directory of environmental organizations. This revised edition includes a new chapter on nature writing and environmental activism. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Exceptionally useful
Books on writing are usually ho-hum for me, as I am a writer with many publications and many years experience and have taught writing in various venues.But this one is far from ho-hum. Anecdotes about well-known nature writers, past and present, make the learning experience colorful and entertaining and are always directly relevant to what Murray is saying.

The trouble with having years of experience is that I tend to forget about some sound principles--I have the illusion I've incorporated them so thoroughly they have become automatic.Ha!Not so; this book reminds me of them, stirs me up, and has already helped me liven up a couple of works in progress.

Altho this book is focused on nature writing, most of the principles discussed apply to writing of any kind.Highly recommended for experienced as well as beginning writers.

Not just for writing about nature.
I have the original version of this book and I have carried it all over the country and used like a bible for the last ten years.I have gone back to each chapter at random and repeated his exercises time and time again without feeling like I was returning to the same book.Even if you are just journal writing like me this book is a must have and I will be ordering the new version when I am done writing this.I have only found one other book that works just as well in it's powerful simplicity and that is John E. Schwiebert's "Reading and Writing from Literature".Thanks Mr. Murray for the guidance.

An excellent skill improvement guide
Now in a newly revised and expanded edition, Writing About Nature: A Creative Guide by John A. Murray deftly teaches aspiring nature writers diverse exercises and examples with which to hone the communication skills of anyone who has experienced nature and the outdoors and yearns to share what they have seen. Covering a broad range of genres, and conveying a wealth of tips, tricks, techniques, as well as surveying publication issues, and enhanced with a new chapter about nature writing and environmental activism, Writing About Nature is an original, superbly organized and presented resource. Writing About Nature is an excellent skill improvement guide which is a highly recommended addition to any nature writer's instructional reference shelf or reading list. ... Read more

Product Description
WRITING IN THE WORKS (WITW) uses a real-world writing approach to intrigue and inspire users of all ages and backgrounds?showing you how to produce well-written pieces that people will want to read. The book's 11 Assignment chapters cover real-world genres such as application essays, news articles, editorials, proposals, public service messages, and film reviews.WITW is motivating and sophisticated, with dynamic visuals, timely readings, and obvious relevance and connection to the real world. Throughout, the authors don't treat you as a learner, but as a serious writer who is capable of writing for an actual audience.In all of the book's writing tasks, you are asked to write as if your work will be submitted for publication?or to actually to do so. With this as the end result, you learn genre conventions, audience, purpose, research, critical thinking, and style?skills directly transferable to all kinds of writing, including writing you may do for work and community. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Good to go...
I was satisfied with the product, the condition of it, and the speed of delivery. It was expensive, but significantly less than the college bookstore. What are you gonna do? The cost for college books is a very profittable venture for those who exploit the students' needs. ... Read more