Claire Cook surprised me with this book, Line by Line: How to Edit Your Own Writing. I've actually read it three times and have had to purchase it four times (one of the reasons I seldomly lend out books). So of course I believe as a writer or even a writing editor, this book should be a part of your collection.
Line by Line is different in that it combines the textbook style grammar lessons with real life usage examples. Whether you are a skilled, multi-published author or a new writer, a columnist or a reporter, this book has something that you are sure to be able to apply to your writing. For sure it is worth the small investment you'll make.
If you write for a living, this book should be a huge part of your reference library. Even after all these years, it is still not outdated. The information is just as relevant today as when the author first penned the manuscript. Get your copy today at Amazon.
Showing posts with label authors. Show all posts
Showing posts with label authors. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Sunday, September 7, 2008
What Makes an Author Stand Out
Authors are both born and made. Some people are writing as soon as they can hold a pencil and never stop. Some people just fall into writing as a way of dealing with an issue, or as a result of their primary profession. Either way, no one writes to be mediocre. A real author wants to be great. What author hasn't dreamed of a Pulitzer or other prestigious writing awards?
This profession is filled to rim with mediocre writers. Just because you may have a million people competing against you doesn't really mean that your competition is a million people. Your competition is yourself and all those who strive for excellence and greatness in writing. Believe me, that may be 5 percent, and I'm being generous. My point is you have to strive to stand out from the pack.
Standing out isn't hard. First, care about what you're doing. If you care, it will show in all that you do. That is a life lesson, a lot of which I've been learning from a dear friend, Lacresha Hayes. Secondly, give. Most people's eyes are so full of dollar signs that they are paralyzed when you tell them to give something away. Lend your expertise. Give your readers a real piece of yourself. Lastly, connect with your followers. Books are great, but you won't find people just picking up your books for the hell of it. Something has to draw them. Your publisher can't do it. Your publicist can't do it. YOU have to do it.
This profession is filled to rim with mediocre writers. Just because you may have a million people competing against you doesn't really mean that your competition is a million people. Your competition is yourself and all those who strive for excellence and greatness in writing. Believe me, that may be 5 percent, and I'm being generous. My point is you have to strive to stand out from the pack.
Standing out isn't hard. First, care about what you're doing. If you care, it will show in all that you do. That is a life lesson, a lot of which I've been learning from a dear friend, Lacresha Hayes. Secondly, give. Most people's eyes are so full of dollar signs that they are paralyzed when you tell them to give something away. Lend your expertise. Give your readers a real piece of yourself. Lastly, connect with your followers. Books are great, but you won't find people just picking up your books for the hell of it. Something has to draw them. Your publisher can't do it. Your publicist can't do it. YOU have to do it.
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