Whether you are working on the novel that's been in the back of your mind for years or simply facing an increasing demand to write well at work or school, the fact remains: more and more of us are writing more often these days-reports, e-mails, faxes, and newsletters. But despite the increase in written communication, something has been lost-the fundamentals of good writing. Grammar maven Patricia T. O'Conner comes to the rescue with the most painless, practical, and funny writing book ever written. In short, snappy chapters filled with crystal-clear examples, amusing comparisons, and humorous allegories that cover everything from "Pronoun Pileups" and "Verbs That Zing" to "What to Do When You're Stuck," O'Conner provides simple, straightforward tips to help you sort your thoughts and make sentences that make sense. Push aside those stuffy old-fashioned rule books, because O'Conner has written the most accessible and enjoyable book yet for today's writer.
Patricia T. O'Conner's Words Fail Me is written in the same lighthearted tone as her snappy grammar guide, Woe Is I. This time out, O'Conner tackles the writer's art. "Good writing," she says, "is writing that works." This book is the perfect text for the novice writer who tends to gravitate toward comedic instructors. "Crummy spelling," says O'Conner, "is more noticeable than crummy anything else." Organizing your material "may be a pain in the butt, but it's thankless, too!" "Write as though you were addressing someone whose opinion you value, even if the reader is ... a stingy insurance company that won't pay for your tummy tuck." O'Conner's material isn't new--like many such books, Words Fail Me advocates the use of small words, fresh verbs, and only well-chosen modifiers--but rarely is a primer so amusing. And the clever titles strewn throughout--"Taking Leave of Your Tenses," "The It Parade"--provide added pleasure, particularly for anyone who knows how hard it can be to put a headline on a piece of writing. --Jane Steinberg
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
Words Fail Me:
Words fail me. Given how effective this book is for guiding the aspiring writer, that statement is "tongue-in-cheek". I bought this book because after having renewed it at the library for the maximum allowable times, I felt it would be a worthwhile addition to my library. There. I said it!
All the Basics Beginning Writers Need to Know:
Words Fail Me is an excellent guide to the basic techniques of clear and cogent writing. It covers everything beginners need to know, and it includes sound reminders for writers with broader experience. I was particularly impressed with chapter 11, which addresses with acuity the most common problems with modifiers. The section entitled "Serial Crimes" contains one of the clearest expositions I've seen on the problem of modifiers with ambiguous scope. Ms. O'Conner practices what she preaches. Her style is... more info
Still worth reading:
I write for a blog, and so am (at times) full of myself. I was not looking for advice when I picked this up. But as I read through each chapter, I found myself incorporating something the author said in my editing. It's worth it to anyone who edits his own stuff and sometimes wonders if his prose isn't quite crisp enough for the job.
Writers: Keep This Book Open and Close:
Looking for a book on writing but don't have time to read it because you're writing too much? Look no further than Words Fail Me: What Everyone Who Writes Should Know About Writing by Patricia T. O'Conner. Patricia O'Conner's little book on writing never fails to reenergize my devotion to the craft. I have read this book at least once a year since receiving it as a gift in 2001. Many books take you through the technical aspects of writing and help you avoid common grammatical and spelling mistakes.... more info
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