When Words Collide: A Media Writer's Guide to Grammar and Style

by Lauren Kessler, Duncan McDonald

WHEN WORDS COLLIDE is the most versatile grammar and usage handbook for beginning and continuing media writers. As a main text, the book is praised by students and professors for its straightforward, clear treatment of grammar, offered in a lighthearted, almost conversational tone. As a handbook, the text serves as a reference tool for students throughout their writing careers. It provides concise and clear explanations and examples, or a quick and accurate answer to a grammar or usage question. The unique 'from writer to writer' perspective engages students and guides them firsthand through the writing process.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction, Reference, Journalism, Textbooks

240 pages, Spiral-bound

First published January 1, 1984

About the author

Lauren Kessler is an award-winning author and immersion reporter who combines lively narrative with deep research to explore everything from the gritty world of a maximum security prison to the grueling world of professional ballet; from the wild, wild west of the anti-aging movement to the hidden world of Alzheimer’s sufferers; from the stormy seas of the mother-daughter relationship to the full court press of women’s basketball. She is the author of 12 works of narrative nonfiction, including Pacific Northwest Book Award winner Dancing with Rose, Washington Post bestseller Clever Girl and Los Angeles Times bestseller The Happy Bottom Riding. She is also the author of Oregon Book Award winner Stubborn Twig, which was chosen as the book for all Oregon to read in honor of the states 2009 sesquicentennial.

Her journalism has appeared in The New York Times Magazine, Los Angeles Times Magazine, O magazine, Utne Reader, The Nation, newsweek.com and salon.com. Club www.laurenkessler.com

Reviews

[Pete · Rating 3 out of 5]

taught this book in my media writing course this fall at Kent. does a fine job of describing language without getting bogged down in the little skirmishes of style/usage but the tone, in its attempt to talk to students in cool-teen voice, is train-brakes-level bad. like my students have volunteered the opinion that this book's tone actually makes them feel embarrassed. extremely reminiscent of the time Mr Burns dresses up like a teenager to petition Principal Skinner for some of the school's oil strike money. the attempt to relate 2 teens in teen 'tudes is so bad that mocking it has actually become a successful part of my teaching practice.

[Hadley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grammar plagues me as a teacher. I mean, split infinitives? Anyone? Bueller? When Words Collide helps. This is one of the most well-written guides to style and grammar. Without long, overwrought explanation, Kessler dives right into examples. Her chapter on passive voice (worst rookie mistake ever) is thorough, to-the-point, and clear enough to use in a 9th grade classroom. Hooray! Grammar is rarely fun (except for me), and this book takes some of the monotony out of teaching the difficult rules (dangling modifiers, anyone)

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you need to brush up on the basic skills of grammar/style or want a quick go-to guide for editing, this book is great. Concise, helpful, and great examples. I first used it in grad school for a class taught by a New York Times> columnist; I've had it on my desk ever since!

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everything I learned about grammar I learned from this book. I decided not to sell it back because I thought it would be a vital tool in my media writing in the future.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a textbook, this rocked. I actually enjoyed this "mandatory" reading and learned quite a bit. I guess I'm kind of a grammar nerd, so that might have something to do with it!

[Sophie Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was introduced to this in journalism school, and would consider it and Strunk & White as the best base for beginning writers.