Good Advice on Writing

by William Safire, Leonard Safir

Tidbits of writing advice on everything from Action to Writers Block by the masters of the craft fill this essential reference for wordsmiths compiled by a New York Times columnist. 25,000 first printing. National ad/promo.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction, Reference

288 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1982

About the author

William Lewis Safire was an American author, columnist, journalist and presidential speechwriter.

He was perhaps best known as a long-time syndicated political columnist for the New York Times and a regular contributor to "On Language" in the New York Times Magazine, a column on popular etymology, new or unusual usages, and other language-related topics.

Reviews

[S.L. Myers]

Fun read, and inspirational.

[Douglas Wilson]

A collection of quotations on writing by all sorts of writers. Some very good thoughts here. Read a second time in November of 2017.

[Tommy Kiedis]

I bought Good Advice on Writing for $1 at a used book store. While the investment may not be akin to buying Coca-Cola in 1919, the return on my dollar has been enormous:

1. Concise lessons from the masters.
2. Aphorisms, maxims, formulas (and formulas debunked)
3. Having the best get in my face: "The craft is, in the end, hard, grueling, and worthwhile. Do it."
4. Expert advice that is at times contrary and complementary -- this is no one way.

Worth reading and re-reading.

[Sean]

Lots of quotes but the advice is questionable and it's nothing but quotes.

[Ayla Miller]

Entertaining and offered me some perspective.

[Doug Page]

Avoid commas, that are not necessary. - William Safire

[Jaime]

This is a handy reference book for the public speaker. I have frequently used it for levity and presence. There are some lesser none quotations here that are quite good.