Words to Write By: Putting Your Thoughts on Paper

by Elaine L. Orr

Writing is a learned skill, not something that you either can or cannot do. The distinction between people who seem to write easily and those who do not is more a matter of comfort, exposure, and just plain doing it. This book deals with writing non-fiction, though the concept of developing thoughts well applies to a short story or novel. Do you have an idea for an article? Has your boss said you need to learn to write better? Do you want to write your family history? Learn, at your own pace, how to put your thoughts on paper in a way that encourages others to read them. A combinaton of instruction and workbook, the concept behind the book is to select a topic that you know well so that you can focus on what you want to write rather an deal with an unfamiliar topic. Fear of writing is reduced, freeing you to think about how you want to present your ideas to others. Do you have to write a lot to make your point? No. This book is a testament to writing briefly can be writing well.

Genres: Writing

39 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 2002

Reviews

[Anita Harkness · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book on the basics of writing. It is focused on the mechanics of writing rather than on creative writing.

[Christine Rice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Words to Write By by Elaine Orr is a helpful and eloquently written manual for writers of nonfiction. She is an experienced writer and editor. In the book, it is clear that she definitely knows her stuff.

The book tells the reader that if they can talk, they can write, and that good writing is learned. Orr suggests to writers who are just starting out that they should write about what they know, because knowing the subject makes the writing process easier, and to not be afraid of writing badly, because the more a writer practices the craft, the better their writing skills will become.

Orr is a clear and concise writer. Her book is well-written and well-edited. She speaks directly and honestly to the reader in order to help them improve their writing skills. She is a good teacher. She explains the different types of nonfiction writing, some of which are not normally explained in other writing books. She discusses the importance of a writer’s audience, in order for the writer to communicate appropriately for whomever will be reading their work.

Next, she explains the different steps to writing a nonfiction piece - from ideas to editing - and gives helpful examples. She talks about the importance of clear writing and explains what it is and how to do it. She goes over common grammar errors and respectful language. Lastly, she speaks about ways to learn more about writing and improve writing skills, and lists books and websites that help with doing so.

I recommend Words to Write By to beginning nonfiction writers who want a concise review of the important parts of the craft of writing and how to complete a nonfiction piece.