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Good Writing: 36 Ways to Improve Your Sentences

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36 ways to improve your writing

Two writers show you how to turn a worthy sentence into a memorable one. Starting where The Elements of Style leaves off, Good Writing can improve your book, your essay, your memo, your blog post, speech, or script. These essential rules for persuasive language work on any type of writing, and anyone can learn them quickly.

Each rule is accompanied by examples and a lively pair of essays, the first by Neal Allen, who developed the list of tips over the course of his journalism and corporate careers; the second by his wife, Anne Lamott, acclaimed author of Bird by Bird and nineteen other nonfiction works and novels. The authors don’t always agree on the specifics, but they are passionate about making better sentences.

As Neal writes, “These rules economize, favor the plainspoken and the specific, keep the reader’s attention sharp, and in other ways show respect for the audience’s time and desire for novelty.”

Some rules are Use strong verbs. Remove the boring stuff. Twist clichés. Some are more Draw on all five senses. Give your sentence a finale. Along the way, Good Writing addresses practicalities such as finishing projects despite challenges, trusting editors, and knowing when to break the rules to serve your story.

Whether you're a novice writer or a seasoned author, this entertaining guide will revolutionize your approach to crafting sentences.

208 pages, Hardcover

Published March 17, 2026

289 people are currently reading
5125 people want to read

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Neal Allen

11 books7 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
Profile Image for Deb (Readerbuzz) Nance.
6,541 reviews340 followers
April 6, 2026
I was very hesitant about reading this book. How dare a person co-write a book with my beloved Anne Lamott? Even if he is her current husband?

It worked. The format is perfect. Neal offers his thirty-six rules for improving your sentences, and Anne comments.

Note: In my (very humble) opinion, these rules are generally best for revision.
Profile Image for Laurel.
421 reviews290 followers
March 29, 2026
Lots of helpful tips presented with humor. 

My one objection would be Lamott's gripe with the word petrichor.  She came upon it in a book, didn't know what it meant, felt dumb because she had to look it up, and then didn't want to continue reading. I get that no one enjoys pulling out a dictionary every other paragraph because an author felt the need to show off his or her fancy vocabulary.  But learning a new word is generally a good thing. Plus, petrichor is actually a common term in the Southwest. It describes the distinct, earthy scent produced when rain falls on dry soil. If you are not familiar with it, I highly suggest seeking it out. It's one of the best smells in the world. 
Profile Image for Nicolina.
121 reviews3 followers
March 6, 2026
I received an ARC through a Goodreads Giveaway — thank you to the authors and publisher! I’m a Communications professor who also teaches writing courses, which probably makes me an ideal audience for this book.
While it didn’t feel groundbreaking, the book is accessible and full of practical advice that anyone can apply to write more engaging sentences. I especially enjoyed the banter-like format between the authors.
My one note to future readers: since the book isn’t very long, I’d normally read it in one sitting. However, this one is a bit wordy and list-heavy to fully enjoy that way. Just know you will probably get more out of it if you plan to pick it up over a few weeks rather than all at once. I found it worked better to read a couple rules a day over a longer period of time rather than trying to power through it.
If you take even a couple of valuable insights from it, you’ll be better off after reading, and that’s why I read in the first place! 4/5 stars ✍🏼
Profile Image for Dave.
476 reviews3 followers
March 29, 2026
Decent book on "editing", not necessarily writing. I like the 36 rules. I plan to use them during the editing process.
I listened to the audiobook version read by the two authors. Unfortunately I did not enjoy their narration. I'm sure they are lovely people, but the prose and narration combined caused me to pass unfair negative judgment on the couple.
People considering this book... Just find the 36 rules and save yourself the in depth explanation. A motivational poster version of this book will have a similar impact.
52 reviews
April 1, 2026
As soon as I saw Anne Lamott released a new book on writing, I raced to Barnes & Noble to buy it — and was ecstatic to snatch one of the first copies they unpacked!

This writing guide is different from Lamott’s acclaimed “Bird by Bird,” one of my favorite books that I often revisit ever since its publication 30+ years ago. In this most recent book, she collaborates with her husband Neal Allen, a writer himself. Quite simply, it is hysterical! Probably not the learned accolade they hoped to receive, but funny nonetheless — and largely (if not entirely) thanks to Anne’s contributions.

The book includes 36 writing tips developed by Neal, from his tenure as a newspaper journalist. Each brief chapter is devoted to a single tip, followed by Anne’s take on her husband’s advice. Ironically, the man providing the writing tips is not the most engaging writer. Leave it to Anne to bring the humor — and bring it she does.

Regarding Rule 6 in which Neal goes to great lengths to distinguish between Anglo-Saxon and Latinate words, Anne’s take on his rule begins, “I dropped out of college at nineteen to be a writer and since then I’ve gotten old and funny. As a result of those two developments, I had to look up the difference between Anglo-Saxon and Latinate words.” Mic drop. It’s precisely that kind of unflinching honesty that draws me to her work.

Later in Rule 34, on the heels of Neal’s loquacious diatribe on when and when not to break the rules, Anne begins her commentary, “The first rule of fight club, I mean writing club, is you don’t talk to yourself about the rules of writing. Just write and write and write.”

This book is a fantastic resource, but I confess I often found myself rushing through Neal’s tip in great anticipation of reading Anne’s irreverent — and quite frankly, much more insightful — commentary on it.

Anne’s writing is so much more fluid and enjoyable, whereas Neal’s can be… ummm… a bit… dare I say… pretentious. His sections often require more than one pass to grasp his point — and sometimes even a consultation with Webster’s to find the meaning of one of his more lofty word choices. (Quite ironic since several of his writing tips emphasize the importance of keeping language conversational and not “showing off.”)

Reading Neal’s sections of the book, he strikes me as the kind of guy who enjoys the sound of his voice monopolizing cocktail party chatter to demonstrate he’s the smartest person in the room. And he may well be. But whereas Neal quotes from the likes of Aristotle, Proust and an obscure 19th century Russian author (to name but a few), Anne opts to reference, for example, E.B. White’s Stuart Little, the classic children’s book about an adventuresome mouse. Enough said?

Pomposity aside, I highly recommend this book for any writer. Anne’s writing is always a joy to read and, despite his arrogance, Neal does share some good tips. If you don’t already own Anne’s “Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life,” grab that too while you’re at the bookshop. You won’t be disappointed.
Profile Image for Dessa.
846 reviews
April 16, 2026
My mom bought me (and herself) a copy of this book because we’re both Lamott-writing-advice-heads and we’re going to have a miniature book club zoom call next week. You can say it! That’s cute!! Tl;dr: Anne simply does not disappoint. Loved the (sometimes extremely contradictory!) back and forth between the two authors (who are also married to each other) — there’s no one right way to write, and their dual perspectives help illuminate that. Overall, a good set of rules — some phrasing I’ll for sure be using in my “how to write an academic essay” class — and I would say about 20-25 of these rules are very useful and the rest are… fine. Some moments of eye-rolling ego but not too many, which is all you can really hope for when a writer (let alone two writers!) steps up to the podium to speak at length about their craft. All in all, a good starting text for those looking for writing guidance: extremely accessible, generally informative and kind, and, in some moments, also deeply funny (or, at least, quirky).
Profile Image for Cameron Coral.
Author 32 books73 followers
April 10, 2026
An excellent short book on writing. I wish I’d had these rules when I started writing my first novel. They are simple and helpful.

In the last decade, I’ve written 17 novels and have come upon most of these rules the hard way—by trial and error, from coaches, and from having a good editor.

It’s nice to have them organized into a list with examples. Neil’s take, followed by Anne’s was a brilliant way to explain each rule. The banter between them was snarky at times which made me feel like I was getting a glimpse into the family dynamics!
Profile Image for James Klagge.
Author 13 books101 followers
April 22, 2026
Some interesting and helpful reminders for writers. Neal offers the "ways" and Anne offers her commentary. Not as clever as I had hoped. And too much space is consumed constantly reminding us that these are just suggestions and they can be ignored as needed.
Profile Image for Matthias Leonard.
27 reviews
April 17, 2026
A true 5/5 for me. This got me so excited for sentences and editing. I can’t wait to see where my writing goes in my second drafts after taking the 36 rules with me. Both Neal and Anne are deft writers and each bring their own expertise to the book. Highly recommend for writers. It got me very excited to write.
Profile Image for Susan Sepples.
209 reviews3 followers
March 21, 2026
Thoroughly enjoyed this back and forth between two smart and funny authors who just happen to be late in life partners. Heard Anne Lamott (whose books I gobble up) on the radio and went right to Shermans and got my name on a list for when it went on sale. Read it tonight-- about a three hour read beginning to end-- gobbled it! I did write all over it-- writing my own "dental draft" now-- and my own my own "in house" editor is helping; now I am going go sharpen my verbs and metaphors, delete unnecessary words and believe in it enough to find an agent.
Profile Image for Cor T.
513 reviews12 followers
April 12, 2026
I'm sure it saves money to self-narrate, but not every author has a voice for narration. In this case, Neal Allen, whose enumerates his 36 Rules for Good Writing, has a lecturing tone that I automatically tuned out. But I listened to every word of his wife (the acclaimed novelist and memoirist Anne Lamott) delivering "Anne's Take" on each rule, because her voice was interesting, emotional, and funny (as in: "No one thinks this marriage will last"). If you're reading this for the wisdom of the writing lessons, I advise reading vs listening.

3 stars for the audio edition because I was excited for it to be over; would have been 4.5 stars if Anne had been the sole narrator. Such as, "Rule 1: Neal says this....and now my take."
#mytakeonyourtake
Profile Image for Amanda Lauren.
Author 2 books11 followers
April 21, 2026
Read for the panel on this book at USC festival of books. Loved the panel. Good writing advice.
227 reviews1 follower
March 23, 2026
One of the best books on writing I have read, slim but filled with simple, practical advice.
Profile Image for David Earl Woodbury.
72 reviews2 followers
March 20, 2026
#51 Books Read in 2026
“Good Writing: 36 Ways to Improve Your Sentences”
by Neal Allen & Anne Lamott 2026
Audible
Started 3.18 26 - Finished 3.19 .26
(#9 read in March)

Now I must re-read "Bird by Bird".
I was so sad when I was finished.
I'm so thankful I found this great book.
Profile Image for Lyndie Blevins.
164 reviews27 followers
April 7, 2026
Every author and editor needs this book at their finger tips, especially those who are embarking on revising their works. This book is based on thirty-six rules of writing that Neil has developed over his many years of journalism and writing. In each chapter, Neil discusses a rule. Anne’s take on Neil’s follows.
I preordered a Kindle version of the book, but before I could read it, I faced a four-hour road trip. I order it on Audible and listened to the book read by Neil and Anne on the drive.
Neil’s presentation is dry and straightforward, while Anne speaks more from her heart about her struggles with the rules. She shares humorous lines at critical points.
None of these rules are new or shocking. Instead of feeling stilted by the number of filter words you are using or your stilted dialogue, it encouraged me to start again and weed out all those items that seem ordinary. This book gives me hope I can take my writing from ordinary to words that drive the reader deeper into the story.
I recommend this book to improve your writing. I have two versions of the book, but the hard copy is in my future; I want to highlight and write all over the pages.
Profile Image for Doug.
176 reviews18 followers
April 15, 2026

I came to this book already familiar with Anne Lamott, and that matters. Her voice is recognizable: permissive, human, and grounded in lived experience.

Neal Allen is different. For most of the book, I found his tone abstract, at times distancing. Where Lamott invites, Allen often reframes. That tension didn’t immediately work for me.

And yet, that friction may be the point.

This isn’t a craft book. It offers no system, no structure, no clear path to “better writing.” Instead, it makes a narrower, more demanding claim:

The primary obstacle to good writing is interference.

For those trained to optimize expression in real time—to shape, refine, and position before something is fully formed—this lands. The book quietly insists on a different sequence:

Let something true emerge. Then apply craft.

I resisted parts of it. Especially Allen’s framing. But over time, the message clarified, not as instruction, but as calibration.

This is not a book for learning how to write.

It’s a book for recognizing what gets in the way.

And for the right reader, that’s enough.
Profile Image for Anne.
159 reviews
April 15, 2026
This writing book, written by Lamott and her husband Neal, seems to be a follow-up to one of my favorite Lamott books, "Bird by Bird." In this one, Neal and Anne focus more specifically on 36 writing tips for improving written work. For each tip, all which are given a chapter, Neal begins and Anne concludes. Anne adds humorous touches, down-to-earth explanations, and nuance to each chapter. She pokes fun at Neal's scholarly voice (Latinate v Anglo-Saxon words? Now that was a new one for me). I enjoyed the structure of this work, and some of the tips surprised me "Stick with said" while many were familiar: use specific, active verbs and strong nouns ("Refresh your words" and "Know your words"). I like that both authors used examples from literature to support but also to contradict their tips (sometimes "very" works). I always enjoy Anne Lamott's books but prefer her spiritual and anecdotal works best, however. (I know, I know. "Question Transitions").
Profile Image for Brenna.
218 reviews
April 21, 2026
I picked up this book on a whim. I don't usually reach for non fiction unless I am doing a deep dive on a topic I've been researching on the internet.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I cringed at some of the rules, knowing I break them every single day. Despite that, I feel encouraged to write. I want to get back into writing. I was a dedicated writer in middle school and have always kept a journal. I wouldn't mind practicing the rules when I write, or even as I text.

We should all work on our writing skills. The "rules" are a great place to start, as you can pick one or two rules to work on each month. And then in a year your consistency will have compounded.

I may even use this for homeschooling in the future.
Profile Image for Ingrid.
129 reviews3 followers
April 26, 2026
My quibble with this book is that I can’t imagine who the audience is; it would seem to be people who were just struck with the idea to write without ever reading a book, or writing a single sentence.

The advice seems extremely basic, and I say that as a person who teaches freshman level college writing. I struggled to find a chapter that I could share with my students, as they all seemed rather unremarkable. Perhaps I am wrong, but this is not a book for people who have spent any amount of time studying writing. I always start my semester with Lamott’s ‘Shitty First Drafts’ and am a long-time fan, so this was a real disappointment, I am sorry to say.
Profile Image for Ross.
502 reviews
April 7, 2026
I tore through this book! I appreciated the audiobook as Neal Allen and Anne Lamott both vocalize the text in somewhat of a bantering tone. It's perfect! After finishing the audiobook, I purchased the physical book to share with colleagues and my wife. I would enjoy using this text with creative writing students or with students preparing to write essays and nonfiction. A dear colleague gifted "Bird by Bird" by Lamott and I'm looking forward to reading that text soon. Recently, I seem to be drawn to short books about writing, poetry, creativity, leadership, and metacognition.
Profile Image for Pcd.
299 reviews4 followers
April 16, 2026
“The tools of the high artist are available to the Sunday painter.“

A book about writing, focused on the word composition (not so much the process). Really good, funny, and useful. It’s a mix of more rudimentary bits with some very good stuff about how a writer can successsfully connect with their reader. I especially enjoyed what they say about sensory detail, and characters.

The authors share some brief ‘why behind what/how’ - sometimes differing, but clearly illustrating their points. Got this one from the library, but going to invest in my own copy - good stuff.
90 reviews
March 30, 2026
I read the last few chapters slowly. also I read the acknowledgments, slowly; and the summary list of the 35 tips. And I even thumbed through the index and looked at the back cover again. When thre were no more words left, I silently yelled "no!" I was sad to leave Neal and Anne, I will miss their personalities and their loving relationship filled with humor, eye rolls, and mutual admiration. I will keep the list handy and review it regularly to help me improve.
Profile Image for Shannon.
8,884 reviews443 followers
April 4, 2026
Reading (listening) to this married writer couple share their tips for producing the best writing you can was entertaining, informative and something I will refer back to again and again. I definitely want to grab a physical copy for my forever shelf and highly recommend this for any aspiring writers out there! Accessible, practical tips that anyone can use to strengthen their writing - definitely worth the read.
Profile Image for Conrad.
12 reviews
April 4, 2026
Neal Allen’s 36 “rules” for better writing aren’t novel. There’s little here that I hadn’t been beaten to near death with in college. But the real gift is the way Allen digs into the heart, the whys, of these rules and does so in a way that’s as enjoyable as it is edifying. Rule #14, removing the boring stuff, clearly left unbroken. Anne Lamott’s commentary, while often redundant, adds a droll, interesting slant to the book.
Profile Image for Catherine Cervantes.
586 reviews1 follower
April 10, 2026
Absolutely loved this book! As I continue to toy with the idea of writing a novel, I kept nodding along as I listened to this book. It is read by the authors, who are married and both authors themselves. It was really fun to listen to them narrate their own book. And the list of rules (or recommendations really) for good writing is a good, solid list. I am going to try to find it online and print it and also save on the Notes app on my phone.
Profile Image for Madison.
492 reviews47 followers
April 13, 2026
To summarize most of the tips: “Be dumb. Your readers don’t want to try or really have to think.”

If I used profanity, I would in this review. As it stands, I don’t want to waste any more of my time on this waste of time. Literally nothing you haven’t already heard from two people who actively hate being in your company and each others’ (but think it’s cute to act as such). I’d go on but I actually need to be done with this.
Profile Image for Chris.
Author 4 books41 followers
April 17, 2026
Of all the writing craft books I've read, never have I described one as delightful. Until now. The counterpoint of Neal's and Anne's voice, the ascerbic wit of two accomplished editors who married each other late in life, and the way each embraced a rule or differed in opinion added an old-fashioned partyline easedropping element that thoroughly entertained me. Neal's rules anchor writers solidly.
1 review
March 23, 2026
Key point: Don’t use fancy words that readers have to look up.


Delivery: After Anne had to look up the word “petrichor,” she notes that it “made me feel dumb, which does not make me want to continue reading (that is, buy) the book.”

What a brutal take - on top of everything else about the book that left me unsatiated. I’d recommend Sin and Syntax by Constance Hale instead.
Profile Image for Brittany.
179 reviews16 followers
April 2, 2026
Concise, thoughtful, and practical with a dash of humor added by Anne (which was welcome and broke up any might-be monotony). I went with the audio, because that's all that was available to me (due to its very recent publication) and didn't take notes. Will buy a copy when I can so I can anotate, highlight, and bookmark.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews