Comments on: Six Useful Books on Writing

By: Mike Wittmer

Mike Wittmer — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 20:05:41 +0000

Great list. I use Joseph Williams’ book as a textbook here in seminary. It changed my writing life when I read it in college, and has the most practical advice of any writing book I have ever read. I find that his pointers helps my students draft better papers and confessions.

By: Chris Morgan

Chris Morgan — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 20:09:43 +0000

Andy,

Good choices. Interestingly, the first three are the same ones that were recommended to me a while back by my friend and editor extraordinaire, Robert Peterson, editor of Presbyterion, the Explorations in Biblical Theology series (P&R), and co-editor with me of the Theology in Community series (Crossway).

I concur that all three are helpful and worth the time of writers. I have learned from each.

Blessings,

Chris Morgan, CBU

By: Steve Laube

Steve Laube — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 17:56:04 +0000

If I may, I would like to recommend another title that is very well done, and very appropriate for writers of thoughtful non-fiction. Thinking Like Your Editor: How to Write Great Serious Nonfiction--and Get It Published by Alfred Fortunato. I work as a literary agent and recommend this book in many of the seminars I teach on non-fiction. Steve Laube The Steve Laube Agency

By: Jesse Hines

Jesse Hines — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 03:31:44 +0000

Joseph Williams’ Style is my vote for best book on writing. It is advanced, but also accessible.

I first read parts of it for a prose writing course in college, and the advice on metadiscourse and modifiers (resumptive, summative, and free) have benefited me greatly.

I’m currently rereading, this time from beginning to end, and thoroughly enjoying it.

By: Andy Naselli

Andy Naselli — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 02:11:12 +0000

Hey, Sandy.

1. I think that improving your writing skills will certainly improve your oral communication. Learning to write clearly and concisely forces you to think clearly and concisely, which in turn helps you speak clearly and concisely. (I’ve heard some copy-editors, however, remark that they are so conscientious about their word choices and style that it is actually a disadvantage when speaking.)

2. I think they’re all applicable to speaking, though #5 is probably the most removed.

By: Sandy Grant

Sandy Grant — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 00:20:27 +0000

Hi Andy, thanks for this list. How much do you think an oral communicator (e.g. a preacher) would benefit from the first 4 books on your list?

I realise there’s some important differences between spoken and written communication, but there’s also some overlap. So which of those on your list would you suggest for preachers and other speakers?

By: Todd Borger

Todd Borger — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 23:16:44 +0000

Andy,
Good list. The Craft of Research got me through my dissertation. With the inclusion of the watered-down Craft of Research and Joseph Williams’s Style, the new Turabian is a terrific book and is actually a book that bears reading and not merely reference. I will take a look at the others.
Thank you.
Todd Borger

By: Brian Moats

Brian Moats — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 23:07:05 +0000

Thank you for this list. I would have to include Mystery and Manners---the collected essays by Flannery O'Connor. She has extremely helpful insights to writing that many inside and outside the church can learn from. I highly recommend it.