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12th out of 16 books
—
1 voter
Wordsmithy: Hot Tips for the Writing Life
by
Douglas Wilson (Goodreads Author)
Wordsmithy is for writers of every sort, whether experienced veterans, still just hoping, or somewhere in between. Through a series of out-of-the-ordinary lessons, each with its own takeaway points and recommended readings, Douglas Wilson provides indispensable guidance, showing how to develop the writer s craft and the kind of life from which good writing comes.
Paperback, 120 pages
Published
2011
by Canon Press
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Of making many books there is no end, so says Solomon. I would add a corollary: Of making many books about making many books there is no end. In this case, that is a good thing. I have read enough of Doug Wilson that I wasn't surprised at how good this book is. Readable doesn't do it justice even if it is eminently. Wordsmithy is informative, insightful, and entertaining.
I must confess that I audibly chortled a number of times. I maybe even threatened a guffaw. I thought about including some quo...more
I must confess that I audibly chortled a number of times. I maybe even threatened a guffaw. I thought about including some quo...more
As an early Christmas present my in-laws gave me a copy of Wordsmithy by Doug Wilson, and I read it very quickly. I have read many Doug Wilson books so I am used to his voice and perspective, but in this book he really is playful and expansive. This is not a how to manual for aspiring writers with nuts and bolts, there are some good books that can do that, such as The Book on Writing by LaRocque.
This book is all about how live as a writer. Read good books, live a life with something to say, pra...more
This book is all about how live as a writer. Read good books, live a life with something to say, pra...more
A Renaissance of Reading and Writing
Douglas Wilson writes with a certain gusto which often causes no small stir. He’s also unique as a theologian who also writes about a variety of other topics ranging from education, writing, logic, philosophy. I might argue that the church has far too few renaissance men and that’s part of the problem Wordsmithy address. Wilson urges aspiring writers to write well by reading broadly and writing widely. My default in reading and writing is to pigeon hole myself...more
Douglas Wilson writes with a certain gusto which often causes no small stir. He’s also unique as a theologian who also writes about a variety of other topics ranging from education, writing, logic, philosophy. I might argue that the church has far too few renaissance men and that’s part of the problem Wordsmithy address. Wilson urges aspiring writers to write well by reading broadly and writing widely. My default in reading and writing is to pigeon hole myself...more
I am evaluating Wilson on professional respect, and I am trying to keep my antipathy of his theology, polemics, and ecclesiology to a minimum. Wilson has triumphed in an area where most people have failed--writing. Therefore, if he writes a book on how to write well, and how to live the writer's life, then he deserves to be listened to.
The book is interestingly arranged. He writes an introduction and then divides that introduction to intersperse throughout the chapters. At the end of each secti...more
The book is interestingly arranged. He writes an introduction and then divides that introduction to intersperse throughout the chapters. At the end of each secti...more
Read it in a few hours. Very enjoyable. The subtitle says it all, "hot tips for the writing life." This book doesn't focus as much on rules and tips about sentence structure or dialogue, instead, it considers what one writer believes the writer's life should include.
Some of Wilson's tips: Know more about life than books because it will make your writing more colorful and give you experiences to draw from, "read until your brain creaks", practice writing in different forms such as sonnets, essay...more
Some of Wilson's tips: Know more about life than books because it will make your writing more colorful and give you experiences to draw from, "read until your brain creaks", practice writing in different forms such as sonnets, essay...more
Aug 09, 2012
Jimmy
added it
I've enjoyed this book, it was a fun and informative read. Filled with practical advice for writers (maybe I think they are great because I've read very little on writing). I've enjoyed Doug Wilson's other works so I had high hopes with this book to reveal the working of a great writer. Wilson had seven points in the book, which he then breaks down into seven smaller points in a format that he describes as "Seven Russian Dolls." If you find that clever as I did, you would enjoy other witty sayin...more
As a hobby writer, this book was both encouraging and entertaining. I love the wisdom that comes across in Mr. Wilson’s writing. This is my second book of his and I like his style. He doesn’t jack around with words but says just what he means. I enjoy how he keeps me reaching for my dictionary: not so much that it becomes irritating, but enough to keep me stretched and learning something new (isn’t this the main point of reading?).
A book about writing will also be a book about reading. This one...more
A book about writing will also be a book about reading. This one...more
Most good books are enjoyable, but you don’t want to necessarily linger around in them. If they were much longer, you’d probably hate them. Part of their charm is that they end in a timely fashion. You enjoyed the day with them, but as the saying goes, at the end of the day “they are not your kids”.
It’s a rare and special book, though, that truly makes you really want to keep on chewing. Unfortunately, our notions of reading progress won’t ordinarily let us linger in a 100-something page book fo...more
It’s a rare and special book, though, that truly makes you really want to keep on chewing. Unfortunately, our notions of reading progress won’t ordinarily let us linger in a 100-something page book fo...more
Doug Wilson's book on writing is a lot of things, but boring is hardly one of them. His trademark pithy style is in full force here (something I haven't had so much fun with since A Serrated Edge).
If you picked the book up hoping for some help on the mechanics of writing, you're sure to be disappointed, because Wilson's book is about the writing "life," and therefore has more to do with prep than enactment, principles rather than rules. Much of it, in fact, is advice that needs to be applied ye...more
If you picked the book up hoping for some help on the mechanics of writing, you're sure to be disappointed, because Wilson's book is about the writing "life," and therefore has more to do with prep than enactment, principles rather than rules. Much of it, in fact, is advice that needs to be applied ye...more
This little handbook on the writer’s life contains an immense deal of wisdom, and advice that is easy for everyone to take. Probably the two most valuable points in the book are to live a productive life both in the world of books and in the world of action. Get out there into the real world, he says, and do something, so you’ll have something to say. At the same time, read voraciously so you’ll know how to say it. Packed with the witty wisdom we’ve come to expect from Wilson, and all of it cons...more
Technically speaking, I have read this book twice. Once as a series of blog posts on Blog and Mablog, and once after receiving the actual book for Christmas. I may yet read it again very soon.
First and foremost, the style is casual, easy to comprehend and often funny, but never flippant, and it grows serious when it has a reason to. The points are well-organized and expanded on logically, and it stops when it's made its case.
Once before, also upon reading a blog post, I realized just what it mea...more
First and foremost, the style is casual, easy to comprehend and often funny, but never flippant, and it grows serious when it has a reason to. The points are well-organized and expanded on logically, and it stops when it's made its case.
Once before, also upon reading a blog post, I realized just what it mea...more
So fun I couldn't put it down for long. Great advice from a pro, and it comes in small chunks, so I made lots of little bits of progress and finished in about 2 days. I've gotten into a habit of noting funny spots, and in this 120-page book, there might be 100. Not bad.
It's short and sweet.
If you want to experience the riches of being able to read and write well, pick up this copy and read it every month or so.
It gives you relevant recommended reading list--always a heaven-sent--as well as some practical guides on how to live a life of writing.
Wilson's always a delight to read, thanks to his often contra-PC wit and conversational prose. It's as if the bearded pastor from Idaho is in his rocking chair (I have no idea if he owns one), narrating his life as a...more
If you want to experience the riches of being able to read and write well, pick up this copy and read it every month or so.
It gives you relevant recommended reading list--always a heaven-sent--as well as some practical guides on how to live a life of writing.
Wilson's always a delight to read, thanks to his often contra-PC wit and conversational prose. It's as if the bearded pastor from Idaho is in his rocking chair (I have no idea if he owns one), narrating his life as a...more
I've read a number of fantastic books on writing--books so inspiring, they're hard to finish because I'm constantly dropping them to start practicing what they teach. Wordsmithy is up there with the best of them. It's staying right here on my desk, and it isn't going to get dusty.
Some of Wilson's punchiest lines:
"You are a wordsmith. Remember that you are in the smithy all day long." (22)
"If you want to say a lot, you have to have a lot to say." (24)
"If you 'write by rule' only, then...you will...more
Some of Wilson's punchiest lines:
"You are a wordsmith. Remember that you are in the smithy all day long." (22)
"If you want to say a lot, you have to have a lot to say." (24)
"If you 'write by rule' only, then...you will...more
Creative approach. Those familiar with Wilson will recognize almost all of these thoughts from other places in his speaking/writing. This is, however, a very helpful consolidation of his teaching on writing. A few thoughts:
1) I love the size. I wish more authors could say as much in as few words.
2) He is, as always, a saucy fellow. You could not take this away from him and have the same man. However, many people who would otherwise read and appreciate Wilson (and he should be appreciated) will...more
1) I love the size. I wish more authors could say as much in as few words.
2) He is, as always, a saucy fellow. You could not take this away from him and have the same man. However, many people who would otherwise read and appreciate Wilson (and he should be appreciated) will...more
Fantastic insights on writing from a Christian perspective. This small book is perfect for people who aren't even beginners in the writing game (because they don't even know where to start). The emphasis of the author is not on what steps to take in order to write and be published, but rather on how to become a person who would be an interesting writer. It's a big difference, one that makes this book a must read for anyone who thought about becoming a writer. It definitely challenges one to eith...more
So weit ich weiß, existiert dieses Buch nur in Englisch; die Tipps sind aber auch für deutsche "Schreiberlinge" brauchbar.
Douglas Wilson versucht vor allem mit der Vorstellung aufzuräumen, Begabung zum Schreiben sei etwas, das ohne Fleiß zum Preis führe.
Als erstes empfiehlt er, Lebenserfahrungen zu sammeln, Verantwortung zu übernehmen und sich zu interessieren und zwar nicht nur, um das Leben als "Stoff" auszuwerten. Kurz, man sollte wirklich was zu sagen haben.
Und dann gibt er praktische Tipps,...more
Douglas Wilson versucht vor allem mit der Vorstellung aufzuräumen, Begabung zum Schreiben sei etwas, das ohne Fleiß zum Preis führe.
Als erstes empfiehlt er, Lebenserfahrungen zu sammeln, Verantwortung zu übernehmen und sich zu interessieren und zwar nicht nur, um das Leben als "Stoff" auszuwerten. Kurz, man sollte wirklich was zu sagen haben.
Und dann gibt er praktische Tipps,...more
I loved this book. Devoured it in an afternoon (which isn't actually a surprise, given that it's a fairly short book. But I like things that get right to the point). The subtitle strikes me as weird, as a side note. "Hot tips" somehow doesn't fit the tone of the book. Maybe I'm missing an inside joke or something.
One of Wilson's points is that your writing will be shaped by the authors you read. Perhaps that's part of why I liked this book a lot--I appear to share a fondness for P.G. Wodehouse a...more
One of Wilson's points is that your writing will be shaped by the authors you read. Perhaps that's part of why I liked this book a lot--I appear to share a fondness for P.G. Wodehouse a...more
When I tore open the package with glee and teeth, I was disappointed at the small size of the book. But having read it, I'm convinced that it was exactly as big as it should have been. Aspiring writers should be after principles, not methods, and Douglas Wilson gives liberally of the former. He proposes that good writing grows from your mind the same way that crops come from a field, and his book aims at cultivating such a mind. The book provides an excellent foundation for writing as it is well...more
I try to be scrupulous in my use of the five stars allotted to me by the gentle people of Goodreads. Five stars means "it was amazing." And I can't honestly say that about this book. But it was certainly fantastic. I—four stars—"really liked it." I chuckled and I learned. And it was short. It's hard to beat those qualities.
All Christian writers should pick up this book, and most Christian preachers, especially those who do anything remotely close to manuscripting their sermons. Sermonizing is on...more
All Christian writers should pick up this book, and most Christian preachers, especially those who do anything remotely close to manuscripting their sermons. Sermonizing is on...more
All of the Recommended Reading in Doug Wilson's Wordsmithy
http://chestertoniancalvinist.wordpre...
(This is more of a resource than a review.)
Doug Wilson drops recommended readings not just at the end of each chapter, but at the end of each point. That's a lot of recommended reading.
I started looking up these books to see which ones I really wanted to read. And then I thought, I bet other folks will be doing this, too... I should make it easier. Two hours later, and here we are!
Hope it helps. And...more
http://chestertoniancalvinist.wordpre...
(This is more of a resource than a review.)
Doug Wilson drops recommended readings not just at the end of each chapter, but at the end of each point. That's a lot of recommended reading.
I started looking up these books to see which ones I really wanted to read. And then I thought, I bet other folks will be doing this, too... I should make it easier. Two hours later, and here we are!
Hope it helps. And...more
If your goal is to be a great chef, you must first have a respectable set of ingredients at your disposal and become well-acquainted with how to combine those ingredients to create a tasty whole. To excel as a writer, then, you need a similarly diverse caisson of linguistic ammunition along with a focused work ethic. This is the encompassing thesis of Wordsmithy: Hot Tips for the Writing Life from prolific novelist Douglas Wilson. Principally renowned for his work in Christian apologetics, Wilso...more
For a really good review of this book, check out Tim Challies review at goodreads. Here's my additional 2 cents...Wilson describes this book as a Russian doll of writing advice, with seven main point that are in turn further fleshed out by seven supporting points. There is plenty of good material here so no where does this format seem forced. I have only read a handful of books on the "how-to" of writing, and some of them were quite helpful, but this was the only one where I could underline some...more
This book was amazing. It took me a while to read because he seemed to pack a lot of simple points into a small book, which was rather overwhelming to me. The points were big in themselves. While I did read it slowly, I feel like I got a lot out of it by reading it like that instead of reading it in one day like how it usually happens.
I’m trying to refrain from ranting about it. Good size, funny but hardcore writing tips, simple and easy to understand for any growing writer - or even writers who...more
I’m trying to refrain from ranting about it. Good size, funny but hardcore writing tips, simple and easy to understand for any growing writer - or even writers who...more
Doug Wilson attacks the craft head-on… by addressing the craftsman.
"Wordsmithy" discusses how to be a person with your head on right--how to be a good writer not just good at writing.
The book is divided into seven tips with seven sub-tips, "a veritable Russian doll," as he puts it. From living to reading, from mechanics to language, from lousiness to skill, from sketching to stretching, Wilson moves with light-hearted seriousness from topic to topic while demonstrating his own subject matter....more
"Wordsmithy" discusses how to be a person with your head on right--how to be a good writer not just good at writing.
The book is divided into seven tips with seven sub-tips, "a veritable Russian doll," as he puts it. From living to reading, from mechanics to language, from lousiness to skill, from sketching to stretching, Wilson moves with light-hearted seriousness from topic to topic while demonstrating his own subject matter....more
Just as good as I hoped it would be. This isn't a textbook on plot and grammar, it's about living life as a writer. This is for writers in for the long haul, who don't see writing as the boring stuff that precedes publication, but as a whole-life discipline.
Mr. Wilson knows what he's talking about, and he says it well, succinctly, and, as always entertainingly. I went through all 120 pages saying - alternately - "YES" and "OUCH."
Good stuff.
A couple brief quotes to whet your appetite (all in orde...more
Mr. Wilson knows what he's talking about, and he says it well, succinctly, and, as always entertainingly. I went through all 120 pages saying - alternately - "YES" and "OUCH."
Good stuff.
A couple brief quotes to whet your appetite (all in orde...more
Wilson doesn’t give us a ‘how-to’ manual for writing as much as he provides a primer for the tools that help aspiring writers bud into actual writers. Exceedingly helpful, Wilson speaks from experience and writes with the cool confidence of a man who obviously practices what he prescribes. It’s brief, but saturated with significance. After finishing this, I know two things: 1) I will read it again, and 2) I already look forward to doing so.
Short witty book that describes essentials for writers. I wouldn't necessarily consider myself a "writer" but I like to write. This book was useful in that it inspired me to write more and less. WIlson helpfully points out that writing is work and it's OK to be bad for a while. But the important thing is to work at it and exercise one's writing skills.
My only question regards his recommended reading pattern. He recommends reading at least 1 to 2 books a week but not reading like you need to rem...more
My only question regards his recommended reading pattern. He recommends reading at least 1 to 2 books a week but not reading like you need to rem...more
Excellent book! I've had an interest in writing since I was a child, and this book really fueled that fire again. I couldn't put it down, but have plans to read it again soon and take notes. You know, for my commonplace book that I've now started because of this book. Small, but a gem of a book, and with the over 100 recommended reading titles listed within, should keep me very busy for ages.
Wow! This book is an elegant demonstration of a lifetimes application of the principles advocated within it. Funny and playfully erudite, the writers life, discipline and educational pilgrimage were made attractive, rather than drab and two-dimensional as in the case of every "how-to" I have ever read. This was begun for education, continued for pleasure and will be repeated slowly and often.
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I write in order to make the little voices in my head go away. Thus far it hasn't worked.
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“A lot of aspiring writers quote the right people, but they do so like Mary Bennett in Pride and Prejudice. They quote Austen like Mary quoted her eighteenth-century bromides, and were Austen here to see them do it, she'd slap them right into her next book, and it wouldn't be pretty.”
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