What do you think?
Rate this book
Wordsmithy: Hot Tips for the Writing Life
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.
120 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
128 people are currently reading
1459 people want to read
About the author
Douglas Wilson
315 books4,490 followersI write in order to make the little voices in my head go away. Thus far it hasn't worked.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 355 reviews
September 6, 2016
If only he'd called it "Wordpsmithy"... :)
July 17, 2020
EDIT and UPDATE: His ministry is a complete disaster and marred by scandal. Still, here are the barebones of the book.
I am evaluating Wilson on professional respect, and I am trying to keep my antipathy of his theology, polemics, and ecclesiology to a minimum.
The book is interestingly arranged. He writes an introduction and then divides that introduction to intersperse throughout the chapters. At the end of each section he gives a short bibliography that supposedly expands the points he made.
Some gems:
1. Keep a writer's notebook full of phrases you would like to use later. In this he probably echoes numerous other writers.
2. Collect different types of books, particularly mechanical helps. I have been a grammar teacher for several years now (yes, I deliberately ended a sentence with a preposition earlier; let the reader understand) and studying the gears of grammar does help.
3. Learn classical languages. I don't share his commitment to the classical model, but he is right *to an extent.* I learned Greek in college and I taught myself Latin, and it does make a difference. Admittedly, though, this chapter was simply an advertisement for his own program.
4. Practice poetry. In other words, practice writing the hard stuff that one is not normally inclined to write. If nothing else, this makes one smarter.
5. He says to have "20 books going at one time" (Wilson, 31). I'm not so sure. Some books are the kind that demand to absorb you, and if you have 20 going you will likely miss out on that experience. C. S. Lewis at one point advocated having no more than a handful going. In any case, as I look at my shelf I see 15-20 I am reading.
Criticisms:
a. Wilson lets his own particular antagonism to his current opponent get the best of him at times. On a few occasions it is funny, but for the most part it distracts the reader. Yes, one should make fun of the hippies ala Stuff White People Like, but disagreeing with Wilson on economics and politics does not make one a postmodernist hippie.
b. While the bibliographic information in some sections is helpful, a lot of times it is not. I cannot fathom for the life of me why an aspiring writer, needing to work on the mechanics, should ever read the "scapegoat atonement theory of Christology" by Rene Girard. Honestly?
c. Sometimes the book alternates between a desperate plea that "Yes, Protestants, too, can be good writers. Look at C. S. Lewis" and a backhanded slap at anyone who doesn't share his own aesthetic theory.
Conclusion
I am sharply critical of this book at points, but I will give credit where credit is due. He is a good writer, of that no one can doubt. He has done us a favor giving us his insights into writing. For that we are grateful. However, there are a few annoying qualities that appear repeatedly throughout the book, and they keep the book from getting five stars.
I am evaluating Wilson on professional respect, and I am trying to keep my antipathy of his theology, polemics, and ecclesiology to a minimum.
The book is interestingly arranged. He writes an introduction and then divides that introduction to intersperse throughout the chapters. At the end of each section he gives a short bibliography that supposedly expands the points he made.
Some gems:
1. Keep a writer's notebook full of phrases you would like to use later. In this he probably echoes numerous other writers.
2. Collect different types of books, particularly mechanical helps. I have been a grammar teacher for several years now (yes, I deliberately ended a sentence with a preposition earlier; let the reader understand) and studying the gears of grammar does help.
3. Learn classical languages. I don't share his commitment to the classical model, but he is right *to an extent.* I learned Greek in college and I taught myself Latin, and it does make a difference. Admittedly, though, this chapter was simply an advertisement for his own program.
4. Practice poetry. In other words, practice writing the hard stuff that one is not normally inclined to write. If nothing else, this makes one smarter.
5. He says to have "20 books going at one time" (Wilson, 31). I'm not so sure. Some books are the kind that demand to absorb you, and if you have 20 going you will likely miss out on that experience. C. S. Lewis at one point advocated having no more than a handful going. In any case, as I look at my shelf I see 15-20 I am reading.
Criticisms:
a. Wilson lets his own particular antagonism to his current opponent get the best of him at times. On a few occasions it is funny, but for the most part it distracts the reader. Yes, one should make fun of the hippies ala Stuff White People Like, but disagreeing with Wilson on economics and politics does not make one a postmodernist hippie.
b. While the bibliographic information in some sections is helpful, a lot of times it is not. I cannot fathom for the life of me why an aspiring writer, needing to work on the mechanics, should ever read the "scapegoat atonement theory of Christology" by Rene Girard. Honestly?
c. Sometimes the book alternates between a desperate plea that "Yes, Protestants, too, can be good writers. Look at C. S. Lewis" and a backhanded slap at anyone who doesn't share his own aesthetic theory.
Conclusion
I am sharply critical of this book at points, but I will give credit where credit is due. He is a good writer, of that no one can doubt. He has done us a favor giving us his insights into writing. For that we are grateful. However, there are a few annoying qualities that appear repeatedly throughout the book, and they keep the book from getting five stars.
February 16, 2021
2018: Grateful for Pastor Wilson who generously gives us not only great books to learn about God, life, education, etc. but also this really good book filled with practical tips to encourage us to write too.
2012: Great book.
2012: Great book.
November 18, 2022
Fun, funny, and full of good advice.
February 5, 2024
Rock solid insights, and a lot of "little" steps one can take to expand their writing prowess. I plan to implement some, ignore some, and keep reading all kinds of stuff in the mean time. Wilson keeps things prescriptive and brief, which makes this an easy recommendation to add to the other recommendations from seemingly everyone else in my circles!
May 16, 2022
Lotta fun. 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.
Most of chapter 7 is here.
Gospel Coalition review here.
And here Wilson explains which writers have provided his own writing with "that winsome tartness." Those writers are C.S. Lewis, H.L. Mencken, P.G. Wodehouse, J.R.R. Tolkien, John Calvin, G.K. Chesterton, Rousas Rushdoony, William F. Buckley, Rene Girard, and John Piper.
Most of chapter 7 is here.
Gospel Coalition review here.
And here Wilson explains which writers have provided his own writing with "that winsome tartness." Those writers are C.S. Lewis, H.L. Mencken, P.G. Wodehouse, J.R.R. Tolkien, John Calvin, G.K. Chesterton, Rousas Rushdoony, William F. Buckley, Rene Girard, and John Piper.
September 1, 2014
I feel far too inadequate to review this book, as if I were asked to give a comic introduction to Bob Hope: I'd much rather shut up and sit down.
Having said that, read this book. Again and again and again. Memorize the blasted thing, and buy and read all the books he recommends. Or just follow him around till you see a chariot then steal his coat.
Having said that, read this book. Again and again and again. Memorize the blasted thing, and buy and read all the books he recommends. Or just follow him around till you see a chariot then steal his coat.
March 9, 2025
Motivated me, a lot, to write, a lot.
Yet, I feel like if I was standing before Wilson, he would look down on me and say, don’t write anything.
Big takeaway: I don’t have to remember everything I read - freeing.
Yet, I feel like if I was standing before Wilson, he would look down on me and say, don’t write anything.
Big takeaway: I don’t have to remember everything I read - freeing.
January 7, 2013
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 only one special form of the writing craft, and so much of Wilson's advice applies.
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 only one special form of the writing craft, and so much of Wilson's advice applies.
September 7, 2017
Excellent wisdom found here that's worth rereading annually.
September 8, 2016
Words are fun.
So is this book.
So is this book.
June 3, 2025
This book is a treasure trove of commonplaces (“I dropped my toothpaste!” he said, crestfallenly.) Pretty much a concise version of How to Read a Book (Naselli), which is an additional testament to how closely reading and writing are intertwined. Highly recommend this book for everyone, but especially those entering high school.
January 24, 2023
2nd time reading. Phenomenal. The reading suggestions throughout alone are worth it.
April 28, 2023
Well that was fun!
April 1, 2023
I had to read this book for school and I’m oh so happy I had to read it!
The more of this book I read, the more I love it! It is t one of those sad grammar books. It’s about HOW to live as a writer. It’s a must read whether or not you want to write!
The more of this book I read, the more I love it! It is t one of those sad grammar books. It’s about HOW to live as a writer. It’s a must read whether or not you want to write!
November 14, 2013
Reading Douglas Wilson’s witty work about writing, Wordsmithy, was a wacky way to want wonderful words to work their way into my own writing. This short book serves as a sort of discipleship manual for those who want to use words effectively, especially in writing. The suggestions given by this book serve to help one become a better writer, a better speaker, and a better reader. The directions that Wilson gives, if followed, produce a disciplined, yet delightful, development of diction. Though I found the entire book to be helpful, there were a few statements that I feel are worth noting:
“Anything worth doing is worth doing badly” - G. K. Chesteron. I find this quote, and the idea that Wilson communicates, to be very encouraging. I am reminded that making improvements often involves making mistakes. If I am not willing to make mistakes, then I am not going to make improvement.
“Interesting people are interested people.” If I want my writing to be interesting, I must first be interested in other people. I must take the time to get to know people, and to cultivate a genuine interest in others—even those with whom I do not naturally connect.
“Read until your brain creaks.” I receive criticism from time to time because I usually am in the process of working through multiple books rather than working through one at a time. Wilson reminded me “not to be afraid to have twenty books going at once.” I immediately started reading another book.
Read dictionaries. This may be the most boring-sounding piece of advice that I have ever read. However, I started reading, as Wilson suggested, a page a day from the dictionary and highlighting the words that stand out to me. Though I was a bit dubious at first, I have found this exercise to be particularly enjoyable.
I highly recommend Wordsmithy for any desiring to become a better writer, a better speaker, and a better reader. I have never read any of Wilson’s writing before, but I look forward to reading another book that has his name on the cover.
“Anything worth doing is worth doing badly” - G. K. Chesteron. I find this quote, and the idea that Wilson communicates, to be very encouraging. I am reminded that making improvements often involves making mistakes. If I am not willing to make mistakes, then I am not going to make improvement.
“Interesting people are interested people.” If I want my writing to be interesting, I must first be interested in other people. I must take the time to get to know people, and to cultivate a genuine interest in others—even those with whom I do not naturally connect.
“Read until your brain creaks.” I receive criticism from time to time because I usually am in the process of working through multiple books rather than working through one at a time. Wilson reminded me “not to be afraid to have twenty books going at once.” I immediately started reading another book.
Read dictionaries. This may be the most boring-sounding piece of advice that I have ever read. However, I started reading, as Wilson suggested, a page a day from the dictionary and highlighting the words that stand out to me. Though I was a bit dubious at first, I have found this exercise to be particularly enjoyable.
I highly recommend Wordsmithy for any desiring to become a better writer, a better speaker, and a better reader. I have never read any of Wilson’s writing before, but I look forward to reading another book that has his name on the cover.
June 25, 2017
This was a quick and easy read for a car trip. I know Doug Wilson is a polarizing figure to some, but one cannot deny that he is a great writer. This book is filled with tips and thoughts related to becoming a better writer, and I felt very inspired by the time I finished it.
One point in particular that stuck with me was the section about how we forget most of what we read. This is because we are human and most of us can't possibly memorize every book we go through, even though the pressure might be there to try and do that at times. In a very clear way, the author instructs us to set aside that unreasonable expectation and continue to read as much as we can even if we do not remember most of what we read. How a book affects us continues to affect us even after we have forgotten 95% of what we read; the content still stays with us as long as we read well and paid attention to it.
This book has definitely convinced me that I need to start making small writing goals during the day. I have often received compliments on my writing and I've helped many people during college when I was a tutor in our writing center. If I have any aptitude for this craft, I need to practice more and continue to develop my writing voice in a way that will honor the ability that God has given me.
One point in particular that stuck with me was the section about how we forget most of what we read. This is because we are human and most of us can't possibly memorize every book we go through, even though the pressure might be there to try and do that at times. In a very clear way, the author instructs us to set aside that unreasonable expectation and continue to read as much as we can even if we do not remember most of what we read. How a book affects us continues to affect us even after we have forgotten 95% of what we read; the content still stays with us as long as we read well and paid attention to it.
This book has definitely convinced me that I need to start making small writing goals during the day. I have often received compliments on my writing and I've helped many people during college when I was a tutor in our writing center. If I have any aptitude for this craft, I need to practice more and continue to develop my writing voice in a way that will honor the ability that God has given me.
December 11, 2012
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, practice in other genres, and do not be afraid to be bad. These are simple principles but Wilson does an incredible job of motivating you by using his life, his writing life, to communicate a passionate worldview of writing.
I highly recommend this book on anyone who has a creative calling. Whether its preaching sermons (my case), writing children's stories, fashion designer, songwriter or graphic designer, this book will be valuable. It is a short book that can be read in a night or two, but be careful this book will get into your bones and you will want to start writing again or blogging.
This book is all about how live as a writer. Read good books, live a life with something to say, practice in other genres, and do not be afraid to be bad. These are simple principles but Wilson does an incredible job of motivating you by using his life, his writing life, to communicate a passionate worldview of writing.
I highly recommend this book on anyone who has a creative calling. Whether its preaching sermons (my case), writing children's stories, fashion designer, songwriter or graphic designer, this book will be valuable. It is a short book that can be read in a night or two, but be careful this book will get into your bones and you will want to start writing again or blogging.
February 12, 2012
There is one book Wilson has written that is funnier than this one, and it is an obscure one (Contours of Postmaturity). Get that one, and read it, if you can. But this one is helpful in a different way. A delight to read (which it ought to be considering it's a book on writing), and quite helpful.
January 17, 2012
This punchy little book more than lived up to its title. Fun to read and makes you want to write.
July 3, 2024
Still my favorite book on writing, and reading.
December 20, 2024
I have a gut rating system more than a scientific rating system, but this was a book I liked, so it gets 5*. Wilson is aggressive in all his beliefs, which I can respect, but in those areas in which I disagree, he becomes a hard author to broadly recommend. This book was one I loved, though.
In particular, I liked the freedom to forget what we read. I've approached books this way. To me, it's about a nugget or two from each book, a broad principle from the overall idea of the book, and a bunch of books on one topic to help the discipline sink deeper in my life. Of those books that are worth revisiting, I'll dig deeper and put some more actionable steps in place, but most books are one-and-done, and that's okay.
Many more great thoughts came from this book on reading, writing, and the lifestyle of someone who works mostly with the MIND, so I found the book so enjoyable and it's one I'll be revisiting. Hopefully soon.
Unless I forget it.
In particular, I liked the freedom to forget what we read. I've approached books this way. To me, it's about a nugget or two from each book, a broad principle from the overall idea of the book, and a bunch of books on one topic to help the discipline sink deeper in my life. Of those books that are worth revisiting, I'll dig deeper and put some more actionable steps in place, but most books are one-and-done, and that's okay.
Many more great thoughts came from this book on reading, writing, and the lifestyle of someone who works mostly with the MIND, so I found the book so enjoyable and it's one I'll be revisiting. Hopefully soon.
Unless I forget it.
December 14, 2024
I have my issues with Wilson, but taking the book for what it is, it was fantastic. Wilson is an extremely gifted writer and a master of rhetoric. Growing as a writer is a desire that continues to increase so this was a much needed work for me to engage with.
October 3, 2022
Excellent.
December 15, 2022
Excellent. Perhaps one of the most qualified to write on these matters.
June 12, 2021
Do you want to be a writer? Or maybe just level up your game for writing emails or long rambling Facebook posts like I used to do?
Whatever writing you want to do, and you really, really, should you know, then this short book will help you along that path.
Whatever writing you want to do, and you really, really, should you know, then this short book will help you along that path.
January 23, 2023
A good, if not wordy, book on writing (what it is, isn't, and how to do it). It was helpful for me.
December 26, 2024
Such a fun read. Enjoyed this more than I expected. Great practical advice for those who want to grow in writing.
April 30, 2024
Practical, handy little book of hot tips for developing a writing life. Lots of fantastic quotes I'd like to remember but I'll go with this one for now:
"When you write a page and delete the whole thing, there is a sense in which it is not deleted. The better writer who remained behind is still there." (p. 82)
Oh, what's one more?
"Do what you would love to be able to do someday." (p. 86)
"When you write a page and delete the whole thing, there is a sense in which it is not deleted. The better writer who remained behind is still there." (p. 82)
Oh, what's one more?
"Do what you would love to be able to do someday." (p. 86)
November 10, 2020
A wonderfully enjoyable read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 355 reviews