Writing with Style: Conversations on the Art of Writing

by John R. Trimble

A storehouse of practical writing tips, written in a lively, conversational style. Readers lean to develop a “writer's sense” : the book demonstrates that writing is really applied psychology since it is essentially the art of creating desired effects. Provides an explanation of what effects are desirable and how to create them. An exceptional book that works successfully on several levels simultaneously. Provides new insight how to generate interesting ideas and get them down on paper; how to write a critical analysis; how to write a crisp opener; how to invigorate a banal style; how to punctuate with confidence; how to handle various conventions, and much more. For anyone who needs a reference guide on writing.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction, Reference, Language, School, Textbooks, Read For School

198 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1975

Reviews

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recommend this short book on writing. The author, John Trimble, wrote it as a quick-to-read "survival guide" for students. Trimble does not go into great detail nor does he examine the different modes of discourse. Rather, he discusses ways to think about non-fiction writing in general. For this reason, the book might be best suited for someone who has some writing experience.

What I most like about this book is that Trimble focuses on thinking like a writer rather than on following set formulas for writing. In fact, in the introduction, he makes the point that most glaring problems in a paper come from faulty thinking or from not asking the right questions while writing.

In short chapters, the author discusses questions and problems the writer must confront in order to produce wriiting that holds atention while communicating something worth saying. He also walks the reader through parts of sample essays and discusses how the writer may have made the decisions he/ she made, and how he / she may have confronted various challenges.

Finally, Trimble also places an emphasis on composing concise, clear, interesting prose. He repeatedly reminds us that the reader is under no obligation to read what the writer produced. Just as we turn off the television show that does not grab our attention and hold it, we also put down writing that bores, seems incompetent or lazy, or that reads as though a committee composed the work.

Though this is a short book, one that can be read easily in three or four sittings, it is one that reminds us that writing is a form of communication rather than a formula in which someone simply fills in the variables. It reminds us that there is a reader we must take into account. And, most of all, it reminds us that successful writing takes careful thinking.

[Mike Fiddleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite professors at University of Texas, John Trimble speaks exactly as he writes. Lively, thoughtful, original and highly memorable. Perfect for a guy who believes a good writer expresses themselves just as an intelligent person would speak, given a moment or two to think. His extraordinarily human-friendly style served me well in my career as an ad writer and creative director. Quite a few folks in New York, Hollywood and Cannes approved as well. But even if you write nothing but memos, texts or spray paint your opinions on overpasses, you'll greatly benefit from the undeniable wisdom of this book. Thanks John!

[Ryan Trimble · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read a handful of books on writing, this is my favorite. Trimble's style is so engaging and enjoyable and witty. He simultaneously explains stylistic concepts while demonstrating them. Non-writers would even enjoy this book; it's that well-written.

[Jana Light · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the best writing guides. I skimmed a lot of the later chapters (lots of instructions for how to use punctuation and such that I just don't need), but I got some great nuggets out of the first couple chapters. Highly recommend even to experienced writers.

[Jessica Zu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simply the best: for anyone who wants to challenge their creativity and to learn the pleasure of this hard work--writing. If you only have time to read one and only one book on writing, choose this one. You will not regret it. Besides, it's really short: less than 200 pages. On top of everything, it is amazingly readable--a paragon of non-textbook. No wonder the third edition is already out.

This book changed my view about composition courses; it convinced me the legitimacy of an English Department in every University; it inspired me to become a good writing; it demystified the complete writing process; it opened the door of literature for me. In other words, this book transcends its stated aim of writing, it takes you to the open space where you can converse with all the past masters and see with your own eyes how their mind works.

You do not want to miss this wonderful opportunity.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can we give a book six stars out of five? I had the rare privilege of studying the Trimble Method in college at The University of Texas . His method changed my life. Like many of my age, I was beaten down by English professors whose techniques were at best sketchy. These professors were mostly failed writers themselves, foisting their unsuccessful writing techniques on to naive teenagers who blindly followed their advice. When I finally made my way to Trimble’s Advanced Expository Writing Course, I was wary of all writing “teachers”... I read this book and at last found my voice. I write professionally now, and go back to the Trimble Method almost every day of my life. I hope that someone out there will read this review and see if Trimble can change their life too.

[Phillip.c.lacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this friendly style manual, famed UT professor John Trimble addresses issues that writers of all caliber face. Never condescending, Writing with Style meets you on your level, gently uncovers your writing flaws, and then guides you through the solutions.

This book is not only useful as a reference manual, but also fun and easy to read.

[Christian Nunciato · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing little book, found completely by accident at a thrift store in Woodinville, WA. The density of great writing advice packed into this book is incredible, and makes me wonder how Steven Pinker managed to overlook it (his loss!) while researching his excellent book The Sense of Style. Grab a copy if you can find one — I can’t tell if it’s still in print, but if it isn’t, it darn well should be.

[Sarah Wasko · Rating 1 out of 5]

Read for English and I hated it sosososososo much

[Sam Williamson · Rating 1 out of 5]

Why did my teacher make me read this #kms

[Roy Corry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, so much so that I've read it three times. I found it useful to everyone: lay person, student, teacher, you name it. It's one of those rare books whose target audience is everyone. A must-read if you use the English language.

[Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

I decided to borrow this from the library, and I read it in a day. Okay, sorry, I did speed-read and skim through some of it. But Trimble practices what he preaches, and he has been delightful to read. This book will also possibly be life-changing, for writing will, Lord willing, continue to be a large part of my life, and it truly is about serving others and counting them more worthy than myself. Alas, in finishing this book in a day, I must say that my short review is poorly written, but I do intend to print out some quotations I gleaned from this book as a reminder for me to be kind and courteous in my writing. If it's too expensive, get an earlier edition, or perhaps better, loan it from a local library, as I did. I'm glad I was recommended this book instead of another writing book, such as Strunk & White. (Trimble takes a light stab against Strunk & White.) Thanks, WAR and FCP for the recommendation!

[Abby · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are interested becoming a better writer, this is a great book to look into. I love how, as he tells his reader how to write, Trimble follows his own rules. He talks about the importance of thinking of your reader, and he gives advice on how to make the reader comfortable with tone, sentence structure, diction, etc., and at the same time, he is incredibly considerate of his own readers. His book is a wonderful example of the principles he is trying to teach. It is easy, short, and interesting.

[Faith Gutierrez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was also fortunate enough to have been a student of Professor Trimble at the University of Texas. We used this book in his class and it was superb. Just the right amount of information to give me insight into my own writing, and lots of motivation to improve it. He was, by the way, an excellent teacher. The kind you forever remember. To this day his teachings have stuck with me, and I still own my original classroom copy of this book.

[L.B. Holding · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect for grammar nerds like me. English usage, how and when to use commas and colons, sentence structure advice, you name it. And yes, it was riveting for me. (I used a highlighter, for heaven's sake.) The first part of this was really for essay or non-fiction writers, people who need to quote sources, people who need to learn how to footnote. All still very good stuff, mind, but what I loved the most was the emphasis on punctuation. Ha, it's embarrassing.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trimble's book, which I picked up in college, is a classic on writing and good to re-read when you are looking for inspiration.

[Alma · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is such a waste of paper. It did not offer any information I hadn't already learned by the end of freshman year of high school.

[Tim Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trimble was my writing teacher at Texas, and I consider this book and his teaching essential to my development as a writer. (I actually read this edition in galleys for him.)

[Hasitha Gampa · Rating 4 out of 5]

good book b/c it gives very helpful tips on how to improve writing. A tip I found helpful is to clear your mind and think before you write so your words make sense and aren't too cluttered.

[Julia P · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the sort of stuff we should have learned sophomore year of high school.

[Osborne · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite books, not just on writing.

[Daniel Sloan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm failing John Trimble by not writing this review with more style. But, I'll try to put a few of his lessons into practice here. There are three main reasons I would suggest this book over alternatives:
(1) It is well organized; (2) It is short; (3) It is written with style.

First, on organization--you don't even need to read the book to know where it is headed. In this, Trimble follows his own advice to a t. Spoiler alert (to the extent you can even spoil a book on writing technique), Trimble emphasizes the importance of writing so that each sentence connects to the last. A sentence that does not connect to the one before and after it should be reexamined. He's taken that to an extreme, as his entire book follows this pattern macroscopically. The result is a book that guides the reader like a leaf floating down a river.

Also, the brevity of Trimble's book is the soul of its wit. Billy "Shakes"peare would be proud. Style guides can be cumbersome and dull. Trimble is the opposite. He makes each point as succinctly as it can be made, and without losing substance. His uses of history's great writers' quotes are excellent. As an example, Ernest Hemingway's quote about revision from a Paris Review Interview in chapter 10 is brilliant. The quote is the entirety of the chapter and it says everything that needs to be said about the revision process; i.e., the hard part is "getting the words right."

Finally, and most importantly, this book on writing with style is written with--you guessed it-- style. For me, this is what really sets Trimble's work apart from other style guides. How do you make grammar humorous? I'm not sure, but Trimble seems to have cracked the code. I can say without reservation that I enjoyed reading this book. But a book that discusses the technical aspects of writing should have no business being this readable. What in the world? I can't believe it.

In sum, its organization, concision, and elegance make this is a book worth reading. Anyone who writes for a living or does a lot of writing as part of their job would be well-served to spend some time with it. If you have to read this for a class, I envy you. Some of us didn't have someone telling us how valuable this kind of book could be until we had to add it to our pleasure or self-improvement reading lists. So enjoy it and appreciate the person who assigned it to you. If you're like me and reading for self-improvement purposes, I think this book is at least a jumping off point for further development.

[Adnan Soysal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovers of writing, this is the book you are searching for.
I have read many books on writing, but this was the content and style I have looking for for a long time. In this book you will meet with all the difficulties, and emotional challenges you experiences while writing. In this book you will learn you are not alone, your difficulties feelings are justified, because writing is also a output of common sense.
From the minute you start reading, you will understand you find the right author, right book, right style. Author is clearly a master of the subject, and just knows how to address the challenges of writing in detail. You will find out all the issues you are facing are resolved by common sense.
It will also show to you all the cheap tricks you might be employing wile writing, and how to deal with them. Book also contains a long list of references to other books on writing.
In short this book is a must for a lover of writing.

[Landon_Bropez · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favorites to read when uninspired.

Dan Harmon says that writers are better critics than creators; to leverage this imbalance, he recommends provisionally creating something inadequate and criticizing it into something worth releasing.

“Writing with Style” focuses this critical lens on our use of language. Is our prose conversational enough? Do the pacing and punctuation properly convey the relations between ideas? Are these ideas worth laboring over, or are we wasting our time (and the reader’s)?

It can be dry at times, which is to be expected from such a comprehensive guide—to be wholly entertaining is to omit the unglamorous—but the validity of Trimble’s lessons is apparent in his elegant, often-humorous, always-readable prose. In amateur writing, the author conjures up the words; in expert writing, the words conjure up the author.

[Stephanie Nguyen · Rating 3 out of 5]

An oldie but a goodie. Read this in high school and reread again while I am writing my dissertation. It’s a solid reference book on how to write a short, critical analysis essay or a journalistic piece. The first three chapters—the opening, middle, and closer—are the most helpful advice. The thesis development segments are useful as Trimble shows how to generate and refine an argument, which should be controversial and debatable.

I skimmed the last chapters, such as the punctuation one, because they’re pretty dry, detailed, and almost like a textbook. The book is meant to be a general guide to stylistic writing, not academic writing or dissertation writing.

One con is that Trimble assumes that readers have “an ear” for what sounds readable; so the audience is more towards advanced writers whose first language is English. His advice about reading out loud to figure out pacing and readability will not help English as a second language writers.

[James]

A storehouse of practical writing tips, written in a lively, conversational style. Readers lean to develop a “writer's sense” : the book demonstrates that writing is really applied psychology since it is essentially the art of creating desired effects. Provides an explanation of what effects are desirable and how to create them. An exceptional book that works successfully on several levels simultaneously. Provides new insight into: how to generate interesting ideas and get them down on paper; how to write a critical analysis; how to write a crisp opener; how to invigorate a banal style; how to punctuate with confidence; how to handle various conventions, and much more. For anyone who needs a reference guide on writing.

[Todd Luallen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptional book on writing. I loved every chapter. Trimble has a conversational tone that makes his writing effortless to read. I thoroughly recommend this book to anyone that wants to communicate more clearly through the written word.

I do, however, have a rather large complaint for the publisher. This book is not available in an e-book format. Come on! Seriously? For people like me that have poor eyesight, reading the small text in the paperback book is a laborious task. PLEASE release an e-book format for this book!

[Jana Henderson (Reviews from the Stacks) · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you're willing to jump through from highlighted point to highlighted point, then this clearly-organized manual is a good choice. If, however, you would prefer to read every word the author writes and attempt to engage in the advertised style of "conversing" on the art of writing, then you're likely going to be bored to death.

There are some helpful points in here and it is well laid out. Unfortunately, the author is too present in his work; he says more than necessary and expects the reader to hold onto everything he says as absolute truth, which is something I almost never do.

[Keerthana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really solid and digestible guide for writing! I liked how brief and to-the-point it was, expertly managing the precarious balance between being helpful and being patronizing. Some of the rules are a bit dated, but that’s not really the author’s fault since writing rules change periodically. But other than that, the book’s core principles hold true, and I believe they always will. Definitely worth a read if you want to improve your writing

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful guidebook that every serious writer should read from cover to cover and keep on their desk. Split into well-organized chapters like "Thinking," "Starting," and "Readability." Refreshing and elucidating commentary on student writing and plenty of fascinating quotes from literary giants. Five out of five stars.