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Keys to Great Writing Revised and Expanded: Mastering the Elements of Composition and Revision
Transform your writing!
If you're ready to empower your writing but are unsure of where to start, let Keys to Great Writing Revised and Expanded show you the way. Award-winning author and veteran writing coach Stephen Wilbers provides invaluable instruction on every aspect of the craft, from word choice and sentence structure to organization and revision.
In this edition, you'll
Self-assessments to strengthen your sentences and paragraphs, evaluate your goals, and approach your writing with confidence.
Practical and easy-to-understand techniques for utilizing economy, precision, action, music, and personality.
Helpful tips and techniques for the writing process, including advice on prewriting, drafting, revising, and proofreading.
Exercises, checklists, and more to refine your writing skills.
For more than a decade, Keys to Great Writing has helped writers of all experience levels infuse their work with clarity, grace, and style. With the revised and expanded edition at your fingertips, you'll have the tools to invigorate your prose and develop a unique and effective voice.
If you're ready to empower your writing but are unsure of where to start, let Keys to Great Writing Revised and Expanded show you the way. Award-winning author and veteran writing coach Stephen Wilbers provides invaluable instruction on every aspect of the craft, from word choice and sentence structure to organization and revision.
In this edition, you'll
Self-assessments to strengthen your sentences and paragraphs, evaluate your goals, and approach your writing with confidence.
Practical and easy-to-understand techniques for utilizing economy, precision, action, music, and personality.
Helpful tips and techniques for the writing process, including advice on prewriting, drafting, revising, and proofreading.
Exercises, checklists, and more to refine your writing skills.
For more than a decade, Keys to Great Writing has helped writers of all experience levels infuse their work with clarity, grace, and style. With the revised and expanded edition at your fingertips, you'll have the tools to invigorate your prose and develop a unique and effective voice.
290 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2000
104 people are currently reading
582 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
December 4, 2015
I was debating whether this should be a 3-star or 4-star book. For me, personally, it's probably a 3.9 as the last half of the book is mainly written for technical or business writers. However, there's a wealth of information in the front half of the book that applies to writers in general.
The book is broken down into three parts: Keys to Great Writing; Elements of Composition; and Drafting and Revising. The first five chapters were the most helpful to me as a reminder of how the written word can be powerful, memorable, and musical when written well.
This book is a nice addition to your shelf and will serve you well if not to remind you of components that might be missing in your writing. I especially love the advice and encouragement at the end of the book:
"Think positively-about yourself and your ability to write. Writing is a mind game, and you can talk yourself out of success even before you begin."
The book is broken down into three parts: Keys to Great Writing; Elements of Composition; and Drafting and Revising. The first five chapters were the most helpful to me as a reminder of how the written word can be powerful, memorable, and musical when written well.
This book is a nice addition to your shelf and will serve you well if not to remind you of components that might be missing in your writing. I especially love the advice and encouragement at the end of the book:
"Think positively-about yourself and your ability to write. Writing is a mind game, and you can talk yourself out of success even before you begin."
May 31, 2018
Solid tips on big-picture and small-picture, form and content, process and product. Fairly engagingly written and well organized. (I might not have placed the topics in this order, but it's laid out clearly enough that you can find what you want.)
My main gripe is that, like most books on writing, it commits a bunch of the flaws it warns against. I have excruciatingly high standards, though. (Which is arguably legit: if you're writing a book on writing, you'd better write it awesomely. Right?)
My main gripe is that, like most books on writing, it commits a bunch of the flaws it warns against. I have excruciatingly high standards, though. (Which is arguably legit: if you're writing a book on writing, you'd better write it awesomely. Right?)
February 21, 2008
This is my favorite "How-to" writing book. It is easy to reference, the author's voice isn't dry and discouraging, and he emphasizes action, conciseness, precision, and practice. I actually gained many specific and useful NEW ideas about writing from this book. I appreciate his professional and creative approach.
Read
July 29, 2011Absolutely essential reading for any writer. Tackles complex topics in simple language--just as the reader should after reading this!
October 13, 2020
Would highly recommend to anyone looking to improve their writing!!
February 20, 2018
Great Points When Writing
I down loaded this book for one reason in particular. Writing is not as easy as just thinking about it or picturing the process in ones mind. The tips and processes listed in this book was very informative and will be useful in every day writing. I plan to use what I have learned when writing.
I down loaded this book for one reason in particular. Writing is not as easy as just thinking about it or picturing the process in ones mind. The tips and processes listed in this book was very informative and will be useful in every day writing. I plan to use what I have learned when writing.
May 1, 2017
Wilburs doesn't just address the craft of telling a story but also discusses basic writing skills that most of us were exposed to in grade and high school. It is an excellent easy to follow refresher in the fundamentals of writing.
May 9, 2017
Read this book years ago. It was assigned to me in a writing course I was taking at the time. It really helped me to improve my writing by making me more aware of what I was doing.
Glad to see there's also a revised and expanded edition of this book. Will have to check it out.
Glad to see there's also a revised and expanded edition of this book. Will have to check it out.
October 4, 2018
A good read, I wish English lessons had focussed on making me learn the points in the opening 5 chapters. Likewise it should be on the syllabus at university, as this would have made a significant difference to my performance.
January 18, 2020
I put off reading this book because it looked rather chunky and hardwork. Worse still, I had originally bought it for my son: to encourage him in his writing and give him a few pointers.....and, if it was going to be daunting for me then what chance did I have of getting son to read it? However, having made the start and being favourably impressed with the introduction: He says that there are five keys to great writing:
1.Economy...rejecting the notion that more is necessarily better.
2. Precision....ability to use the right word and make it memorable.
3. Action....making sentences tell stories....using verbs.
4. Music...the rhythm and sound of the language. (To me probably the most important element and also the most difficult to teach or learn).
5. Personality....establishing the sense of the writer as a person.
.....I was easily led into the rest of the book.
He also suggests in the introduction that there are a few myths about writing that should be demolished:
1. That only people with natural ability can learn to write well.
2. That people who are good at math and science are inherently incapable of using language effectively.
3. That writing competence is really just avoiding errors.....you can be correct but wholly unreadable.
4. That learning to write well is easy if you just learn the tricks....that is ...it does require effort and practice.
So, for me, this was a pretty good start. And he didn't let me down. The book is really easy to read...(as one would hope with a title like this). He follows his 5 principles outlined, above, as the basic structure and manages to weave a lot of great examples into his methodology.
He also gives suggestions such as: after a long sentence...use a short snappy sentence and invert the usual order to generate interest.
He contrasts great metaphors such as: "All the world's a stage".....and poor metaphors:.....such as "we must cherry-pick the cream of the crop" and I loved his example of some bad similes including the following: "McNeil fell twelves stories, hitting the pavement like a Hefty Bag filled with vegetable soup".
And in terms of valuing substance over style he quotes Vonnegut: "If a sentence, no matter how excellent, does not illuminate my subject in some new and useful way, scratch it out". He suggests trying to capture the flow and rhythm of natural speech. And in some cases reveal something of yourself. Reveal not only your thoughts but your feelings.
Wilbers also suggests that you write with purpose: about something you care about...and use the appropriate style for the audience: description to provide information, narration to tell a story, exposition to inform, persuasion to induce the reader to act in a certain way.
Plan your writing and think in paragraphs. Concentrate on beginnings and endings.
Make an outline...especially when the material is complex, lengthy or you need to collect your thoughts.
Maintain coherence: with sentences begin with new information...grabs the reader's interest and end with old information.
He summarises that writing is a 5 stage process:
1. Prewriting or preparing
2. Drafting; getting it done
3. Revising: fixing it up
4. Proof-reading: making it presentable.
My overall take on the book is that he does well what he sets out to do: I feel that I learned a lot. (Whether I can get my son to read.....and absorb it..... it is a separate challenge). Five stars from me.
1.Economy...rejecting the notion that more is necessarily better.
2. Precision....ability to use the right word and make it memorable.
3. Action....making sentences tell stories....using verbs.
4. Music...the rhythm and sound of the language. (To me probably the most important element and also the most difficult to teach or learn).
5. Personality....establishing the sense of the writer as a person.
.....I was easily led into the rest of the book.
He also suggests in the introduction that there are a few myths about writing that should be demolished:
1. That only people with natural ability can learn to write well.
2. That people who are good at math and science are inherently incapable of using language effectively.
3. That writing competence is really just avoiding errors.....you can be correct but wholly unreadable.
4. That learning to write well is easy if you just learn the tricks....that is ...it does require effort and practice.
So, for me, this was a pretty good start. And he didn't let me down. The book is really easy to read...(as one would hope with a title like this). He follows his 5 principles outlined, above, as the basic structure and manages to weave a lot of great examples into his methodology.
He also gives suggestions such as: after a long sentence...use a short snappy sentence and invert the usual order to generate interest.
He contrasts great metaphors such as: "All the world's a stage".....and poor metaphors:.....such as "we must cherry-pick the cream of the crop" and I loved his example of some bad similes including the following: "McNeil fell twelves stories, hitting the pavement like a Hefty Bag filled with vegetable soup".
And in terms of valuing substance over style he quotes Vonnegut: "If a sentence, no matter how excellent, does not illuminate my subject in some new and useful way, scratch it out". He suggests trying to capture the flow and rhythm of natural speech. And in some cases reveal something of yourself. Reveal not only your thoughts but your feelings.
Wilbers also suggests that you write with purpose: about something you care about...and use the appropriate style for the audience: description to provide information, narration to tell a story, exposition to inform, persuasion to induce the reader to act in a certain way.
Plan your writing and think in paragraphs. Concentrate on beginnings and endings.
Make an outline...especially when the material is complex, lengthy or you need to collect your thoughts.
Maintain coherence: with sentences begin with new information...grabs the reader's interest and end with old information.
He summarises that writing is a 5 stage process:
1. Prewriting or preparing
2. Drafting; getting it done
3. Revising: fixing it up
4. Proof-reading: making it presentable.
My overall take on the book is that he does well what he sets out to do: I feel that I learned a lot. (Whether I can get my son to read.....and absorb it..... it is a separate challenge). Five stars from me.
February 15, 2022
It's not a good sign when a book about writing is dry, dull, and requires much concentration just to understand sentences. Mind, I'm sure the author followed all his instructions (of which I didn't disagree), but I think he was so focused on picking the "perfect" word and putting words in the right order that he forgot to keep things simply stated. I'm not exactly sure what went wrong, but I do know the result: it took me years to finish the book. Anything that I gleaned were things I already basically already knew.
Some aspects that didn't help: 1) There were so many headings and subheadings, and probably even sub-sub-headings, but they didn't mean anything to me, and connections were far from seamless. Different kinds of visuals or breaks in the paragraphs were lacking. 2) "Writing" is such a broad term, and the author thought he would tackle all kinds, from novel writing to a business email. Certainly tips for both overlap, but some don't. He did acknowledge many of the differences--and occasionally what specifically to do in different circumstances--but overall it was just too much to handle at once.
Also, he touted the importance of comparisons and analogies, and then he included a comparison that I found dumb.
Some aspects that didn't help: 1) There were so many headings and subheadings, and probably even sub-sub-headings, but they didn't mean anything to me, and connections were far from seamless. Different kinds of visuals or breaks in the paragraphs were lacking. 2) "Writing" is such a broad term, and the author thought he would tackle all kinds, from novel writing to a business email. Certainly tips for both overlap, but some don't. He did acknowledge many of the differences--and occasionally what specifically to do in different circumstances--but overall it was just too much to handle at once.
Also, he touted the importance of comparisons and analogies, and then he included a comparison that I found dumb.
October 15, 2018
Keys to Great Writing by Stephen Wilbers takes on a seemingly impossible task: to explain all of the factors that make great writing. It achieves a respectable degree of success, which is really saying something for a work that tries to cover all kinds of writing: informal, business, academic, general nonfiction and fiction.
The main problem is that these kinds of writing are so completely different that all of the rules simply will not fit. Some of the differences are glaring and some of the examples fall short of their intention. That said, I would have to say that this is terrific not only as a refresher for writers, but as a companion that fits well on the reference desk with Strunk and White, your amazing thesaurus, your dictionary, and with LaMott and Stephen King's On Writing.
Highly recommended for all writers.
The main problem is that these kinds of writing are so completely different that all of the rules simply will not fit. Some of the differences are glaring and some of the examples fall short of their intention. That said, I would have to say that this is terrific not only as a refresher for writers, but as a companion that fits well on the reference desk with Strunk and White, your amazing thesaurus, your dictionary, and with LaMott and Stephen King's On Writing.
Highly recommended for all writers.
September 23, 2019
“Keys to Great Writing“ es un sencillo compendio de los elementos básicos para mejorar la calidad de nuestra escritura. Desde aspectos gramaticales y ortográficos hasta cuestiones de estructura y revisión. El autor incorpora algunos ejercicios al final de los capítulos para que el lector pueda poner en práctica lo aprendido.
La parte que me ha resultado más floja se refiere a la cuestión de la creatividad. Considero que existen muchos ejercicios interesantes sobre este aspecto a los que el autor no alude siquiera. Esa parte ha hecho desmerecer el contenido final del libro.
Interesante aunque, al menos para mí, nada nuevo. Considero que hay obras más completas, si bien como libro para alguien que empieza a introducirse en el mundo de la escritura y la edición podría resultar más útil.
La parte que me ha resultado más floja se refiere a la cuestión de la creatividad. Considero que existen muchos ejercicios interesantes sobre este aspecto a los que el autor no alude siquiera. Esa parte ha hecho desmerecer el contenido final del libro.
Interesante aunque, al menos para mí, nada nuevo. Considero que hay obras más completas, si bien como libro para alguien que empieza a introducirse en el mundo de la escritura y la edición podría resultar más útil.
March 2, 2016
Seminary taught me many lessons, many of which took the form of words. Of course, many words in Greek, Hebrew, and Latin were entirely new to me. But even in English seminary gave me new words to express ideas which were previously unformed and unattended. Writers may find themselves similarly challenged in Stephen Wilbers[1] book: Keys to Great Writing.
What are the keys here? Wilbers lists five keys: economy, precision, action, music, and personality. Let me say a few words about each.
Economy. “Make every word count.” Wilber illustrates his point by chunking up a poem by Langston Hughes, “Harlem”, and asking the reader to edit it by bracketing out unnecessary verbiage. Then, he brackets the verbiage himself. The word count falls from 112 to 54, but the power in the poem rises as the word count falls (11-13). He then moves on to offer fourteen techniques for eliminating wordiness.
My favorite technique was number 5: “Delete ‘hollow��� hedges and meaningless intensifiers” A hollow hedge is an unnecessary qualifier. For example, in the expression, “rather surprised”, the word, surprised, is sufficient which makes the word, rather, a hollow hedge. Likewise, an intensifier normally adds emphasis, but not all emphasis is necessary. For example, the word, very, is everyone’s favorite unnecessary intensifier. Wilber recommends that if the meaning of the expression is unchanged when omitting hedges and intensifiers, then leave them out (21).
Precision. “Use the right word.” Prefer action verbs and concrete nouns; appeal to the five senses; be careful with modifiers; avoid sexist language; speak plainly and directly. (37-47).
Action. “Use action and movement to engage your reader.” Wilbers reinforces his earlier comments here about action verbs and cautions about pompous nouns—nominalizations. What makes this presentation differ from a typical treatment is that Wilber includes punctuation in this discussion and outlines rules for using both nominalizations and the passive voice. For example, he offers five reasons to use passive voice:
To emphasize the receiver of the action.
To de-emphasize the performer of the action.
To avoid responsibility.
To create smooth connections between sentences.
To maintain a consistent point of view or sequence of subjects (56-57).
His treatment here stresses the principle that a skilled writer uses language forms appropriately rather than blindly following rules.
Music. Wilbers advises the reader to “listen to your voice”. Language is simply a representation of the spoken word (67-68).
In representing the spoken word, Wilbers classifies punctuate marks into three categories: marks of clarification (hyphens, quotation marks, and parentheses), marks of inflection (question marks and exclamation marks) and marks of separation (periods, commas, semicolons, and dashes) (72). He then offers a rhythmic interpretation of separation marks. Think of a period as a whole note rest; a colon as a three-quarter note rest; a semicolon as a half-note rest; and a comma as a quarter-note rest (73-75).
Another important way to represent the spoken word is through using different sentence structures. Wilber classifies twelve sentence types in three broad categories: functional (declarative, interrogative, imperative, and exclamatory) sentences, grammatical (simple, compound, complex, and compound complex) sentences, and rhetorical (periodic, loose, balanced, and antithetical) sentences (89). Some of these sentence types are familiar; others require definition. A sentence type new to me, for example, was a periodic sentence which is defined as a compound sentence where the subordinate clauses precede the main clause creating a sense of expectation. A loose sentence does exactly the opposite having the main clause precede the subordinate clauses (89).
Personality. Wilbers advises writers to “be lively, unpredictable, playful, and genuine” (107). For example, Wilbers writes: “A good metaphor has three qualities: aptness, novelty, and simplicity” which might satisfy each of these conditions. (114) More generally, this chapter pulls together elements from the previous chapters and talks about how to use them.
The five keys are discussed in the first five of Wilbers’ eleven chapters. The complete list of chapters are:
Part One: Keys to Great Writing
1. Economy.
2. Precision.
3. Action.
4. Music.
5. Personality.
Part Two: Elements of Composition
6. Purpose.
7. Point of View.
8. Organization.
9. Support.
10. Coherence.
Part Three: Drafting and Revising
11. The Writing Process.
Part one described above accounts for 126 of 262 pages, or about half of the book.
Part two is perhaps of the most interest to experienced writers. For example, Wilbers reviews six purposes for writing:
1. To inform the reader.
2. To entertain the reader.
3. To persuade the reader.
4. To transact business (or accomplish a task).
5. To express oneself.
6. To create a literary work (131).
Note that the first three purposes focus on the reader and the last three focus on the writers—the more that you know about why you write, the more precise the writing will be. Clearly, how you write informs what gets written.
Having offered a flavor of Wilbers’ writing, let me sum up.
Stephen Wilbers book, Keys to Great Writing, outlines the major themes of writing without narrowing the focus to a particular genre. While this makes his book suitable as a composition textbook for college students, it has an engaging style which does not feel like a textbook. Authors serious about moving their writing style to a higher level will want to take notice.
[1] In another review (posting March 8, 2016), I give some back ground on Stephen Wilbers (Wilbers Offers Writing Tips to Remember; http://wp.me/p3Xeut-1p0).
What are the keys here? Wilbers lists five keys: economy, precision, action, music, and personality. Let me say a few words about each.
Economy. “Make every word count.” Wilber illustrates his point by chunking up a poem by Langston Hughes, “Harlem”, and asking the reader to edit it by bracketing out unnecessary verbiage. Then, he brackets the verbiage himself. The word count falls from 112 to 54, but the power in the poem rises as the word count falls (11-13). He then moves on to offer fourteen techniques for eliminating wordiness.
My favorite technique was number 5: “Delete ‘hollow��� hedges and meaningless intensifiers” A hollow hedge is an unnecessary qualifier. For example, in the expression, “rather surprised”, the word, surprised, is sufficient which makes the word, rather, a hollow hedge. Likewise, an intensifier normally adds emphasis, but not all emphasis is necessary. For example, the word, very, is everyone’s favorite unnecessary intensifier. Wilber recommends that if the meaning of the expression is unchanged when omitting hedges and intensifiers, then leave them out (21).
Precision. “Use the right word.” Prefer action verbs and concrete nouns; appeal to the five senses; be careful with modifiers; avoid sexist language; speak plainly and directly. (37-47).
Action. “Use action and movement to engage your reader.” Wilbers reinforces his earlier comments here about action verbs and cautions about pompous nouns—nominalizations. What makes this presentation differ from a typical treatment is that Wilber includes punctuation in this discussion and outlines rules for using both nominalizations and the passive voice. For example, he offers five reasons to use passive voice:
To emphasize the receiver of the action.
To de-emphasize the performer of the action.
To avoid responsibility.
To create smooth connections between sentences.
To maintain a consistent point of view or sequence of subjects (56-57).
His treatment here stresses the principle that a skilled writer uses language forms appropriately rather than blindly following rules.
Music. Wilbers advises the reader to “listen to your voice”. Language is simply a representation of the spoken word (67-68).
In representing the spoken word, Wilbers classifies punctuate marks into three categories: marks of clarification (hyphens, quotation marks, and parentheses), marks of inflection (question marks and exclamation marks) and marks of separation (periods, commas, semicolons, and dashes) (72). He then offers a rhythmic interpretation of separation marks. Think of a period as a whole note rest; a colon as a three-quarter note rest; a semicolon as a half-note rest; and a comma as a quarter-note rest (73-75).
Another important way to represent the spoken word is through using different sentence structures. Wilber classifies twelve sentence types in three broad categories: functional (declarative, interrogative, imperative, and exclamatory) sentences, grammatical (simple, compound, complex, and compound complex) sentences, and rhetorical (periodic, loose, balanced, and antithetical) sentences (89). Some of these sentence types are familiar; others require definition. A sentence type new to me, for example, was a periodic sentence which is defined as a compound sentence where the subordinate clauses precede the main clause creating a sense of expectation. A loose sentence does exactly the opposite having the main clause precede the subordinate clauses (89).
Personality. Wilbers advises writers to “be lively, unpredictable, playful, and genuine” (107). For example, Wilbers writes: “A good metaphor has three qualities: aptness, novelty, and simplicity” which might satisfy each of these conditions. (114) More generally, this chapter pulls together elements from the previous chapters and talks about how to use them.
The five keys are discussed in the first five of Wilbers’ eleven chapters. The complete list of chapters are:
Part One: Keys to Great Writing
1. Economy.
2. Precision.
3. Action.
4. Music.
5. Personality.
Part Two: Elements of Composition
6. Purpose.
7. Point of View.
8. Organization.
9. Support.
10. Coherence.
Part Three: Drafting and Revising
11. The Writing Process.
Part one described above accounts for 126 of 262 pages, or about half of the book.
Part two is perhaps of the most interest to experienced writers. For example, Wilbers reviews six purposes for writing:
1. To inform the reader.
2. To entertain the reader.
3. To persuade the reader.
4. To transact business (or accomplish a task).
5. To express oneself.
6. To create a literary work (131).
Note that the first three purposes focus on the reader and the last three focus on the writers—the more that you know about why you write, the more precise the writing will be. Clearly, how you write informs what gets written.
Having offered a flavor of Wilbers’ writing, let me sum up.
Stephen Wilbers book, Keys to Great Writing, outlines the major themes of writing without narrowing the focus to a particular genre. While this makes his book suitable as a composition textbook for college students, it has an engaging style which does not feel like a textbook. Authors serious about moving their writing style to a higher level will want to take notice.
[1] In another review (posting March 8, 2016), I give some back ground on Stephen Wilbers (Wilbers Offers Writing Tips to Remember; http://wp.me/p3Xeut-1p0).
November 24, 2021
I liked it.
I kind of "knew" most of the tips because I have been studying Language for three years now. However, finding out why we use certain techniques was considerably helpful.
I totally recommend this book, even though sometimes it seemed repetitive. The repetitiveness comes from the many examples the author provided to prove his point. Even so, the reading experience was good and it really helped me to realise how I could improve my writing skills.
I kind of "knew" most of the tips because I have been studying Language for three years now. However, finding out why we use certain techniques was considerably helpful.
I totally recommend this book, even though sometimes it seemed repetitive. The repetitiveness comes from the many examples the author provided to prove his point. Even so, the reading experience was good and it really helped me to realise how I could improve my writing skills.
May 14, 2018
Lots of great well made tips with plenty of fine fanciful examples and bullet points. however, seems to be written more toward technical writing than creative. this is a fine book if you are interested in writing a fertilizer report.
June 18, 2023
Extremely helpful for writers. It goes into and well beyond the basics and is great for any level of writer, from beginners learning new ideas to experienced writers needing a refresh and re-balance of their style.
December 8, 2023
I read this as part of my PhD program this year and have to say how helpful it was. I find myself using Wilbers’ strategies in everything from writing important documents to writing quick emails. I’m sure I’ll be referring back to it many times.
December 19, 2019
Amazing. Everything in this book is useful. I love it.
Want to read
October 28, 2020High rec: Karl B.
January 30, 2021
I found the information very useful and straightforward. Although I’ve given up on self-help and howto books, this was an easy and very practical read.
January 31, 2021
I was a little concerned at the start when Strunk and White were getting cited, but there's a lot of practical—and not overly prescriptive—advice here for all kinds of writing.
April 30, 2021
Excelente
Una excelente guía para desarrollar habilidades de escritura. Si bien está en inglés, sus consejos se pueden aplicar al castellano
Una excelente guía para desarrollar habilidades de escritura. Si bien está en inglés, sus consejos se pueden aplicar al castellano
March 2, 2025
Instructional and informative! Loved it and will continue to use books like this to perfect my craft
August 14, 2015
Many writers on the blogoshpere have probably heard of Strunk and White’s Element’s of Style, but I bet most of you have never read Keys to Great Writing by Stephen Wilbers.
keystogreatKeys to Great Writing was recommended to me by a lawyer. He came to America from Egypt and told me this book helped him immeasurably. At the time, I was preparing to start a double major in history and English at college. Judging by my course outline, I knew I had a voluminous portion of written material waiting for me in my various classes, and the prospect of tackling the daunting English requirements scared me into buying this book for $13.17 on Amazon. I’m glad I did.
Wilbers relies heavily on Strunk and White’s Elements of Style to answer the question, “What are the keys to great writing?”
Before he begins to answer this question, Wilbers starts his book with a quote by nineteenth-century English critic Matthew Arnold: “People think I can teach them style. What stuff it is. Have something to say and say it as clearly as you can. That is the only secret of style.” And that is the crux of this book. Wilbers wants writers to find something to say, say it clearly, and say it well.
I’m not a big fan of grammar because it bores me. Simple sentences, complex sentences, compound-complex sentences, participial phrases, subordinate clauses, summative modifiers–who cares? Terms are terms. I’ve sat through grammar classes and I’ve tried to get excited about appositives and prepositions, but I have to be honest, I find math classes more exciting. And I hate math.
But Wilbers brings grammar to life. In just 250 pages, the author covers a wide array of techniques any writer can apply, whether you are writing a research paper, a business report, or the next best-selling novel.
Keys to Great Writing is neatly organized into three main sections:
In part one, Wilbers discusses the keys to great writing. He delves into the techniques surrounding economy, precision, action, music, and personality.
In part two, Wilbers outlines the elements of good composition. He covers the purpose, the point of view, organization, support, and coherence.
In part three, Wilbers concludes his book with a section on drafting and revising, as well as an useful discussion on the writing process. He includes a glossary of grammatical terms, a checklist to follow while writing, a checklist for proofreading, and a recommended reading list.
Overall, different writers struggle in different areas. I struggle with specificity. I’m often too vague. The following passage on precision really stuck with me once I read it:
“It would be difficult to explore some of the great themes in literature and philosophy without abstract words like truth, beauty, and goodness, but, as a rule, effective writing draws its energy from specificity, not from abstraction and generality. You are more likely to make a definite impression on your reader if you use specific, rather than abstract, words. Rather than ‘We were affected by the news,’ write ‘We were relieved by the news’ or ‘ We were devastated by the news.’ Use words that convey precisely and vividly what you are thinking or feeling.” – Keys to Great Writing, page 39.
Applying this technique injected my writing with a shot of adrenaline.
Maybe you don’t struggle with specificity. maybe you struggle with wordiness. Maybe your writing is dry, or maybe you have a hard time with structure and organization. Whatever your struggle, Wilbers provides an analysis of why you are struggling, and, more important, he shows you the side-by-side technique on how to improve it, and keep improving it.
Overall: 4.5/5 Stars
keystogreatKeys to Great Writing was recommended to me by a lawyer. He came to America from Egypt and told me this book helped him immeasurably. At the time, I was preparing to start a double major in history and English at college. Judging by my course outline, I knew I had a voluminous portion of written material waiting for me in my various classes, and the prospect of tackling the daunting English requirements scared me into buying this book for $13.17 on Amazon. I’m glad I did.
Wilbers relies heavily on Strunk and White’s Elements of Style to answer the question, “What are the keys to great writing?”
Before he begins to answer this question, Wilbers starts his book with a quote by nineteenth-century English critic Matthew Arnold: “People think I can teach them style. What stuff it is. Have something to say and say it as clearly as you can. That is the only secret of style.” And that is the crux of this book. Wilbers wants writers to find something to say, say it clearly, and say it well.
I’m not a big fan of grammar because it bores me. Simple sentences, complex sentences, compound-complex sentences, participial phrases, subordinate clauses, summative modifiers–who cares? Terms are terms. I’ve sat through grammar classes and I’ve tried to get excited about appositives and prepositions, but I have to be honest, I find math classes more exciting. And I hate math.
But Wilbers brings grammar to life. In just 250 pages, the author covers a wide array of techniques any writer can apply, whether you are writing a research paper, a business report, or the next best-selling novel.
Keys to Great Writing is neatly organized into three main sections:
In part one, Wilbers discusses the keys to great writing. He delves into the techniques surrounding economy, precision, action, music, and personality.
In part two, Wilbers outlines the elements of good composition. He covers the purpose, the point of view, organization, support, and coherence.
In part three, Wilbers concludes his book with a section on drafting and revising, as well as an useful discussion on the writing process. He includes a glossary of grammatical terms, a checklist to follow while writing, a checklist for proofreading, and a recommended reading list.
Overall, different writers struggle in different areas. I struggle with specificity. I’m often too vague. The following passage on precision really stuck with me once I read it:
“It would be difficult to explore some of the great themes in literature and philosophy without abstract words like truth, beauty, and goodness, but, as a rule, effective writing draws its energy from specificity, not from abstraction and generality. You are more likely to make a definite impression on your reader if you use specific, rather than abstract, words. Rather than ‘We were affected by the news,’ write ‘We were relieved by the news’ or ‘ We were devastated by the news.’ Use words that convey precisely and vividly what you are thinking or feeling.” – Keys to Great Writing, page 39.
Applying this technique injected my writing with a shot of adrenaline.
Maybe you don’t struggle with specificity. maybe you struggle with wordiness. Maybe your writing is dry, or maybe you have a hard time with structure and organization. Whatever your struggle, Wilbers provides an analysis of why you are struggling, and, more important, he shows you the side-by-side technique on how to improve it, and keep improving it.
Overall: 4.5/5 Stars
June 13, 2020
excellent inspiration
August 5, 2008
Keys to Great Writing
was a free offer with purchase of a Writer's Market membership in 2003. Stephen Wilbers' writing guide came with a handy Roget's Super Thesaurus, which I have also used often (but not abused) in my poetry, music articles, and reviews. There was a lot I skipped in this handy guide the first time I read it, but I'm making up for it now. It's proving to be a great copy editing guide. I have the original hardback version, and would gladly purchase the latest (2007) paperback edition for a lightweight reference when I travel. My Writer's Market guides are rarely open these days, but the bonus I thought would collect dust on my bookshelf has become an invaluable gift.
I don't pay much attention to advice from books about writing, unless it's a new version of Elements of Style - which Wilber makes early reference to, and which I highly recommend purchasing. Keys to Great Writing is the exception. From the beginning, it's an easy to read (and follow) guidebook. The practical and fun instructions had an immediate effect on my writing and editing. The same may be true for you.
Wilbers divides the book into three parts:
{part one} Keys to Great Writing covers the five keys, or basics, for writers of all levels (from students of creative writing to professionals seeking a refresher) - "Economy, Precision, Action, Music, and Personality";
{part two} Elements of Composition digs deeper, addressing the five elements of great writing - "Purpose, Point of View, Organization, Support, and Coherence";
{part three} Drafting and Revising reminds us that "The Writing Process" isn't over until we review what we've written and put advice into practice, step by step.
He skillfully engages the reader into putting the thoughtful suggestions into practice throughout, without overwhelming the reader.
Wilbers also skillfully weaves exercises into some of these practical steps using examples from some of the greatest writers of the twentieth century, like Langston Hughes and F. Scott Fitzgerald, renowned for their insightfully descriptive poetry and prose.
I highly recommend Stephen Wilbers' Keys to Great Writing to students of writing who are serious about improving their technique (or actually getting one), seasoned (published) writers who think their writing could improve, and everyone who writes.
I don't pay much attention to advice from books about writing, unless it's a new version of Elements of Style - which Wilber makes early reference to, and which I highly recommend purchasing. Keys to Great Writing is the exception. From the beginning, it's an easy to read (and follow) guidebook. The practical and fun instructions had an immediate effect on my writing and editing. The same may be true for you.
Wilbers divides the book into three parts:
{part one} Keys to Great Writing covers the five keys, or basics, for writers of all levels (from students of creative writing to professionals seeking a refresher) - "Economy, Precision, Action, Music, and Personality";
{part two} Elements of Composition digs deeper, addressing the five elements of great writing - "Purpose, Point of View, Organization, Support, and Coherence";
{part three} Drafting and Revising reminds us that "The Writing Process" isn't over until we review what we've written and put advice into practice, step by step.
He skillfully engages the reader into putting the thoughtful suggestions into practice throughout, without overwhelming the reader.
Wilbers also skillfully weaves exercises into some of these practical steps using examples from some of the greatest writers of the twentieth century, like Langston Hughes and F. Scott Fitzgerald, renowned for their insightfully descriptive poetry and prose.
I highly recommend Stephen Wilbers' Keys to Great Writing to students of writing who are serious about improving their technique (or actually getting one), seasoned (published) writers who think their writing could improve, and everyone who writes.
May 5, 2010
A great book for anyone that would like to improve their writing. Stephen Wilbers walks us through researched techniques and tips that will enable you to communicate more effectively with written word. He also challenges the reader with exercises dispersed at the end of each chapter that allow you to practice these techniques as you go.
Writing is one of the four ways we communicate and therefore I recommend this book as an excellent tool for improvement.
Writing is one of the four ways we communicate and therefore I recommend this book as an excellent tool for improvement.
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March 24, 2010Very good on writing. It talks about how to structure sentences, how to give emphasis, and how to edit. The examples are good. However, the materials are presented in a manner more technical than I would have preferred. The book could have been written in a lighter style.
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