The Connell Guide to How to Write Well

by Tim de Lisle, Jolyon Connell (Editor), Paul Woodward (Editor)

What’s the secret of a stylish essay, or story, or email? How do you make your sentences sparkle? In this slim volume, a leading editor who is also a pop critic and sportswriter shows how much fun you can have while sharpening your pen. In a few breezy chapters, Tim de Lisle hands you the keys to good how to be clear, concise and vivid. He rattles through the basics of grammar and punctuation, reveals the tricks that will bring your writing alive, and steers you round the rocks of self-consciousness. Along the way, he quotes dozens of great lines, from Shakespeare to Caitlin Moran. ‘Writing,’ he says, ‘is like dancing, in that you can tell instantly if someone is good at it. But it’s also like driving, in that it can be learnt.’ Spend a couple of hours with this book, and you’ll learn things that will help you for years to come.

Genres: Writing

Kindle Edition

Published June 6, 2017

Reviews

[Khira · Rating 5 out of 5]

I re-read this book recently and for me it still stands out as one of the better books on writing. The title is a little misleading - it is not 'all you need to know'. In fact, it is a fairly short, easy-to-read summary of the fundamentals with examples.

The reason I love it so much is that it is inspiring and optimistic. It calls for everyone to write, in whatever shape or form, as much as they can - and to enjoy the process!

I have seen too many books on writing that drip with disdain for the lesser mortals. One of the memorable quotes that comes to mind is, 'If you haven't already learnt it, it's too late'. Why? Is there an age limit on learning? Alternatively, the authors provide lengthy extracts from the works of literary giants and say, 'See, this is how it's done, do that.' Not particularly helpful, sorry.

This book doesn't do any of that. Instead, it explains, discusses, motivates and lifts the spirits. I highly recommend it to anyone on their writing journey.

[Fiona Ayerst · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great little book. Concise and clear but probably more helpful to those starting with writing or as a primer for those studying English that is not their first language. I borrowed it from a library, but it might be a book worth owning for those starting out in writing.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was great fun to read and as a bonus I learned some very interesting things about writing, or even about reading. Some things, like English grammar were of course not new, but they've been presented in a new and easy to understand way.
de Lisle quotes many people, writers and journalist and by reading those quotes and de Lisle's comments I wished the day would have double the hours to catch up with those he presented.
Two things from the book were new to me; I did not know that 'Good bye' comes from 'God be with you' and I have not heard about the six words story challenge won by Hemingway with:
For sale, baby shoes, never worn.
These six words will haunt me for a long time....

[E. p · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fact this is not only the first review but also on a book about writing well, makes me really feel the pressure.

It was short, entertaining, and informative- so a good book. It took the fundamentals, refreshed them, and then took them one step further. The author was always using examples and there were exercises sprinkled throughout, which was helpful.

[I also control the wind,sir · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great stuff