2006-12-20 19:03:57 · 10 answers · asked by IRunWithScissors 3 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Books & Authors
"On Writing Well" is one I found very helpful. by William Zinsser
http://www.amazon.com/Writing-Well-Classic-Guide-Nonfiction/dp/0062735233
That's for non-fiction. For fiction, Stephen King has written one that many people recommend (although I haven't read it) called "On Writing."
http://www.amazon.com/Writing-Stephen-King/dp/0671024256/sr=1-5/qid=1166691170/ref=sr_oe_5_2/102-5087809-5808107?ie=UTF8&s=books
Yet, if that's not what you are looking for, if you click the "Explore Similar Items" on those Amazon pages, maybe that can lead you to what you're really after.
2006-12-20 19:54:43 · answer #1 · answered by Globetrotter 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's an old-school book, but The Lively Art of Writing is pretty amazing if you'd like to improve your persuasive writing skills, grammar, organization, essay-writing, etc.
I haven't read it yet, but Francine Prose's Reading Like a Writer is definitely on my books-to-read list.
Basically, though, I think any book/story/poem/newspaper will help you improve your writing. Even the terribly written stuff will help you see, at the very least, what's bad. Read books you enjoy, read classics and new books, read books that broke conventions, read anything you can get your hands on.
Good luck!
2006-12-21 03:36:07 · answer #2 · answered by Jess 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could try wrting something join a yahoo group and post it. Ppl there will help you with your mistakes. If not start on Fan fiction and work from there. Pll will point out your mistakes and you'll know how good you are from the respons you get. It's a good experiance, better than reading some self help book coz you're doing it your self and you'll find a method you are comfortable with.
2006-12-21 03:22:29 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
there's a good book i read in a book store about writing and it said something like, "If you really want to write, put this book down, grab a pen and paper or your laptop and start writing! Writing! Writing."
Unfortunately I don't remember the title of that book, since i put it down soon after and decided to write rather than read something. heheheheh.
Rather than reading something, try to post your writing in websites such as fictionpress.com and people will read your work.
2006-12-21 05:49:09 · answer #4 · answered by darkiepadmae 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you are asking for a book that can help guide you:
For this there is one book above all others, it is called "Story",
and it is a wonderful literary guide. At least enough to get you started.
2006-12-21 03:39:48 · answer #5 · answered by christ 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
On Writing Well by William Zinsser. It is a guide to writing non-fiction, but can be applied to fiction as well.
2006-12-21 06:33:15 · answer #6 · answered by Barbiq 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
lord of the Ring. Best book ever
2006-12-21 03:06:08 · answer #7 · answered by KO 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oh, c'mon! LoTR is written horribly! Try James Joyce: "Ulysses" and use elements of his writing style in your own.
2006-12-21 03:12:17 · answer #8 · answered by dane 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"Book smarts" is only a third of the answer. PRACTCE, PRACTICE, PRATICE. WRITE!! Then and only then will you become proficient at WRITING. GOOD LUCK.
2006-12-21 04:21:24 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Harry potter series helped me alot...I get excellant grades now because i have read them....If you read it you'll get addicted to it though...
Trust me you'll love it...
2006-12-21 03:12:07 · answer #10 · answered by flower353 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋