This book provides a very different perspective on how to write. It focuses on those who are writing fiction. But there is also a lot here for those of us in the business world. In fact, within these pages I found inspiration for my blog that is focused on internal auditors – thoughts about how we internal auditors might write better reports. Seems a stretch for what this book first looks to be, but it worked.

In a way, there is a bit of a hodgepodge. The author, one sentence at a time, works through a lot of different subjects. Much of it focused on sentences and even word use. But it also spends time talking about the reader, reviewing and revising, and finishing what you write.

And then, about three-quarters of the way through, there is a left turn. First, an analysis of some paragraphs by famous writers, e.g. George, Orwell, John Cheever, and Joan Didion. The reader is asked to read these critically, then follow the author as he does a quick analysis with additional questions. Next, is a section called “Some Practical Problems” where actual snippets from students are reviewed and analyzed.

This is such a quick turn that it is a bit off-putting. I understand the role of the analysis of great writers’ writing. What makes it great; and where might it actually need work. But this doesn’t fit with everything else going on, and I didn’t find it that helpful.

However, while, at first, I questioned all the practical problems, I eventually realized the value. And I found what I learned in that section permeating my writing. (Hopefully, making it better.)

In spite of the abrupt changes, this is a valuable book that provides insight in the writing process and is worth many revisits. The greatest compliment I can pay any book is this – I have a large number of dog-eared pages with underlined passages. The implication is that there is value to which is worth returning ( )

A few things hit home. Like trusting your readers and not dumbing things down for them. Breaking out of the templates you were handed in school. And at the end, he actually goes through a bunch of sentences and explains what's wrong with them in layman terms. Hardly anyone does this in 'How to Write' books, though it seems requisite.

The only thing I really disagree with is the turning over of sentences in your head until you get them perfect before writing them down. He gives his reasons. I just disagree. The hardest thing about writing is just... writing. So throwing up on the paper is fine as long as you get it down. I would rather have a so-so short story completed that I never have time to revise to perfection, than nothing but the first two perfect paragraphs of said story. I rant.

Overall, would recommend as there are plenty of ideas to pick and choose from. Not that it matters to anyone, but I listened to the Audible Audiobook, though that edition was not listed. ( )

On the cover of this book, there is a blurb from the New York Journal of Books: “Best book on writing. Ever.”

It’s an excellent example of the Klinkenborg’s advocacy for the power of short sentences. Even if it is, perhaps, a bit hyperbolic.

This is a book I am going to read again. I think it will take a second and third reading to maximize the potential benefits.

Klinkenborg offers a philosophy of writing and it is a lot to absorb in one reading.

One of his main points is that aspiring writers write too soon. They’re too anxious to get something on the page. Even if it sucks. He counsels that writers should have more patience. Think about each sentence, don’t put something down as a placeholder so you can get on to the next sentence.

I’ve been trying to do that. Spend less time stressing on number of words and more time thinking about what it is I’m trying to accomplish.

When I win some major writing award. Or secure an agent. Or find a publisher. I’ll let you know if his ideas have helped.

It is probably a truism that we tend to like books and essays where we agree with the author, so I’m not sure everyone will love this books as much as I did. But I did.

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To be dipped into as needed. I use the book as a refresher and a pick me up. Super smart and matter-of-fact. ( )

An interesting and useful book that, despite its brevity, is too long.

The affectation of short lines (each sentence is its own paragraph) makes it difficult to read, even though it is not a difficult book.

There are some beautiful sentences in the book. My copy is thick with underlining.

The book is for a college-level writer who has been taught to outline, to develop an idea logically with clear transitions, know her audience and the conventions of her genre, and be aware of where she is going from the first sentence. Klinkenborg will have none of that: You should start with the first sentence and go on from there, he says. And then, "Out of all the possibilities created by the first sentence, / Make a second sentence, full of possibilities, even disconnected ones." (102)

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