Tag: writing instruction

Book Review: The Elements of Style

The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Every writer should have a copy of The Elements of Style on their bookshelf. You will find it the most useful book on composition ever written. I do not say that lightly either. I am not sure how I, a senior English and Writing: Creative Writing major, had never heard of it until recently, but I suppose Providence has its own timing. Ever since I got serious about my writing, I have devoured every writing book I find. If you are serious about cleaning up your prose and grammar, this book is for you! Seriously, where has this book been all my life?

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Like most readers, I devour reviews, and I can see most reviewers learned of Strunk and White, in freshmen English. I only learned of this book because a professor recommended it to me privately. Thank God she did, because this book is amazing. I like that it is short, contrite, and practical, because unfortunately, most composition books are replete with an author’s opinion on writing. I like that element with other books, but sometimes the writer just needs to see what they are looking for, apply it, and get back to their process. I promise The Elements of Style will be a great addition to your library. I would consider it an essential book for any writers’ toolkit.

I can see, now, why many authors revere Strunk and White’s, The Elements of Style as their holy book. I have fallen in line with the crowd here; I am converted. I will use this book for the rest of my life. I, also, purchased the workbook in order to build on my improvement, and study the style of the masters: Victor Hugo, Jane Austen, F.Scott Fitzgerald, and others.

I recommend this book to both the novice and expert writer.

What about you? What Style books do you recommend I read? Comment Below.

View all my reviews

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Writing Point of View

Every story has a beating pulse, and is told through the eyes of the character’s heart. Deciding which point of view best fits your writing project is critical. There are two basic point of views in creative writing: First-Person and Third-Person.

First-Person POV

Strengths of First-Person:

  • Widely considered to be easier to write than Third-Person.
  • Traditionally, the entire story is told through the eyes of one character.
  • Readers become a “friend” of the character.
  • It is possible to capture the character’s unique voice.

Weaknesses of First-Person:

  • Limited perspective
  • No intimate and internal look at other characters in the story. The reader can only guess at their motives and thoughts.
  • If you think in terms of camera (POV), there is no way to move perspective to the other characters.

Examples of popular novels told via First-Person would be: Outlander Series and the Hunger Games series.

Third-Person POV

I prefer to write Third-Person.

Strengths of Third-Person:

  • Story is told through the eyes of several characters.
  • It is much easier to find depth and intimacy.
  • Complete freedom of storytelling.
  • Because the story can be told through several characters, it is possible to get a deep internal look at several different motives and thoughts.

Weaknesses of Third-Person:

  • This is a big weakness: Limited time allowed with any one character.

Examples of popular novels told via Third-Person would be: Pride and Prejudice and the Harry Potter series.

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Thoughts

POV is critical. Whichever one you elect to use; you must stick with it throughout the story. You cannot bounce between First and Third-Persons. That is the kind of writing editors burn and never bother to respond to your manuscript.

If you are writing Third-Person, and the scene you are in comes from character A’s POV, then you cannot relay what character B feels or thinks.

I will provide you an elementary example:

Wrong: Jason glared at his boyfriend across the table. Pierre hated spaghetti.

Correct: Jason glared at his boyfriend across the table. Pierre looked like he hated the spaghetti.

Notice how the first example bounced between characters? That is bad writing, but the second sentence, does it right, keeps the scene being told by Jason.

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A great deal of writing style is subjective, but this is one rule that cannot be violated. No matter what POV you choose to tell your story, you have to stick with it.

To my followers,

I am expecting, any day now, the arrival of our new baby girl. The due date is fast approaching. I would be grateful for good vibes and prayers. If my daughter is indeed born within the next few days, please do not be surprised if I do not post next week. We are excited to welcome her whenever she decides to come, lol.

Fortunately, school does not start back till January 18th, so by grace I have an adjustment period. If anyone thinks going to school full-time, watching a child all day, and keeping up the house, inside and out, is easy, they are insane. I have never been so busy, and once our second is born, I will be even more pressed, but I love it and very much would not wish for a different life. I am happy.

-God bless.