I hate to admit this, but I rarely get an original idea. That's bad for a writer.
However, I've got lots of paperback friends who help me sound smarter. They're the seven reference texts I keep on top of my desk. Here they are, and why each one means so much to me.
1. Dictionary ? And old teacher once told me, "If you don't know the meaning, look it up." Sound advice. My desk copy is "Webster's New World Dictionary."
2. Thesaurus ? I'm always looking for a different way to say things, and this text helps me a lot. It's called "Roget's College Thesaurus."
3. Idiom reference ? People often use a common idiom or clich?' to clarify what they say. I keep the "Scholastic Dictionary of Idioms" next to my keyboard.
4. Dictionary of synonyms ? The one I use is "The Merriam-Webster Pocket Dictionary of Synonyms."
5. Encyclopedia ? To quickly find details on historical figures or products, I consult a great single volume paperback called "The New American Desk Encyclopedia."
6. Quotations ? A quote from an expert can add impact to a speech or report. The book I use is "The International Thesaurus of Quotations" by Rhoda Thomas Tripp.
7. Idea generator ? Well, this sounds self-serving, but I often use my own book to give me ideas for first paragraphs, transitional sentences, and conclusions. That book is "Words That Stick" by Rix Quinn.
Rix Quinn writes a weekly syndicated humor column, and develops writing workshops for schools, colleges, and business groups. His book "Words That Stick" is available from http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/asin/1580085768/qid/
Wood Dale Chicago prom limo .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareComplaint letters aren't always fun, but sometimes they need to... Read More
All sales begin with some form of advertising whether it's... Read More
If your writing muscle isn't in shape, writing a novel... Read More
(excerpted from the "How to Use a Journal" audio series... Read More
Creating written documents reveals so much about you and your... Read More
Rejection. This scary word plagues virtually every writer this side... Read More
Whether you are writing a magazine article, composing a press... Read More
Creative Writing Tips ?How we usually begin the preparation stage... Read More
Connectors -- conjunctions, punctuation, and transitional phrases -- allow readers... Read More
There is a psychological nuisance so powerful that can deflate... Read More
1. What Is A Premise?A premise is the point you... Read More
Writing is a muscle that needs exercise to stay in... Read More
In large publishing houses, many manuscripts penned by first-time authors,... Read More
If you are a serious writer who wants to publish... Read More
As a child, I loved to write. I can't remember... Read More
Nothing is more daunting for any writer than having to... Read More
The dash--that curious mark of punctuation people use in their... Read More
When I first started tracking the information preferences of people... Read More
Your query letter can be a deal maker or a... Read More
Every morning I excitedly get out of bed. Just a... Read More
A well-punctuated approach letter may make the difference between acceptance... Read More
"No one will ever know who I am, I'm a... Read More
As an editorial professional, I'm sure you're aware of the... Read More
Peter Mayle was born in England in 1939.His fascination with... Read More
Why should you consider creating a memoir of your personal... Read More
Antigo wedding limo ..I recently read a book where everything was akimbo. Arms... Read More
Day after day, writers tend to sit for hours writing... Read More
These are some of the snapshots I carry with me:... Read More
'Talent is cheaper than table salt. What separates the talented... Read More
Everybody knows writing a story is not easy. Like the... Read More
Weather posting a page to your Website, writing a letter... Read More
As in all endeavors, toil is necessary to succeed and... Read More
Creative Writing Tips ?For a theme to work and the... Read More
Being a great writer is no longer enough if you... Read More
Most people can easily identify with the dreaded "writer's block".... Read More
How to Come Up with Fresh Story Ideas When Your... Read More
Dave, I just got a contract for a book... Read More
We all need a cheer squad.We all need people to... Read More
Good writing requires self-examination. Why is one writing? What part... Read More
If you're getting rejections from your submissions, please don't quit... Read More
Peter Abrahams is the author of thirteen novels, including "The... Read More
Kallu was a tenant of Santosh Kumar Nayak. Santosh Kumar... Read More
Have you ever written a letter to a friend? Ever... Read More
Writers are notorious collectors of slips of paper. They tear... Read More
Most writers are familiar with first and third points of... Read More
The big question. Do you submit directly to the publishers,... Read More
What is a prologue? When should you use one? Should... Read More
You can make a lot of money by writing and... Read More
Have you ever wondered why some people can make millions... Read More
1. SECRETS TO SUCCESS2. MAKING A POWERFUL FIRST IMPRESSION3. AVOID... Read More
Writing |