Have you ever received good advice from a trusted friend, knew it was something you should do, and totally ignored it anyway? If you are anything like me, it happens. There are always reasons for it. For me, most of the time, I just get impatient. Some ridiculous timer goes off in my head and I leap forward.
When I first started writing, a good friend suggested that I re-read Strunk and White’s The Elements of Style. It had been quite a long time since I last read it, probably way back in law school. I had fond memories of the book, but I acted impulsively, jumping in with two feet, without getting re-acquainted with Strunk and White’s words of wisdom.
It was a mistake. I strongly suggest, encourage, plead, counsel, advise, and sincerely hope that you won’t make the same tragic error. There are plenty of books on writing out there, and I have read a few of them. The Elements of Style is the best. Even though it was penned over fifty years ago, its advice is still timeless and essential.
Unlike other books on writing, Strunk and White spare us the usual blather about the author’s view on life, his or her first love, or how he or she was always picked last for the baseball team. The Elements of Style is short---only 105 pages. You will be able to read it in a few sittings. Please do and arm yourself with the tools needed to start writing.
Jeff Altabef, author of the thriller Fourteenth Colony - http://www.amazon.com/Fourteenth-Colony-ebook/dp/B00C2D97OS/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=1...
PS I am conducting a book signing on Saturday July 13th at the Tarrytown Farmers Market from 8:30 until 1:00. Usually half of my proceeds go to the Covenant House, but for this event, all of my proceeds will go to them. Come over and say hi!
