Amazon.com
The world is divided into two types of people: those who wince when they see the words Canadian geese in print, and those who don't. If you are the former, or if you are the latter working for the former, the The Associated Press Stylebook and Libel Manual provides invaluable assistance when you need to get your Canada geese all in a row. Countless newspapers and other publications base their style guides on this manual. The entries are arranged alphabetically and include issues of spelling, punctuation (there is no period in Dr Pepper), grammar, abbreviation, capitalization (Popsicle and Dumpster are, tollhouse cookies aren't), hyphenation (none, surprisingly, in ball point pen), and frequently misused words. There are also longer discussions of things such as Arabic names, chess notation, weather terms, and religious movements. Plus you'll find separate sections on sports writing, business writing, libel, and copyright.
Book Description
Fully revised and updated, the essential handbook for all writers, editors, students, and public relations specialists.
More people write for the Associated Press than for any newspaper in the world, and writers have bought more copies of The AP Stylebook than of any other journalism reference. With this essential guide in hand, any writer can learn to communicate with the clarity and professionalism for which the Associated Press is famous. Fully revised and updated, this edition contains over 5,000 A to Z entries--including more than 50 new ones--laying out the AP's rules on grammar, spelling, punctuation, capitalization, abbreviation, and word and numeral usage. Comprehensive and easy to use, The AP Stylebook provides the facts and references necessary to write accurately about the world today: correct names of countries and organizations, Internet language and search techniques, language to avoid, common trademarks, and the unique guidelines for business and sports reporting. The final word on media law, The AP Stylebook also includes an invaluable section dedicated to crucial advice on how writers can guard against libel and copyright infringement. The veritable "journalist's bible," this is the one reference that working writers cannot afford to be without.
With more than 50 new entries plus updates of more than 100 others, The AP Stylebook includes such features as:
* An A to Z listing of guides to capitalization, abbreviation, spelling, numerals, and usage
* Internet guidelines
* Sports guidelines and style
* Business guidelines and style
* A guide to punctuation
* Supreme Court decisions regarding libel law
* Summary of First Amendment rules
* The right of privacy
* Copyright guidelines
* Proofreaders' marks
Customer Reviews:
Wouldn't write without it.......2007-07-28
Also know as the AP style guide, this book should be every copywriter's and journalist's bookshelf. This is the definitive guide to punctuation, grammar and writing style for magazine and newspaper articles as well as most business writing. And it is vastly different from the style of writing most of us learned in school, which follows the Chicago Manual of Style. If you are thinking about writing for magazines or newspapers, or starting a copywriting business, you absolutely must get a copy of this.
Good Introduction to AP Style.......2007-07-07
I bought this book because I had a client that used the AP Style in their marketing communication and all outgoing documentation had to be reviewed using the AP Style. Being a technical writer, I had not used the AP Style before. Now I have a better understanding of why words are used the way they are in a newspaper. However, about 20% of the AP Style does not apply to technical writing.
AP Stylebook.......2007-05-29
A must have for all print designers. Great reference material for graphic and web designers.
Wanna be a reporter? Duh........2007-02-25
If you aspire to have any sort of career in print or online journalism, you should not need a review to tell you that you need this book. Duh.
However, I am going to give this book only four stars because AP needs to stop being losers and end the silliness of capitalizing the word "Internet" or writing "website" as "Web site." It's dumb.
Great Resource.......2007-01-16
This is a great book for anyone, from an aspiring writer to the accomplished journalist. The information within is very valuable and very well organized.
Average customer rating:
- Basic Introduction to Sports Writing
|
Associated Press Sports Writing Handbook
Steve Wilstein
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 General
| Photography
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
Job Hunting & Careers
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
| General
| Guides
| Interviewing
| Job Hunting
| Job Markets & Advice
| Resumes
| Vocational Guidance
| Volunteer Work
Academic & Commercial
| Writing
| Reference
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Writing
| Reference
| Subjects
| Books
Journalism
| Writing
| Reference
| Subjects
| Books
Newspapers & Magazines
| Writing
| Reference
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Reference
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Foreign Languages
| Reference
| Subjects
| Books
Journalism
| Miscellaneous
| Sports
| Subjects
| Books
Photography
| Miscellaneous
| Sports
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Sports
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Library & Information Science
| Social Sciences
| Nonfiction
| Subjects
| Books
Look Inside Business Books
| Trip
| Specialty Stores
| Books
Look Inside Nonfiction Books
| Trip
| Specialty Stores
| Books
Look Inside Reference Books
| Trip
| Specialty Stores
| Books
Look Inside Sports Books
| Trip
| Specialty Stores
| Books
All Titles
| Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007
| Stores
| Books
Arts & Photography
| Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007
| Stores
| Books
Business & Investing
| Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007
| Stores
| Books
Nonfiction
| Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007
| Stores
| Books
Reference
| Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007
| Stores
| Books
Similar Items:
-
Sports Writing: A Beginner's Guide
-
Real Sports Reporting
-
The Best American Sports Writing of the Century
-
The Art of Sportscasting: How to Build a Successful Career
-
The Best American Sports Writing 2005 (The Best American Series)
ASIN: 0071372180 |
Book Description
Written by a veteran Associated Press sports writer, this handbook arms aspiring and working sports reporters, broadcasters, and photographers with exactly what they need to know to make it to the top in the glamorous and exciting world of sports journalism. With the help of dozens of fascinating and instructive quotes and war stories, contributed by heavy hitters like Dave Goldberg, Jim Litke, Alan Robinson, Joan Ryan, and other top AP sports reporters, the book tutors readers in the core techniques and methodology of sports writing, while at the same time exploring the important professional aspects of the business: how to get started and make a name for yourself; local, national, and feature writing; how the Internet is changing the face of sports writing; and where the business is headed over the next decade.
Download Description
This handbook arms aspiring and working sports reporters, broadcasters, and photographers with exactly what they need to know to make it to the top in the glamorous and exciting world of sports journalism.
Customer Reviews:
Basic Introduction to Sports Writing.......2007-07-11
This handbook is a very basic introduction to sports writing. It's written at what appears to be a junior high/high school level for kids looking at sportscasting as a career. I was expecting something a little more comprehensive, something along the lines of an MLA styleguide...But, then again, it is "just" sports writing. Doesn't take a genius, I guess!
Book Description
The revised edition of the Bible of the newspaper industry.
More people write for The Associated Press than for any newspaper in the world, and writers--nearly two million of them--have bought more copies of The AP Stylebook than of any other journalism reference. It provides facts and references for reporters, and defines usage, spelling, and grammar for editors. There are separate sections for journalists specializing in sports and business, and complete guidelines for how to write photo captions, file copy over the wire, proofread text, handle copyrights, and avoid libel. This edition of The AP Stylebook keeps pace with world events, common usage, and AP procedures.
Customer Reviews:
Benefits more than journalists.......2007-09-04
The title of this book might lead you to think this is just another grammar book--and one with only print journalists in mind. Not so! If you are looking for a guide that will ensure consistency in all of your corporate literature, I highly recommend this book and its companion "Bible," Webster's New World College Dictionary, Fourth Edition. Never again will you have to wonder whether to add a hyphen, capitalize a word or use an abbreviation. To me one of the main reasons why documents can look unprofessional is because writers don't apply consistency in style throughout corporate literature or even throughout the same piece. This book is the ultimate foundation for consistency, clarity and professionalism. And from here you can add your own "house styles," guidelines that are unique to your profession or business. The return on investment on this book is tremendous.
Associated Press Stylebook.......2007-08-23
This us a reference book. It doesn't need a review. It is excellent.
Book Description
WHEN WORDS COLLIDE is the most versatile grammar and usage handbook for beginning and continuing media writers. As a main text, the book is praised by students and professors for its straightforward, clear treatment of grammar, offered in a lighthearted, almost conversational tone. As a handbook, the text serves as a reference tool for students throughout their writing careers. It provides concise and clear explanations and examples, or a quick and accurate answer to a grammar or usage question. The unique 'from writer to writer' perspective engages students and guides them firsthand through the writing process.
Customer Reviews:
The Answer to Beginner Grammarians' Nightmares.......2004-04-09
This guide wittily walks its readers through the rules of English grammar, breaks down every principle, identifies the most common mistakes among writers and gives excellent insight on how to fix these errors. The last 37 pages (the Topical Guide to Grammar and Word Use) simply list every misconception or fallacy regarding word and punctuation misuse and give quick explanations on how to correct these frequent blunders. This book is an absolutely must for any undergraduate student and I recommend it to even the most professional grammarians. It should be considered beginner grammarians' Bible.
Great Grammar Guide for Everyone.......2001-03-30
This a great guide for all journalists or anyone who wants to use proper grammar and punctuation. This textbook is owned by every student in the journalism school where the two authors teach, which is where I first picked up this book. I've been working in PR for the last four years and have it sitting on my desk for reference whenever I want to know the proper use of underway vs. under way or bad vs. badly or some other frequently misused words and punctuation.
A great, clear, easy guide to grammar rules,tricks and info........1998-10-17
This book changed my life! I took a class in college from tbe author and this was the textbook. I have been in advertising and marketing for the past 12 years and I use this book all the time. It's so easy to use and the info is really clear.
The best part is a guide at tbe back that explains the distinctions between commonly misused words. For Example: farther/further (farther--physical distance-throw the ball farther and further --degree,time or quanity - discuss the issue further); since/because (since -- denotes a period of time -it's been many years since we've been together and because gives a reason or cause); irregardless(isn't a word) etc. I recommend this book to everyone--it's great.
Book Description
A professional journalist shows students how to write hard-hitting news stories and attention-getting feature articles for newspapers and magazines.
Customer Reviews:
A Good Introduction.......2007-03-21
Though this is hardly a definitive source for article writing, HOW TO WRITE ARTICLES FOR NEWSPAPERS AND MAGAZINES by Dawn Sova is certainly a worthy introduction to the craft. IN less than 100 pages, Sova presents a fast paced guide taking the reader from start to finish. Along the way, the perspective writer will find such information as a sample query letter, constructing an effective lead and even grammatical advice.
This brief introduction is well written and easy to understand. It contains practical advice that will surely help aspiring writers. Short on depth, but that is to be expected from such a small introduction. The back cover states the book is "perfect for amateurs and seasoned professionals" but I believe seasoned professionals might find it a bit too basic.
Great Book for Beginners.......2007-03-01
I just finished reading this book about a week ago. It's a fast read packed with a lot of helpful info for any freelance writer who wants to write for magazines or newspapers. I buy a lot of books on freelance writing, and this one is one of the better ones I've read.
Another book with inflated amazon.com reviews.......2004-03-20
This book isn't terrible, but it's hardly authoritative. It's a straight rehashing of the basics of newswriting, no doubt taken mostly from journalism textbooks. The advice isn't bad, but it's given with little flair, and the writing examples (from the author's own clips) are dull and uninspiring.
It's like an extended high school report -- the author is obviously not an expert on the subject, and she pieced together information from better books to make this one. But even on those terms, the book doesn't succeed, because the advice is spotty and unconvincing.
Write, Edit, Revise and Rewrite..........2004-01-29
...The golden rule of writing. This book is short, sweet and to the point, easily read and digested. The title explains exactly what you get. If you're an aspiring magazine writer, get it.
A little powerhouse full of great instruction for writers!.......2001-07-12
I picked this little (113 page book) up at the library and thought it might be of passing interest. I never thought such a little book could be packed with so much great information! I started out reading this book with a little post-it note pad next to me, figuring I would put a couple little notes on a few interesting pages, make some notes, then be done with the book. Well, now the book has a million little post-it notes in it and I think it's time to buy my own copy! Here are few chapter headings: Getting started (generating ideas & focusing on the subject), gathering information (fact vs. opinion, observation, interview, etc.), writing the effective article lead ...there are 10 useful chapters in all. They are written clearly and to the point -- no fluff here to fill in pages. One truly useful item in the book is a sample query letter (for an article). This is a great little book! Now I think I'll buy my own copy -- maybe you should too!
Book Description
This latest volume in Rockport's Workbook series, Publication Design Workbook is packed with information regarding the ins and outs of publication design. The media featured includes magazines, literature systems, newsletters, exhibition catalogs, annual reports, newspapers, and retail catalogs. Both current and historical approaches are provided to give readers a complete background on design style, application, and techniques involved in creating effective publications.
Readers will develop a clear understanding of publication design through a comprehensive and accessible workshop-style format. Fundamentals of form and content are included, along with diagrams to further textual understanding. This is the most complete book for designers on applied publication design principles combined with an awe-inspiring collection of the best work from around the world.
Customer Reviews:
Best Real-World Examples.......2006-10-15
I blame Amazon for this horrible problem I have with buying gillions of design books...most are good references but not really day-2-day tools and inspiration...in my lastest order, got this book and RIGHT AWAY I was stoked with the samples and the dogma presented. YIPPEE!
Nice but..........2006-06-27
As with other books by Samara (e.g. Typography Workbook), this one is filled with beautiful and relevant examples. My only gripe would be that... the type used for the main text is too light and hard to read! - which kind of contradicts the subject? :-/
Needs a Glossary.......2006-06-17
As an introduction to publication design the book is good.
The only criticism I have is that there is no glossary or even an index. There are some places in the book where a term is introduced before it's been described so at times I was wondering if I'd missed something. The term is eventually described, usually a couple of paragraphs or sometimes pages later, so if you're not reading the book from beginning to end it can be difficult to find the place where a term is described.
The book does not offer an exhaustive treatment of design principles and I will buy other books to learn more, but it's been a helpful introduction.
REVIEW.......2006-03-21
This book is great. I'm not even finshed with it yet and already I've learned a lot. It's full of usefull tips that I never learned in school. It is a wlecome contrast to the many industry books that show you lot of examples but no explanations for the principles behind the design. I would highly recommend this book.
Book Description
This highly anticipated update of the Writer's Digest Handbook of Magazine Article Writing builds off the excellent reputation the first edition enjoys with more of the great information readers have come to expect.
With original material as well as articles taken from the pages of Writer's Digest, the leading authority in the field, this book is the only resource readers need for all of their questions on how to:
* Brainstorm creative article ideas magazine editors will find irresistible
* Find the right magazine for their work
* Compose a professional, sophisticated query letter that catches the editor's eye
* Keep editors coming back for more (get repeat assignments from magazines)
This book is the writer's treasure map to the lucrative field of magazine writing!
Customer Reviews:
Writer's Digest Of Magazine Article Writing.......2007-04-07
This book gave me even more valuable information than I anticipated. I recommend it for anyone who may want to write and get published in magazines.
Essential resource for freelancers.......2006-07-04
The "Writer's Digest Handbook of Magazine Article Writing" takes information from a wide variety of highly successful freelance writers and edits it together into a seamless instructional manual. It starts off with a discussion of finding ideas that addresses more than inspiration--it delves into methods to find topics that will sell. "Querying" and "Finding Markets" teach you to pick markets for your work and get assignments from them. "Selling Reprints and Rewrites" and "Business and Rights-Related Issues" help you to understand what your work is worth to whom, and how to make sure it remains worth as much as possible to you.
"Researching" and "Interviewing" get you through the information-gathering phase, which can take longer than the actual writing. "Avoiding Problems" helps you to avoid accidental plagiarism and similar legal problems. "Writing Techniques and Revision" deals with general issues of writing magazine articles, while "How to Write Common Articles" delves into specifics on article types such as profiles, roundups, how-to articles, service journalism, art-of-living articles, and even pieces for children's magazines. "Working With an Editor" shepherds you through the relationships that will make or break your career.
Because the book gets into so many specifics (there's even a sidebar on writing book reviews!) regarding particular article types and so on, you're likely to find it useful even if you've already done some magazine freelancing. It's so helpful to know all the little rules of thumb and instructions regarding different types of articles, not to mention what editors are looking for and get the least of in their submission piles.
The chapter on working with editors presents particularly valuable information in a remarkably even-handed and balanced format. It presents a number of ways to maintain a good relationship with your editor, and these tips are useful and specific. A "damage control" section is included, since everyone runs into trouble now and then despite the best of intentions. There's information on "problem editors" to watch out for and how to best work with (or avoid) them, as well as types of writers that editors hate to find themselves working with and how you can avoid being one of these writers.
Quotes from freelancers and editors liven things up and bring a personal touch to the book. Clear, bulleted lists of helpful points are balanced by enough detail to make sure that you can figure out what you're doing in specific circumstances. The information presented is broad enough to be applicable to any sort of magazine freelancer, and specific enough to be applicable to every sort of magazine freelancer.
Book Description
This practical handbook is the ideal writing style guide for all reporters, writers, editors, and English and journalism students. It covers all the essentials of good news writing, according to the styles and guidelines set forth by the Associated Press -- with lively examples from today's newspapers. This authoritative guide includes:
Professional advice about crafting a good feature story
In-depth reviews of important principles in news writing
Expert guidance on writing concise, informative copy, source citations, and more.
Clear and instructive discussions of specialized styles.
Customer Reviews:
This author is the epitome of witty.......2005-03-28
Even if you're not interested in journalism - if all that you're looking for is a fun read - then pick up this book. He takes examples of good work and explains why it's good, as well as poor work and points out the deficiencies in a way this is both entertaining and enlightening. I don't agree with all of his opinions, but I very much enjoyed the book nonetheless.
Good Resource.......2004-12-09
As a college journalism minor, I found a lot of information in this book.
When the author makes the case for using "said" to attribute quotes, it does make writing the quotes into the story much easier. However, I don't like using the same word over and over again, but that's a personal thing. I do like how it makes it easier to decide how to give credit for a quote though, less guess work on the part of the writer.
The "Mixed Metaphor" section of the book was great for evaluating my personal writing.
The examples in the book are pretty good articles. I really liked "Churubusco's All Round Nice Guy". I read the story and thought that it was a little reminiscent of Anna Quindlan's style of writing, especially in her piece "Homeless".
Had I not needed this book for my journalism class, I most likely would not have bought it. However, I think that it is a good resource for those who write.
How to avoid an attack of The Elongated Yellow Fruit.......2004-05-26
"The Associated Press Guide to News Writing" makes more points in 136 pages than do most writing books four times the size. One would expect no less from a master news editor like Rene Chappon. The formula Cappon follows is to write a very brief explanation of a problem; an example of the problem; a sentence dissecting the example; a rewriting of the problem sentence; and a summary of the topic. The result is almost always memorable. Consider this typical section on The Elegant Variation (capitalized words below are italicized in the original):
***
Writers who believe that the repetition of plain words within shouting distance of each other is crude take off on synonym safaris.... It's all the more grotesque as there are few true synonyms and the author may introduce misfits:
"The mayor's task force was asked to meet with the owners of the STRUCTURES, discuss whether they wanted their BUILDINGS preserved, and recommend ways to adapt older EDIFICES to new use."
STRUCTURES could be anything and EDIFICES is too grandiose; the story concerns commercial and apartment buildings. If the author didn't want to repeat BUILDINGS, a pronoun was the way out:
"...to meet with the owners of the buildings, discuss whether they wanted THEM preserved, and recommend ways to adapt the older ones to new uses."
The same craving for daintiness will convert elephants to PACHYDERMS, dogs to CANINES, cats to FELINES, tigers to STRIPED PREDATORS and cars to VEHICLES. Petroleum becomes BLACK GOLD, snow becomes WHITE POWDER (a justly forgotten poet once called it "God's dandruff"), a banana turns into THE ELONGATED YELLOW FRUIT.
***
The benefit of this style is that Cappon's admonitions pop up unasked whenever we commit one of the sins he identifies. I find that "elongated yellow fruit" frequently superimposes itself on my more tortured prose.
An exceptional guide to newswriting.......2004-01-21
AP Guide to Newswriting would have to be the most informative and thorough book on newswriting I have come across. It is clear and concise and deserves a prominent position on every journalists bookshelf. With the excellent price tag why hesitate?
Now, if only I could get all newswriters' to follow Cappon's example. Thanks Cappon for keeping it short and sweet!
Details, and Details about how to write well........2003-06-03
I barely received my copy, and the
advice/help on being a better writer
is pretty good. One thing that stands
out in the book is the issue of vulgarity,
and that is simply a no when it comes
to writing journalism. The other areas
are well explained, and i tell any one
who is reading this small paragraph, get it,
it is worth it! It will definitely help you
get more creative with your writing, this is
like the bloom's taxonomy of writing.
Book Description
The Newspaper Designer’s Handbook is a step by step guide to every aspect of newspaper design, from basic page layout to complex infographics. The new edition is now in 4-color and introduces a new chapter on web design.
This textbook is for journalism students and professionals alike. It is loaded with examples, advice, design ideas, and exercises that teach students how to manipulate the basic elements of design (photos, headlines, and text); create charts, maps, and diagrams; design attractive photo spreads; add effective, appealing sidebars to complex stories; create lively, engaging feature page designs; work with color; and redesign a newspaper.
Customer Reviews:
The rules of good newspaper design.......2007-07-03
Tim Harrower provides a very practical guide to newspaper design. The art of newspaper design tends to be very subjective, so this book lays down some facts and guidelines to put to rest some of the indecisive elements of design.
For a beginner, this is a book that will give you the confidence and understanding to conquer page layout.
The CD gives the novice an even more practical guide than the book can deliver.
One criticism is that the book is printed on light gloss stock and is spiral bound. I am not sure how it was survive rough treatment.
Brian Hurst
A must have .......2007-06-14
When I accepted my first "real" job in journalism as a page designer for a local weekly I was struck by a horrifying thought, I really knew nothing about newspaper design. I had done it before for my college paper, sure, but this was the big time. I needed a refresher course and I needed it fast... Tim Harrower and this spiral-bound book came to my rescue.
Although it was first published in 1989, this book will be relevant as long as newspapers exist, even in this age of computer design. Harrower explains and shows why certain designs are good and bad and he approaches it in a situational, problem-solving format. For example, he explains what should be done when you have to design a page with no art, when you have butting headlines, or two horizontal photos etc. Harrower says that most page designers stumble into the job and from this point of view he explains what exactly, a good design is. This book will always be on my desk.
(I wish my publications professor used this instead of the worthless $105 monstrosity he made us buy (and that we never used by the way).)
So, after some mild freaking out followed by a lot of reading, I can start my new job with confidence thanks to this book.
Practical and useful for the professional.......2006-07-22
I am an editor these days.
I came on this book quite a few years ago when I was a sub. It was recommended to me by an old hand in the newspaper game.
Without doubt, it is the single best aquisition I have made in terms of newspaper design.
In the places I have worked, I have been regarded extremely highly for my layout skills.
This book, with a little creativity, is the basis of almost everything I do in terms of layout.
If you are serious about the newspaper game, get it, study it and then apply what you learn. It will help our career enormously.
Awesome Textbook.......2006-03-19
This textbook is awesome. I've never seen a better textbook. It lays everything out, and makes it simple to understand. It tells you what to do and what not to do in simple language and clear pictures. It's one of few textbooks worth keeping for future use in your career (provided you're going into the newspaper industry)!
No customer service.......2005-10-26
I ordered the hardbound and got the spiral bound, a product worth $12 less. It was then that I discovered there is no way to express a complaint to Amazon: no phone number, no email address, no human help. All that is available is a maze of pre-written web help, none of which includes "credit my account $12, since I don't want to go through the hassle of sending this book back." What's up, Amazon? Don't you want satisfied customers? I spend literally hundreds here each year. This egregious deficit needs to be fixed immediately. Otherwise, I highly recommend this book.
Customer Reviews:
Absolutely Reliable Book.......2007-08-08
This book is a true gem.
Set aside the absolutely helpful thoughts on generating ideas, structure, and the nexus of reporting and writing (all of which are invaluable).
The idea that there is a triad of elements upon which all good feature stories are based is an extraordinarily useful one.
Base a story on action, quotation and narration (i.e. the basic information necessary to the story) and go from one element to the next and so on, building the story block by block, says the author.
This concept alone is the best working guide for a writer on a nuts and bolts level, bar none.
Excellent book for journalists.......2007-05-06
This book shows the nuts and bolts about good journalism: writing and interviewing techniques, how to get good story ideas, etc. It has a great deal of examples too. Every journalist should read it at least once. The best thing would be to revisit it every two or three years.
...Horsemen Pass By..........2006-10-01
Cast a cold eye on life on death; horsemen pass by. That's an epitaph. Was it Yeats, or just one he suggested in a poem? How does it apply to Blundell's book? Just this: Here is the one and only worthwhile book ever written for writers. I know, because I that's how I earn my living. Blundell is the best bar none. Throw all the others out. Unless, of course you're another wound-licker who thinks he wants to "learn" to write, in which case, horsemen pass by, and bring on the clowns!
Unique, Refreshing approach!.......2004-06-27
There is a voice in this book, and you can just HEAR this guy as he admonishes writers and drills into their heads the step-by step guide to reporting and writing. The tone is firm with a direct approach to feature writing as the author is adamant that, "reporting and writing can NOT be divorced."
I like the sharp conversational tone; it's like sitting in the classroom. He is very clever with the similes and metaphors to clearly drive his point.
Although this book has made the rounds for years, Blundell offers refreshing ideas and unique insight to writing. He speaks of experience as a Wall Street Journal writer. This is HIS voice, and not a slew of other professional writers churning out a how to book.
I like a quote of his when he tells us that the READER requires specific information and our first priority is to meet that requirement and also that the reader has a deeper and more universal need that has to be met or, he flees. The author said, "nothing is easier than to stop reading."
You won't find the usual writing book addressing topics like these. A sample chapter is Raw Materials - generating ideas; Extrapolation (beyond the event lies a broader, more significant story); Synthesis (assembling promising story ideas from what looks like a junkpile of spare parts); Localization (thinking big); Projection (declining to follow the media sheep to a pasture already overgrazed) and Viewpoint Switching (thinking of a story as a piece of terrain with varying topography).
Also topics titled Shaping Ideas; Story Dimensions, Planning and Execution, Organization, and you get great insight into Handling Key Story Elements that delves into the dreaded leads and endings.
What is interesting in a unique approach to his section titled Wordcraft. He assumes that you the reader already know grammar, syntax and usage. So his goal is to show us how to achieve certain effects at certain places in the story.
You will read some full texts on sample stories that are sprinkled throughout the chapters. Blundell also provides reading material for the writer. He says, "whole forests have died to fill the marketplace with other writing books." One suggestion is Zissner's "On Writing Well."
This is a unique writing book and is meant to read completely. ....MzRizz
Writing as critical thinking.......2002-02-17
One of the biggest mistakes young reporters make is viewing reporting and writing as separate exercises, one following the other. Bill Blundell rightly sees them as one process. Good reporting begets good writing. It begins with critical thinking about your subject, which if done properly brings strong focus and organization to your story. In 20 years as a newspaper reporter and editor I've not run across a more practical, common sense approach to writing than that offered by the Art & Craft of Feature Writing.
Books:
- Arsenio Rodriguez and the Transnational Flows of Latin Popular Music (Studies In Latin America & Car)
- Art Deco Interiors: Decoration and Design Classics of the 1920s and 1930s
- ART OF POCAHONTAS, THE
- Arts With the Brain in Mind
- Barnyard in Your Backyard: A Beginner's Guide to Raising Chickens, Ducks, Geese, Rabbits, Goats, Sheep, and Cows
- Blue Shoes and Happiness (No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency, Book 7)
- British Gunmakers: Historical Data on the Birmingham, Scottish and Regional Gun Trade in the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries
- Caspar David Friedrich
- Chicka Chicka Boom Boom
- Color Drawing: Design Drawing Skills and Techniques for Architects, Landscape Architects, and Interior Designers
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- The True Love Tarot: Secrets of Dating, Mating and Relating
- Summer of the Sea Serpent
- Greece Style: Exteriors, Interiors, Details
- Our Town: A Play in Three Acts
- J.W. Waterhouse
- Seeds of Deception: Exposing Industry and Government Lies About the Safety of the Genetically Engin
- Natural Pet Healing: Our Psychic, Spiritual Connection
- The New Yorker Book of True Love Cartoons
- Making Color Sing
- Wildflowers of Southwestern Utah
The Associated Press Guide to Punctuation
The Chicago Manual of Style
Associated Press Guide to Newswriting: The Resource for Professional Journalists
Writing & Reporting News: A Coaching Method (Wadsworth Series in Mass Communication and Journalism)
The Elements of Style, Fourth Edition
