Book Review: Writing to Learn: How to Write–and Think–Clearly About Any Subject at All

Writing to Learn: How to Write--And Think--Clearly about Any Subject at AllWriting to Learn: How to Write–And Think–Clearly about Any Subject at All by William Zinsser
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Good stuff from Zinsser, as expected. He explores the role of writing across various academic disciplines and concludes that writing can help lead to clear thinking and clear thinking leads to clear writing.

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Book Review: Writing Places: The Life Journey of a Writer and Teacher

Writing Places: The Life Journey of a Writer and TeacherWriting Places: The Life Journey of a Writer and Teacher by William Zinsser
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Zinsser wrote about a lifetime of writing, a lifetime of jobs, and a lifetime of places where those were joined. It was informative and enjoyable to read some of the background for his book “On Writing Well.” He was a product of a different era. I chuckled thinking about his comment on not trusting a business man who wasn’t wearing a coat and tie. He updated his book throughout life and strengthened it in many ways. His primary aim of clarifying writing through decluttered language is timeless.

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Book Review: Save the Cat Writes a Novel: The Last Book on Novel Writing You’ll Ever Need

Save the Cat! Writes a Novel: The Last Book On Novel Writing You'll Ever NeedSave the Cat! Writes a Novel: The Last Book On Novel Writing You’ll Ever Need by Jessica Brody
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book takes the Blake Snyder method for screenwriting known as Save the Cat and applies it to novel writing. The author works through the ten genres and explains the fifteen beat beat sheet for each genre. Helpful book.

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Book Review: Writing a Small Group Study

Writing a Small Group StudyWriting a Small Group Study by Richard Sweatman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a very helpful and brief book. The author walks through the process of writing a Bible study, with examples and helpful suggestions. The real strength of this approach is that the study is built around exposition of the passage. He touches on various aspects of context, and biblical and systematic theologies. He also give suggestions concerning the use of helps in preparation. Some of the work done will be similar to preparing a sermon, but the end result is a teacher-led Bible study and not a pulpit sermon. He touches on the subject of using pre-written studies versus writing your own studies for your class or group. Though not an extended argument, he does make a case for writing your own. He also gives helpful suggestions for using a pre-written study, should you choose to do so. This book would be valuable to preachers and teachers alike.

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Book Review: Adorning the Dark: Thoughts on Community, Calling, and the Mystery of Making

Adorning the Dark: Thoughts on Community, Calling, and the Mystery of MakingAdorning the Dark: Thoughts on Community, Calling, and the Mystery of Making by Andrew Peterson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Nice read. This is a semi-autobiographical reflection on creativity and the making of art. I enjoyed it and it provoked some thought in different places.

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