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Words at Work by Lynda McDaniel
Words at Work by Lynda McDaniel will show you how to overcome your fear of writing and deliver words like a pro
My Book Review Rating: 5 Stars – a must-read for anyone who writes anything!
One of my pet peeves is poor writing. I mean there really is no excuse for it. If I’m in a restaurant and there’s a rogue apostrophe on the menu then I’m always tempted to get out a pen and correct it! In one of my previous jobs I was an editor, which means I developed an eagle eye for grammatical errors, and I can spot them from 100 paces.
Many people will tell you that they can’t write well because it’s too difficult – perhaps they claim to be better at maths or science. But the truth is good writing just requires practice and a little application. And that is exactly what Lynda McDaniel encourages in her new book: Words at Work.
This book is a joy to read, and packed full with helpful hints and tips from the first sentence to the last. Lynda uses real-life examples to show how she has improved and honed her writing skills over the years and developed a passion for the written word.
My particular favourite tip was the Brain Dump; a way to beat writer’s block and take your writing in a direction you might not have initially thought of. I was also pleased to see that Lynda is a fan of plain English; why use six words when one will do!
Whether you write emails or reports at work, or you just like to blog in your spare time, this book is for you and should be treated as a must-read; order yourself a copy today and put Lynda’s tips into practice the very next time you put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard.
Award-winning "Words at Work" shows everyone from C-level to entry level how to write in a clear, conversational style that people want to read. Learn how to effectively organize information (no tedious outlines!); cut the fat (editing tips and tricks); and harvest a feast of ideas. "Words at Work" includes tools and techniques for overcoming fear of writing; jump-starting the writing process; achieving goals faster; building confidence; and even earning a promotion or two. This critically acclaimed book not only teaches people how to write, but helps readers tap into their creativity--and there's no telling where that can lead. "Words at Work" earned the top award in the National Best Book 2009 Awards sponsored by USA Book News (category: writing/publishing).
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A rare gem that inspires, instructs, and entertains!
Review Date: August 24, 2009
Reviewer: Gina E. Willis, Walnut Creek, CA
A must-have for anyone who aspires to be a better writer -- whether it's to improve your performance on the job, land a better job, create snappier copy for your website, or write everyday communications without embarrassing yourself (or your company).
This is NOT a grammar book or a dry-as-dust business textbook. Words @ Work breaks new ground by showing you how to overcome "writer's block" and organize your thoughts before your start writing. Then, once you've released a free flow of ideas, the book guides you through an editing process that shapes your message into an effective finished draft.
What surprised me was how entertaining and inspiring this book is. Lynda McDaniel uses stories from her own working and writing life to illustrate each chapter's key concept -- whether it's about unleashing your creativity, or learning to avoid "corporatespeak" to find your authentic writing voice. It's as if Strunk and White's "The Elements of Style" merged with Julia Cameron's "The Artist's Way" to create something quite fresh: a guide to using your creative ("right-brain") powers to write more effectively in a rational ("left-brained") business world.
Valuable Resource
Review Date: August 27, 2009
Reviewer: Anne Simpkinson, New York City
I just got the book yesterday and what's wonderful about it is how grounded in real-life experience it is. No hocus-pocus or hokum. It's going to be very valuable resource for those who want to improve their business and professional writing. And it was a nice refresher for me too! (I'm a professional writer/editor)
Must-Read for Becoming Stronger Writer
Review Date: October 18, 2009
Reviewer: R. Siegel,
Research tells us that the number one skill to succeed in the work world is the ability to communicate. Lynda McDaniel shows us how to become a stronger business writer. Her book is one of the best resources I've found anywhere. Thank you, Lynda!
Hi - I'm Clare Swindlehurst; welcome to my little corner of the Internet!
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A rare gem that inspires, instructs, and entertains!
Hi - I'm Clare Swindlehurst; welcome to my little corner of the Internet!
