Please file this post under Shameless Self-Promotion, but here goes:
Consider giving someone a copy of the book "Writing Tools" as a fabulous holiday gift. True, it was not manufactured by the Ronco Company, but the retail price is $19.99. And here you'll find an
independent endorsement from the Boston Globe, which counts "Writing Tools" among the gift-worthy:
The tactile pleasures of books have largely resisted the electronic revolution that has swept music, video, and (gasp!) newspapers. The heft, beauty, and even, for some people, the smell of a new hardover book is an integral part of the reading experience. Besides, you can't wrap a podcast in glittery paper and present it in holiday greeting. Here, then, is a collection of books, newly published in 2006, that the Globe editorial board took pleasure in this year.
Francine Prose, author of "Reading Like a Writer," and I share the last paragraph:
To form an instant book club, read two books at roughly the same time [Prose and Clark].... Then pull out a favorite novel or short story, and read it with the guidance of Prose's and Clark's ideas. Both suggest reading quite slowly, word by word, asking readers to slow down and smell the roses of language and literature. Readers will find new worlds in familiar places. And writers will be inspired to pick up their pens.
My sincerest thanks to the editors who thought to include "Writing Tools." To my delight and surprise, some buyers have asked me to sign it for someone who will receive it as a holiday gift. With that in mind, here's my list of potential gift receivers:
- That editor you like, who has given you a good raise and the freedom to write powerful stories.
- That editor you wish would act that way.
- The writer who wants to move to the next level, but who needs the tools to do it.
- That family member who often talks about wanting to write more.
- That student who shows a special interest in language and storytelling.
- That student who doesn't, but who needs to write nonetheless.
- That co-worker who must write on the job, but who needs a bit of direction.
- That teacher, at any level, who is dedicated to students and to language.
- That teacher who is not teaching writing, but who should be.
- Yourself, because no one may be clever enough to know you'd like to add some tools to your workbench.
As I write this, a clipping has arrived from
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Book editor Theresa K. Weaver lists "Writing Tools" as one of 36 on its
Fall Books Gift Guide. So there you go.
I would of course be happy to inscribe any book purchased for any reason. You can mail it to Poynter with a return-addressed envelope. Or, if you buy the book as a gift, send me an e-mail message, and I'll write a message in return to the recipient. You can get me at
rclark@poynter.org.
Cheers, happy holidays, and keep writing.
Bless you, Stephanie. If you and your colleagues would like...
