Title: ADVERBS & CLICHES IN A NUTSHELL
Author: Jessica Bell
Publisher: Vine Leaves Press
Released: April 7, 2013
Pages: 123
I'd like to thank the author for supplying me with an ecopy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
Favorite Lines/Passage: I like to think of a writer's "voice" as the soul of their imagination. If you stay true to your soul, you will produce unique fiction. There is no doubt about it. Because everyone has his or her own soul. (page 7)
Description: Have you been told you use too many adverbs and clichés in your writing? Want to remedy it? Then this is the book for you!
In Adverbs & Clichés in a Nutshell: Demonstrated Subversions of Adverbs & Clichés into Gourmet Imagery, you will find thirty-four examples of prose which clearly demonstrate how to turn those pesky adverbs and clichés into vivid and unique imagery. Extra writing prompts are also provided at the end of the book.
Not only is this pocket guide an excellent learning tool for aspiring writers, but it is a user-friendly and simple solution to honing your craft no matter how broad your writing experience. With the convenient hyper-linked Contents Page and Indexes you can toggle backward and forward from different examples with ease. Use your e-reader's highlighting and note-taking tools to keep notes as you read, and/or record your story ideas, anywhere, anytime.
COVETED! A MUST HAVE ... for any writer!
MY SPLATS: Critiquing or breaking down books focused on the craft of writing is not an act I normally do. I usually just read them, too busy noting writing ticks the author happens to point out that apply to me. And although it was easy to notices a few of my personal writing flaws from Bell's analysis, I was able to easily see that this is a wonderful reference for any writer - fiction, nonfiction; novels, articles, or shorties.
I love the structure of this book. Its quick and to-the-point examples are genius and so easy to follow, very user-friendly. Throughout her examples, Bell challenges the writer to see these flaws in his/her writing, but not to panic. She points out they are easy pitfalls for any writer. Even the most seasoned of writers must be reminded from time to time about certain aspects of their writing: i.e., thus the need for editors.
This is a MUST HAVE for any writer's craft arsenal, along with its companion - Book I, Show & Tell in a Nutshell: Demonstrated Transitions from Telling to Showing. It would also be a fabulous gift for any high school or college student.
AND ooh, if you look over in my right sidebar under Writer Aids, you'll find Jessica's book added to my Reads To Master The Craft list.
AND ooh, if you look over in my right sidebar under Writer Aids, you'll find Jessica's book added to my Reads To Master The Craft list.
What's the last book on craft you've read?
It's a great resource, especially for novice writers. :D
ReplyDeleteJessica's got a great craft series here, and making them convenient to navigate is such a plus :-)
ReplyDeleteYes she does. And ease in anything is always a plus!
DeleteSounds like a useful book for aspiring actors.... I wish it was written when I started writing four years ago... I was the ADVERB KING! LOL....
ReplyDeleteYeah, I hear you there. Took me a while to get the hang of using the word chopper. :)
DeleteThe examples in her books are what make them great!
ReplyDeleteYes, someone else mentioned that on another site. Great point!
DeleteHey Sheri! Thanks so much for taking the time to review this. I really don't know how you read and review so many books! When do you write? :D hehe ... thank you. I adore you. <3
ReplyDeleteHaha...funny you should ask. That is one of the reasons I'm taking July and August off from blogging & reviewing. I'm in the thick of writing my YA sequel and need to just get it out! I need to focus on that and that alone. But I do love reading, and figure "Why not help out a fellow author with some thoughts on their book?" I'll still be reading this summer, but solely for pleasure. :)
DeleteActually, I just read Jessica's book. It's a super resource so I'm glad to see it getting some press here on your great blog!
ReplyDeleteGreat news about your YA sequel, Sheri.
Thanks, C.Lee. I know you fully understand the business of family mingling with writing. Time is so fleeting...
DeleteThis looks like such a great resource! Thanks for the helpful review--I need to grab a copy!
ReplyDeleteI've heard good things about this book.
ReplyDeleteBut adverbs are so extenuatingly and horrifically fantastic! Why would you ever cut a single one? ;P I can't wait to get my hands on this book.
ReplyDeleteThe book looks awesome. Sadly, I'm a big-time adverb lover. LOL
ReplyDeleteOh, I know. They can be hard to shake.
DeleteAnother nice resource book from Bell!
ReplyDeleteThank you for reminding me that I have this book and NEED TO READ IT!
ReplyDeleteI read Jessica's first craft book and hope to read this one too.
ReplyDeleteI love how you say that the book should be part of any writer's "arsenal" - as if writing is like fighting a war. It SO is! lol
ReplyDeleteJust bought this one, it sounds soooo good. And I'm with Lexa, I love adding to my writer's arsenal :)
ReplyDelete