Writer’s Toolbox

You want to be a real writer. Or maybe you just want better grades. But you don’t know where to start. It’s ok. I didn’t either. But I can tell you now one great way to start: build your toolbox.

Great writing doesn’t come naturally. It’s an art, a skill to be learned and refined. Every great writer has his own tools. Even if you just want to make it through college papers, you’ll need your own tools. You can pick up any of these cheaply at your nearest used bookstore, or at websites like half.com. Here are my suggestions:

Dictionary

The dictionary is an alphabetical listing of words and their meanings.

The dictionary has more uses than most people realize. Yeah, you can find the meaning of words you don’t know. That’s obvious. But would you think to use the dictionary to find history, alternate spellings, correct plural forms, grammar functions, and proper pronunciation of words? Some dictionaries even offer synonyms (words with similar meanings) and antonyms (opposites).

Merriam Webster is a classic dictionary. I recommend using http://merriam-webster.com . I keep a link in the side bar for your convenience.

Thesaurus

A thesaurus is a book of words and their synonyms grouped (usually) topically. The easiest way to find synonyms for a specific word is to use the index, which is usually listed alphabetically. The thesaurus is where I turn when I can’t think of a specific word, but I can think of one that’s either close or the opposite of it. I’ll look up what I know until I find the word I can’t remember.

You can also find a thesaurus on merriam-webster.com.

Grammar Handbook

A grammar handbook is the Grammarian’s how-to book. It will list and explain grammar terms and rules. Sometimes the rules are the grammarian’s preference, but usually they are tried-and-true ways to write well. There are hundreds and hundreds of grammar handbooks out there. If you’re a college student, your English teacher will probably recommend one.

There are thousands of writers’ self-help books. I recommend a few that I use. Used bookstores and libraries often carry several more that are worth checking out. You don’t have to own even one of these to be a great writer, but it is often helpful to read other writers’ suggestions.

When you have and know how to use these tools, you’re well on your way to improving your writing. The next step is: write!

If this article has helped you, or if you have other questions about this topic, please let me know. Thanks!

On Writing Well

Title: On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction

Author: William Zinsser

Type: Advice

Notes: Zinsser is considered one of the best writers of our time. He breaks the art of writing into its most basic parts, dissecting good writing almost to the word. I own the 25th anniversary edition of this book–it’s been around a little longer than that. He has since released a new revision. I have not had the opportunity to read it yet. If you find it, can I read it after you?

Purchase

For a more detailed review of this book, read my book review.

Edit Yourself

Title: Edit Yourself: A manual for everyone who works with words

Author: Bruce Ross-Larson

Type: Reference, Handbook

Notes: Ross-Larson lists and explains common errors editors look for. This is his Grammarian Opinion. That is, some things he suggests may contradict your professor’s preferences. This is definitely a write-in-the-margins book.

Purchase