C is for Clear Writing Can be Creative

To be a writer all we need is a good imagination, right? Um, not quite. Our finished product must be written in a manner that is easy for the reader to consume. We need to make sure our writing is clear (not necessarily simple, even literary text can be clear). Why is grammar, structure and even spelling so important? Any form of writing is communication, and the point of communication is to deliver a message that can be understood. If you don't do that, your communication has failed. This is true for business reports, emails, Facebook messages, texting and manuscripts.

When time (and lack of crazy A-Z blogging) permits, I'll give deeper reviews of the books I've read on the craft of writing. But for now, here are a few books I recommend if you need some help with your writing style and structure:

The Book on Writing by Paula LaRocque

My previous post on The Book on Writing

Eats, Shoots and Leaves by Lynne Truss

Eats, Shoots Leaves has an engaging narrative and teaches us the importance of punctuation for understanding.

Stein on Writing by Sol Stein

My previous post on Stein on Writing

The Elements of Style by Strunk et al

Listed in 13 Best Resources for Writers

Children's Writer's Word Book by Alijandra Mogilner

This book is great if you write for kids, it will help you find just the right language.

I promise to try and do some more in-depth reviews later, but you won't regret trying any of the above books. Now, I have about 900 blogs to visit :)