This is a very funny book. Not in the condescending way of most self-help books, but with the real, down to earth, gritty humor Doug Wilson is known for. Maybe it isn't the most important part, but the humor makes Wordsmithy accessible and not just another "blah-blah-blah" manual you won't read.
And if you intend to be a writer (or even fancy that you may want to try), you need to read this book. Wilson offers seven basic principles for writers to live by, expanding on each with the wit and wisdom of a lifetime churning out books, articles, and sermons.
Wilson's insights aren't new: he commands writers to read till their eyes fall out, to love words, to participate in life, etc. These aren't new observations, they're just so freshly presented and explored that anyone who takes writing seriously will be compelled to listen.
Rev. Wilson has established his authority on these matters, too. He's written more books than most people have read, and covered the gamut of genres from poetry and children's novels to theology, history, philosophy and rhetoric. Not all writers will be as prolific, but a humble attention to the wisdom in this book will get you on the road to finishing at least one story.
If learning was always this fun, the world would be full of well-educated people. Since this book exists, writers in particular have no excuse for being uneducated in their craft, or for not acquiring the knowledge and skills needed to write well. All topics are covered: proper grammar, using analogies, producing crummy material, etc.
We don't need a bunch of Wilson clones, but we do need writers willing to take his words to heart and follow his advice. Writing takes work, and if you aren't willing to work you need to find something else to do with yourself. If you are willing, you need Wordsmithy.
Review by C. Hollis Crossman
C. Hollis Crossman used to be a child. Now he's a husband and father who loves church, good food, and weird stuff. He might be a mythical creature, but he's definitely not a centaur. Read more of his reviews
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