VS Naipaul’s Rules for Beginners
1. Do not write long sentences. A sentence should not have more than ten or twelve words.
2. Each sentence should make a clear statement. It should add to the statement that went before. A good paragraph is a series of clear, linked statements.
3. Do not use big words. If your computer tells you that your average word is more than five letters long, there is something wrong. The use of small words compels you to think about what you are writing. Even difficult ideas can be broken down into small words.
4. Never use words whose meaning you are not sure of. If you break this rule you should look for other work.
5. The beginner should avoid using adjectives, except those of colour, size and number. Use as few adverbs as possible.
6. Avoid the abstract. Always go for the concrete.
7. Every day, for six months at least, practice writing in this way. Small words; short, clear, concrete sentences. It may be awkward, but it’s training you in the use of language. It may even be getting rid of the bad language habits you picked up at the university. You may go beyond these rules after you have thoroughly understood and mastered them.
Showing posts with label books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label books. Show all posts
Tuesday, 26 April 2011
VS Naipaul’s Advice To Writers
via indiauncut.com
Friday, 15 April 2011
Wednesday, 28 April 2010
The Zombie Combat Manual
If you spend as much time as I do worrying about the coming zombie apocalypse (and let’s face it, you’re reading GeekDad so in all likelihood it’s at least in the back of your mind), clear some space on your bookshelf beside Dr.Spock and pick up a copy of The Zombie Combat Manual: A Guide To Fighting The Living Dead, by Roger Ma. Not only will you learn how to defend yourself against the shuffling menace, but Ma dedicates a chapter of his book to the critical topic of protecting your children during a zombie outbreak.
via wired.com
Wednesday, 17 March 2010
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: Dawn of the Dreadfuls
via youtube.com
A trailer for the book. Huzzah
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