First You Write a Sentence
The Elements of Reading, Writing . . . and Life
By Joe Moran | Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
About the book
“Do you want to write clearer, livelier prose? This witty primer will help.” —The New York Times Book Review
An exploration of how the most ordinary words can be turned into verbal constellations of extraordinary grace through the art of building sentences
The sentence is the common ground where every writer walks. A good sentence can be written (and read) by anyone if we simply give it the gift of our time, and it is as close as most of us will get to making something truly beautiful. Using minimal technical terms and sources ranging from the Bible and Shakespeare to George Orwell and Maggie Nelson, as well as scientific studies of what can best fire the reader's mind, author Joe Moran shows how we can all write in a way that is clear, compelling and alive.
Whether dealing with finding the ideal word, building a sentence, or constructing a paragraph, First You Write a Sentence informs by light example: much richer than a style guide, it can be read not only for instruction but for pleasure and delight. And along the way, it shows how good writing can help us notice the world, make ourselves known to others, and live more meaningful lives. It's an elegant gem in praise of the English sentence.
Editions of First You Write a Sentence
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780241978511
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780143134343
- EBook
- ISBN 9780525506157
- AudioStreaming
- ISBN 9780593150184
- AudioStreaming
- ISBN 9780593150191
Read an Excerpt
“Do you want to write clearer, livelier prose? This witty primer will help.” —The New York Times Book Review
An exploration of how the most ordinary words can be turned into verbal constellations of extraordinary grace through the art of building sentences
The sentence is the common ground where every writer walks. A good sentence can be written (and read) by anyone if we simply give it the gift of our time, and it is as close as most of us will get to making something truly beautiful. Using minimal technical terms and sources ranging from the Bible and Shakespeare to George Orwell and Maggie Nelson, as well as scientific studies of what can best fire the reader's mind, author Joe Moran shows how we can all write in a way that is clear, compelling and alive.
Whether dealing with finding the ideal word, building a sentence, or constructing a paragraph, First You Write a Sentence informs by light example: much richer than a style guide, it can be read not only for instruction but for pleasure and delight. And along the way, it shows how good writing can help us notice the world, make ourselves known to others, and live more meaningful lives. It's an elegant gem in praise of the English sentence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is First You Write a Sentence about?
“Do you want to write clearer, livelier prose? This witty primer will help.” —The New York Times Book Review
An exploration of how the most ordinary words can be turned into verbal constellations of extraordinary grace through the art of building sentences
The sentence is the common ground where every writer walks. A good sentence can be written (and read) by anyone if we simply give it the gift of our time, and it is as close as most of us will get to making something truly beautiful. Using minimal technical terms and sources ranging from the Bible and Shakespeare to George Orwell and Maggie Nelson, as well as scientific studies of what can best fire the reader's mind, author Joe Moran shows how we can all write in a way that is clear, compelling and alive.
Whether dealing with finding the ideal word, building a sentence, or constructing a paragraph, First You Write a Sentence informs by light example: much richer than a style guide, it can be read not only for instruction but for pleasure and delight. And along the way, it shows how good writing can help us notice the world, make ourselves known to others, and live more meaningful lives. It's an elegant gem in praise of the English sentence.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in First You Write a Sentence?
Language and Linguistics > Linguistics
Where can I read a sample of First You Write a Sentence?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780241978511
Who is/are the Author/s of the book First You Write a Sentence?
Joe Moran
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
First You Write a Sentence is available as paperback(ISBN 9780241978511) and paperback(ISBN 9780143134343) and ebook(ISBN 9780525506157) and audiostreaming(ISBN 9780593150184) and audiostreaming(ISBN 9780593150191)
Where can I buy First You Write a Sentence online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy First You Write a Sentence from below
Where can I buy First You Write a Sentence?