I’ve read and a small body of books on the subject of writing over the years. Some books I still have in small collection. Though to be honest only a hand few of them have done little more then pointed me a general direction and helpful tools. Two books come to mind though. One is a weird memoir of honesty and horror on a writer’s photo stylist life that taught me four lessons. The second book is what I would call my writer’s bible.

I read Steven King’s On Writing book many years ago as a young writer to mine out the secrets of a professional decades long writer and gain some pasted on knowledge. I discovered little of use that would help me I’m afraid but four lessons. One: Be honest about how humans and life is. Two: learn from the masters before but be original and seeker own voice. Three: Cut the fat out. Editing is about cutting away useless sentences  for the reader to read. Four: The book led me to read one book that I referenced before and will do so again in future posts.

The Elements of Style by William Strung. It’s a little book that is a help ful powerful to have in your tool box of the writing trade. The lessons are direct and examples perfect. Though, English like every language is always in the process of evolution this little book I believe can stand the test of time.

L. M. Parker