If you’re looking for a masterclass on the craft of writing, look no further than Marilyn McEntyre’s new book Start with a Word. This author of numerous books on faith and language—including Word by Word: A Daily Spiritual Practice and Make a List: How a Simple Practice Can Change Our Lives and Open Our Hearts—this time turns her considerable talent to helping writers learn and grow.
She addresses topics dear and frustrating to writers such as how to begin and end, choosing the best word, choosing a narrator, and including pertinent facts. Her advice applies to those writing nonfiction, fiction, and poetry. Each chapter is accompanied by “Try this” exercises to help you take the next step in your practice, so bring a notebook and pen to your reading time.
This is a clear, concise, and meaty book for all writers eager to deepen their knowledge and practice of writing. Examples ranging from the Apostle Paul to Kate DiCamillo, from Kathleen Norris to Dante, only deepen the experience. (Eerdmans)
About the Author
Ann Byle is author of Chicken Scratch: Lessons on Living Creatively from a Flock of Hens. She is a freelance writer and author of several other books, magazine articles, and reviews. She lives in Grand Rapids, Mich.