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HomeShop at BookSurgeJuvenile FictionScience Fiction, Fantasy, MagicWords at Work: Powerful business writing delivers increased sales, improved results, and even a promotion or two. A veteran writing coach shows you how. |
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2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
A rare gem that inspires, instructs, and entertains! Aug 24, 2009
By Gina E. Willis
A must-have for anyone who aspires to be a better writer -- whether it's to improve your performance on the job, land a better job, create snappier copy for your website, or write everyday communications without embarrassing yourself (or your company).
This is NOT a grammar book or a dry-as-dust business textbook. Words @ Work breaks new ground by showing you how to overcome "writer's block" and organize your thoughts before your start writing. Then, once you've released a free flow of ideas, the book guides you through an editing process that shapes your message into an effective finished draft.
What surprised me was how entertaining and inspiring this book is. Lynda McDaniel uses stories from her own working and writing life to illustrate each chapter's key concept -- whether it's about unleashing your creativity, or learning to avoid "corporatespeak" to find your authentic writing voice. It's as if Strunk and White's "The Elements of Style" merged with Julia Cameron's "The Artist's Way" to create something quite fresh: a guide to using your creative ("right-brain") powers to write more effectively in a rational ("left-brained") business world.
Words At Work by Lynda McDaniel An Invaluable Tool In Your Writing Arsenal! Mar 14, 2011
By Christina G. Donato
"Christina"
Words at Work is so much more than the writing "how to" that you dive into then try to apply. This book is written from Ms. McDaniel's heart. I believe this book will enable every reader to be a better writer.
The author shared some of her trials and tribulations over her 25 year career as a professional writer as well as five years as a business writing coach. It felt to me as if she was coming alongside me and encouraging me to realize that in any situation I could make my words powerful tools of communication!
Her writing style was conversational, encouraging and anything but preachy or ornery editor (insider term from Words At Work). She stated a mantra I applaud. I quote, "When I started writing, I wish someone had shared these ideas with me: 1. Everyone can learn to write well. 2. Bad writers just stopped too soon."
Chapter Six titled "Corporatespeak" exhorts the writer to write the way they speak. The quote by William Zinsser on page 81 states the corporate America plain talk dilemma, "...plain talk will not be easily achieved in corporate America. Too much vanity is on the line. Executives and managers at every level are prisoners to the notion that a simple style reflects a simple mind. Actually, a simple style is the result of hard work and hard thinking..."
Words At Work is for 2011 and beyond. With technology - email, blogging, texting, getting your message across quickly is something everyone needs to learn. Six Cs of editing is for everyone! You truly will find success with Ms. McDaniel's GPS (grammar, punctuation and style).
My favorite most helpful writing tips were Bad News Burrito, WIIFM (What's in it for me?), six extras for excitement, lose your darlings and Brain Dump 101. No doubt I will refer to this writing resource many times.
There were so many writing nuggets within the pages of this book. I stopped reading many times and loudly stated, "I do that!", "So that is a cliche and not a clever statement?", and "Okay, one more time teach me how to show and not tell!" I am guilty of so many writing paux pas.
And as soon as I began to doubt my writing abilities, as if Ms. McDaniels were an angel on my shoulder and knew I needed encouragement, "1. Everyone can learn to write well. 2. Bad writers just stopped too soon."
I was given an unexpected blessing in Chapter Twelve. This personal story was about the author being taught as a young child not to get into a car with a stranger and then later as an adult needing a ride because her car broke down on the highway. Amazing! The lessons learned in this account are simply about knowing when to take advice (get help) and when to run away (go it alone).
After reading Words At Work, I plan on reading more (including Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott), planting an orchard, putting my OE in her proper place in my life, organize a Velcro lead, vary the pace, take a walk, check my vitality dipstick, tie it all together, and sleep on it and so much more....
I believe I am a better writer as a result of devouring Words At Work. I acquired new tools, dusted off long-forgotten tools and I have less fear about writing than I did before. I also feel I have a friend in Ms. McDaniel whose encouraging words are etched in my memory, "1. Everyone can learn to write well. 2. Bad writers just stopped too soon."
Whether you consider yourself a good writer or a bad writer who is contemplating quitting - buy Words At Work. That oversized chair you have been writing in may become a great gift for Goodwill. Possibly you will realize you had greasy hair and didn't know it or you just may find some spinach in your teeth. And who wants spinach between their incisors?
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free for Independent Review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Are you a manufacturer of a product or currently market a service? Christina will review it! Email christina@wordsofgrace.info with product name, description and manufacturer's suggested retail price along with any other information relative to said product. You will receive a response via email within two weeks if product will be reviewed. Please note not all products will be considered reviewable. Please do not send products without prior consent. Note: Products sent for review will not be returned. Product submission authorizes consent for said product to remain in sole possession of recipient. No monies shall be exchanged for product submission nor permission granted for reviews prior to submission. Reviews shall remain effective and in full force at sole discretion of blog administrator and/or authors related to [...]
Words at Work Jan 17, 2010
By Jenny Capella
Words at Work by Lynda McDaniel is a fabulous book. For once, a business book about documents and writing that is full of life; not dry and overwhelming!
Reading this book felt like flowing along a river, and I loved every minute of the ride. One of the best things about the book is that the author herself never leaves you. My favorite books are the ones where the authors stay present through examples of their own lives and the lives of others. Then, they weave the stories and examples into their topic, gracefully. Lynda has achieved this in a way that shows her understanding and professionalism, combining the best of journalism with solid, practical business tips, techniques and writing.
This book is more far reaching than even the title would suggest. I found myself taking her words to heart for other projects I am working on that, while not "about" business writing per se, have writing in them.
Everyone should buy this and have it at work for their personal use and encouragement and to share with others--supervisors; peers; vendors and clients. FIVE STARS!!!
Good advice; clear examples Dec 31, 2009
By FromTheAttic
The author gives good advice on writing for results, emphasized by stories from her own experiences, both good and bad. She has obviously walked down this challenging path herself. She encourages readers as she has her students: Don't be discouraged by those who would thwart you if you really want to write. Her clear examples and exercises lead you through the process of improving your writing. Her message is that anyone can write, and by the time you are part-way into this book, she has made a believer out of you! (Kathy Shearer)
Modern reference Nov 14, 2009
By Emily P. Davis
I love to write, and I want other people to love for me to write. There. I said it. Words rock! Choosing them. Putting them in order. Learning new ones. What could be more fun?! If only enthusiasm was enough. My work did not seem to resonate with many people. Feedback from my instructors (and a couple of editors when I was brave enough to try) was scant, vague and just plain mean. My inner critic admonished, "You're fooling yourself! You'll never be a writer."
Words at Work helped me reframe my negative writing experiences. Tame my "ornery editor." Excavate the constructive criticism from impatient teachers or unkind editors. (If only all that feedback had been framed in a "bad news burrito.") I've carried the shame of 8 1/2" x 11" red X's on term papers for 20 years. 20 years! Now, I choose to morph that memory into fodder for a short story. After struggling with passive voice, to learn it has a place is freeing. To recognize a "darling," admire it and delete it is empowering.
Words at Work has a voice of encouragement, if not recruitment, for the writing community. With a rare combination of authority and vulnerability, Lynda McDaniel outlines the evolution of her writing life. As I moved through the chapters, I practically saw her pick up each of the tools and tips she shares. The skills are not limited to use in the workplace. Words at Work showcases words at play, too.
See all 10 customer reviews on Amazon.com
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