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Reviews of Writing BooksPage Two of TwoWord Court by Barbara WallraffHarcourt Brace, January 2000.Hardcover, 368 pages. ISBN: 0151003815 Ordering information: Amazon.com. | Amazon.co.uk 
In today's world of cryptic email communications and
high school graduates who are unable to express themselves
clearly in their native language, the existence of
Word Court, the popular grammar and style column
written by Barbara Wallraff, is welcome proof that
people still care about good writing.
As an editor of Atlantic Monthly,
Wallraff has reviewed the galleys of every
article, short story, poem and feature scheduled
to appear in the magazine since 1983.
Her "Word Court" column answers readers' sometimes
outraged questions about grammar and style with her trademark
wit, humor and practicality.
Her new grammar and style reference book is filled with
grammar tips, explanations of common grammatical
errors and answers to numerous grammar-related
questions to help writers express themselves clearly.
The book also includes some of the best
question and answers from Wallraff's column.
Topics in the book include trends in language, why people care
about grammar, common
grammar mistakes and grammar usage.
A particularly useful section is entitled
"A Grammarian's Dozen," in which Wallraff
discusses thirteen grammar issues that plague writers.
Another useful section in the book is an alphabetical
usage guide which covers often abused and confused
words, such as "And, But, Or",
"Bi-", "Data", "Moment, Moments" and "While."
Barbara Wallraff's Word Court is a book that should be on every writer's reference shelf. Short story writers and freelance writers will also find it useful to see what grammar and style issues are considered important by a top literary editor. Scholars, students and word lovers will also enjoy this authoritative grammar compendium, which is as entertaining as it is useful. Highly recommended. The User Manual Manual by Michael BremerUntechnical Press, November 1999.Trade Paperback, 314 pages. ISBN: 0966994914 Ordering information: Amazon.com. | Amazon.co.uk 
The User Manual Manual helps to
demystify the process of
writing a software manual from start
to finish. The guide begins with general
information about software manual publishing,
the different types of manuals and companies and development
teams. The second part of the book is a sample
project that guides the reader through the complete
development of a manual and includes all the
steps involved: project overview,
writing the manual, validating, rewriting, editing,
layout, final edits, printing, producing onscreen help,
writing the readme and project backup.
The third section in the book is the exhibits section
which includes checklists, example documents, screen samples
and a sample manual.
The appendix in the book contains a list of recommended reading.
Author Micheal Bremmer, who was a writer, editor, writing manager and Director of Creative Services at Maxis software (the company responsible for SimCity), has created an indespensible guide to manual writing. Packed with instruction, checklists and samples, this reference is a must-read for technical writers. You Can Write a Romance by Rita Clay Estrada and Rita GallagherWriter's Digest Books, August 1999.Trade Paperback, 120 pages. ISBN: 0898798620 Ordering information: Amazon.com. | Amazon.co.uk 
Beginning romance writers will
find answers and direction in this
compact guide to romance writing.
Authors Rita Clay Estrada and
Rita Gallagher provide tips,
instruction and the inside scoop
on the romance publishing industry.
Some of the romance writing
concepts covered include
types of romance novels, agents,
the publishing business, formatting manuscripts,
action, conflict, plots, characters, subplots,
motivation, heroes and heroines, dialogue,
revisions and resources for romance writers.
Rita Estrada and Rita Gallagher are more
than qualified to provide advice to romance
writers. Rita Gallagher and her daughter,
Rita Clay Estrada, cofounded Romance Writers
of America in 1980. Rita Clay Estrada has published
over 30 romance novels and the Rita
Award (an RWA book award) is
named in her honor.
In addition to expert advice, the two authors also
include examples,
tips from other well-known romance
novelists and checklists to help writers
reach their goals.
An excellent introduction to
romance novel writing for
beginners.
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