Sin and Syntax: How to Craft Wicked Good Prose

A fully revised and updated edition with writing prompts and challenges in every chapter Todays writers need more spunk than Strunk: whether it's the Great American e-mail, Madison Avenue advertising, or Grammy Award-winning rap lyrics, memorable writing must jump off the page. Copy veteran Constance Hale is on a mission to make creative communication, both the lyrical and the unlawful, an option for everyone. With its crisp, witty tone, Sin and Syntax covers grammars ground rules while revealing countless unconventional syntax secrets (such as how to useGasp!interjections or when to pepper your prose with slang) that make for sinfully good writing. Discover how to: *Distinguish between words that are pearls and words that are potatoes * Avoid couch potato thinking and commitment phobia when choosing verbs * Use literary devices such as onomatopoeia, alliteration, and metaphor (and understand what you're doing) Everyone needs to know how to write stylish prosestudents, professionals, and seasoned writers alike. Whether youre writing to sell, shock, or just sing, Sin and Syntaxnow celebrating 20 years in printis the guide you need to improve your command of the English language.