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First You Write a Sentence.
- The Elements of Reading, Writing...and Life.
- Narrated by: Roy McMillan
- Length: 8 hrs and 13 mins
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First You Write a Sentence.
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Summary
Penguin presents the audiobook edition If First You Write a Sentence by Joe Moran, read by Roy McMillan.
The sentence is the common ground where every writer walks. A poet writes in sentences, but so does the unsung author who came up with Items trapped in doors cause delays. A good sentence can be written (and read) by anyone if we simply give it the gift of our time, and it is as close as most of us will get to making something truly beautiful.
Enter acclaimed author Professor Joe Moran. Using minimal technical terms, First You Write a Sentence is his unpedantic but authoritative explanation of how the most ordinary words can be turned into verbal constellations of extraordinary grace. Using sources ranging from the Bible and Shakespeare to George Orwell and Maggie Nelson, and scientific studies of what can best fire the reader's mind, he shows how we can all write in a way that is clear, compelling and alive.
Whether dealing with finding the ideal word, building a sentence or constructing a paragraph, First You Write a Sentence informs by light example: much richer than a style guide, it can be read not just for instruction but for pleasure and delight. And along the way it shows how good writing can help us notice the world, make ourselves known to others and live more meaningful lives. It's an elegant gem in praise of the English sentence.
A style guide by stealth - how anyone can write well (and can enjoy good writing).
Critic reviews
"Moran is a past master at producing fine, accessible non-fiction." (Helen Davies, Sunday Times)
"Joe Moran has a genius for turning the prosaic poetic." (Peter Hennessy)
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What listeners say about First You Write a Sentence.
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- Darryl Groombridge
- 17-01-21
First You Read This Book.
A key piece of reading for anyone even remotely interested in writing. It's a moving, inspiring, and existential examination of what it means to write.
As Moran says himself, this book is a love letter to the sentence. And now, I'm in love.
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- Dorota
- 29-01-23
Such a Good Book!
I loved listening to this book and will probably start to listen to it for a second time very soon. What a genius way to write about writing. I was initially looking for a book that is a pragmatic guide for writers, but came across this book and its raving reviews, and purchased it in a blink. Listening to it made me literally happy. If anything is inspiring to get you writing, it is this book!
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- Anonymous User
- 02-04-24
So Glad You Wrote These Sentences
A meditative ride. Reminding me what I’m doing. And perhaps even why. (Ironically the review needs 15 words minimum so here are more)
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- KhayaR
- 15-11-21
One of the best books about writing
I find this a book to be revisited once in a while. It's very educational, and there are so many takeaways. I might even get myself a physical copy for easy perusal. I highly recommend to all writers.
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- Amazon Customer
- 14-12-21
Brilliant! Must-read for writers and readers alike
Loved this book, perfect for aspiring writers but honestly this would be enjoyed by anyone who is interested in language or stories. Its not a how-to-write style guide manual like Stunk and White, but rather its a more free flowing exploration of language, how it should work and how it should flow. It's written beautifully, and a real joy to listen to. It also provides real, helpful and practical information on how to improve your writing, providing examples, explanations and intuitions for why. I re-listen to this often not only to brush up on the helpful tools, but because its a great listen.
Honestly a must for anyone who wants to write better, be it professionally, fiction or non-fiction in my opinion. I listened to it as an audiobook and found the voice really soothing and calm.
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- Sam JP
- 28-12-23
Phenomenal
Like listening to poetry and improving your writing all in an indirect style guide. I will likely buy the hard copy.
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- Mr. A. R. Junior
- 16-08-19
Beautifully written, beautifully read.
This book is going to be a classic. Timelessly written. a book for grownups who love words and writing.
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2 people found this helpful
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- Stevie Bach
- 21-03-24
Inspiring
An inspiring love letter to the sentence and life itself. Calmly wise. Advice modestly offered in ...
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- marija maher
- 25-12-18
Brilliant
This is probably the best book I’ve read all year. Definitely the best non fiction book. I would recommend this to everyone. As a budding writer I found it immensely enjoyable but it also has something to teach about life. It it beautifully written. I have bought a hard copy, and a kindle copy to have too so I can access it anywhere. That said, I really enjoyed the narration.
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7 people found this helpful
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- William J. Duddy
- 04-12-22
Perfectly written and sublimely read.
The combination of Joe Moran's heartfelt love of writing, her power to express that and explain it, with Roy McMillan's perfect emphasis, make this a truly joyful (and educational) listen.
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