by Mike Klaassen

Created on: March 08, 2007   Last Updated: May 14, 2007

WITTY, REFRESHING, SCRAMBLED FORMAT
Robert's Rules of Writing: 101 Unconventional Lessons Every Writer Needs to Know, by Robert Mosello, is a collection of writing tips presented in no particular order. As the subtitle states, many of the lessons contradict conventional thinking. Each "rule" is presented as a chapter title, such as "Lose the Muse," "Magnetize Yourself," "Tell, Don't Show," "Stop Reading." Most of the chapters are just two pages long, and the subjects range widely from characterization, to style, to writing process, to the writing life.

You don't have to agree with every "rule" to enjoy this one. Mosello's dry wit is half the fun of the book.

The scrambled format is much like that in Leonard Bishop's Dare to be a Great Writer. Because of the presentation, I wouldn't recommend either as the first "how-to" book for a novice. But the concept works well for me when I'm looking for a quick read during TV commercials. It could also be used as a "writing tip of the day" to get the mental wheels turning. This is one you can enjoy again and again.

Bottom line, Robert's Rules of Writing is worth owning and reading.

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