How does /lit/ think of this book?
It's a bit prescriptivist and out of date. Fun though.
>>7609430
Will it help me improve my writing?
>>7609423
The general principle of being precise and clear in order to avoid misunderstanding is good. There are definitely times to ignore their particular guidelines though.
>>7609423
Hey anon, not sure if you saw my post in the other writing thread about it, but I agree with what most people are saying here. While it is a great book for learning specific aspects of writing and interesting to read their opinions on it, never take it as concrete, especially if you write fiction.
>>7609534
>especially if you write fiction
My professor suggested to the class that we read this. Personally, though, I'd much rather write fiction than academic or non-fiction. How would it hinder an aspiring novelist's ability to write fiction?
>>7609770
The book tends to address certain concepts in writing as absolutes and endorses certain methods of writing as the "best" out of all others in any given context. The terminology can be a little deregotary in that sense. I would still read it as most of the advice is still useful, but just understand that it is not the defacto source on writing in every medium as some of the guidelines and rules Strunk and White make limit the capacity and potential of fiction and homogenize personal style or experimentation.
Does that help a bit, anon?
