The Elements of Style
Recently, I’ve been really getting into the Elements of Style. Unfortunately, for my personal cool potential, I enjoy it entirely too much. I think this purse-sized book is an entertaining and challenging companion. So, yes, I am keeping it in my purse. And no, no shame here.
I get tidbits like this gem:
8. Avoid the use of qualifiers. Rather, very, little, pretty- these are the leeches that infest the pond of prose, sucking the blood of words. The constant use of the adjective little is particularly debilitating…
Or, like this:
9. Do not affect a breezy manner. “Spontaneous Me” sang Whitman, and, in his innocence, let loose the hordes of uninspired scribblers who would one day confuse spontaneity with genius. The breezy style is often the work of an egocentric, the person who imagines that everything that comes to mind is of general interest and that uninhibited prose creates high spirits and carries the day.
Are you laughing yet? I’m laughing. Oh man.
