Comments on: Reference Books for Writers

By: Fiction Editor Beth Hill

Fiction Editor Beth Hill — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 03:18:17 +0000

Thanks, Mr. Edd. I corrected the link, as you suggested. Looks like a fun site.

By: Mr Edd

Mr Edd — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 05:31:51 +0000

This is not exactly a reference book but for anyone who loves words then try Stephen Fry’s Planet Word.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b015h1xb

A TV documentary in five parts that follows the development of language. Although it predominantly discusses English it does make many comparison with some of the over 6000 languages spoken on this planet.

Be warned though that the third part goes into fowl language and why we use the four letter words and can’t help ourselves in doing so.

As writers we must love words and this show is a delight to watch and listen to.

Edd

By: Beth

Beth — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 20:45:33 +0000

Vivian, that’s another good one, but I actually never bought it. I love when they’re funny–helps me remember all those odd rules.

Sorry that your comment didn’t post right away. You were coming in as possible spam. I’m not sure why.

By: Vivian A

Vivian A — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 19:50:38 +0000

Not exactly “reference”, but Eats, Shoots and Leaves is wonderful compilation of humored grammar. For those who think grammar is boring and irrelevant, this book is a must read. Gives a totally different light to something many view as dry. Laugh out loud funny.

By: Beth

Beth — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 06:30:59 +0000

Lisa, I’ve got that one too. And yes, it’s useful. I can recommend it.

By: Other Lisa

Other Lisa — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 06:14:52 +0000

Have you seen, I think it’s called, the Writer’s Thesaurus? Looks really useful to me. One I’m thinking about getting!

By: Vivian A

Vivian A — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 05:12:31 +0000

Okay, this isn’t really a “reference” book, but definitely humorous grammar, Eats, Shoots and Leaves. This is laugh out loud funny. For anyone that thinks grammar is boring and irrelevant, it’s a perfect beginning.