Seven steps to confident writing

In the newest book by college-essay coach and New York Times contributor Gelb, author of Conquering the College Admissions Essay in 10 Steps (2017), he aims for a broad audience: anyone who wishes to reclaim writing. This how-to guide does not teach creative or academic writing. Rather, it offers instruction on how to achieve a more positive attitude toward the difficult task of putting pen to paper. All of the seven steps are comprised of concrete tips, usefully summarized in a Roundup at the end of every chapter. For example, the first chapter, See the Big Picture, explains how to visualize the reader and practice short writing exercises that make the activity more habitual. In clear and engaging prose, Gelb then moves on to discuss, for example, syntax and a narrative's four critical elements and to offer advice about, for instance, tone and the necessity of revision. Appropriate for newbies while also useful for practiced writers, Gelb's book begs to be read from cover to cover and then kept within reach for regular consultation.--Maggie Taft Copyright 2019 Booklist