Wordsmithy

INTRODUCTION

The introduction provides a summary overview of the seven exhortations that Wilson will set forth in the remainder of the book. Each chapter is dedicated to one of these seven exhortations, with seven sub-points per chapter. The seven exhortations are:

1. Know something about the world.

2. Read.

3. Read mechanical helps.

4. Stretch before your routines.

5. Be at peace with being lousy for a while.

6. Learn other languages.

7. Keep a commonplace book.

CHAPTER ONE : A Veritable Russian Doll of Writing Tips

"A writer should have some kind of real life ballast" (p.13). Live a life that is full of significant and diverse experiences.

1. Real life duties should be preferred over real life tourism.

2. Authenticity in writing will only arise from authenticity in living.

3. Always remember that your writing will have a message.

4. Use your conversations to hone your writing voice, and not the other way around.

5. When you are out and about, you are watching the gaudy show called life and trying to learn from it.

6. Live an actual life out there, a full life, the kind that will generate a surplus of stories.

7. Enjoy yourself.

"Takeaway points: Give yourself to the world and the duties God assigns you along the way. Despise sham authenticity above all things. Own your perspective. Apply what you are learning to all your words. Take an interest. Run a surplus. Love what you do" (p.27).

CHAPTER TWO : READ UNTIL YOUR BRAIN CREAKS