Writing ideas #2

Hi all. During my recent stay on the cruise ship, I took a few moments to look over a few writing books. The first book was Good Writing (36 Ways to Improve Your Sentences) by the husband-wife team of Neal Allen and Anne Lamott. Ms. Lamott, of course, is the author of the universally acclaimed writing book, Bird by Bird.

Good Writing just came out in March of 2026. I give it high marks.

I suspect there are a hundred ways to improve your sentences. And you may find most, if not all, of these 36 listed in one book or another—if you look hard enough. But if you were going to pick 36 of those hundred… Well, these are a good 36 to pick.

It’s a joy to find these 36 concentrated in one book. As I say, you may be able to find all 36 of these in various books, but here they are. All in one volume.

The 36 ways are described clearly and concisely. Good teaching.

Each of the 36 ways begins with Allen explaining what we as writers need to look for in our sentences. Lamott then follows up with her take on the subject. Sometimes Lamott disagrees with her husband on particular nuances. And there is humor in her comments.

When I start the revision process on my writing, this is a book I’m going to keep within arm’s reach.