7 reference books for your desk
I hate to admit this, but I rarely get an original idea. That's bad for a writer.
However, I've got lots of paperback friends who help me sound smarter. They're the seven reference texts I keep on top of my desk. Here they are, and why each one means so much to me.
1. Dictionary ? And old teacher once told me, "If you don't know the meaning, look it up." Sound advice. My desk copy is "Webster's New World Dictionary."
2. Thesaurus ? I'm always looking for a different way to say things, and this text helps me a lot. It's called "Roget's College Thesaurus."
3. Idiom reference ? People often use a common idiom or cliché' to clarify what they say. I keep the "Scholastic Dictionary of Idioms" next to my keyboard.
4. Dictionary of synonyms ? The one I use is "The Merriam-Webster Pocket Dictionary of Synonyms."
5. Encyclopedia ? To quickly find details on historical figures or products, I consult a great single volume paperback called "The New American Desk Encyclopedia."
6. Quotations ? A quote from an expert can add impact to a speech or report. The book I use is "The International Thesaurus of Quotations" by Rhoda Thomas Tripp.
7. Idea generator ? Well, this sounds self-serving, but I often use my own book to give me ideas for first paragraphs, transitional sentences, and conclusions. That book is "Words That Stick" by Rix Quinn.
Rix Quinn writes a weekly syndicated humor column, and develops writing workshops for schools, colleges, and business groups. His book "Words That Stick" is available from http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1580085768/qid/
Article Source: Messaggiamo.Com
Related:
» Credit Secrets Bible» Cash Making Power Sites
» Home Cash Course
» Automated Cash Formula
Webmaster Get Html Code
Add this article to your website now!
Webmaster Submit your Articles
No registration required! Fill in the form and your article is in the Messaggiamo.Com Directory!
