The Pen Commandments: A Guide for the Beginning Writer

This is a wonderful resource for the beginning to intermediate writer. But unlike most textbooks, it is well-written and highly entertaining. I wish this person had been my teacher!

In addition to books about writing term papers and how to properly study, in THE PEN COMMANDMENTS, Steven Frank has written a guide for the novice prose writer. Other authors and experts have covered this topic, but Frank's book is one of the most accessible I have read. Full of common sense suggestions, easy-to-understand explanations, and a cogently organized process, the book is one to which every new writer should turn. Drawing on his experience as a high school English teacher, the author walks the aspiring reader through all parts of the writing process. He's structured the book in the form of 10 Commandments (i.e. Thou shalt not Kill Thy Sentences; Thou Shalt Describe Thy World, Express Thy Opinions, and Preserve Thy Past; Thou Shalt Overcome Writer's Block; Thou Shalt Not Covet Thy Writer's Prose). Humorously and in an engaging-sometimes laugh-out-loud-style, the author demystifies the writing process and makes it seem fun. Particularly useful are his suggestions for recommended reading and an appendix of the top ten grammar mistakes to avoid. The book is durably composed with no messy slip cover, and it's the perfect size for any novice to carry in a book-bag or purse. Any new writer serious about exploring the world of writing should get thee to thy nearest book outlet, purchase this book, and read it from cover to cover. The few hours spent will be immensely worthwhile. Highly recommended. ~Lori L. Lake, author and freelance reviewer for Midwest Book Review, Golden Crown Literary Society's "The Crown," The Independent Gay Writer, and Just About Write.com.

A delightful book on writing which substantially raises the bar for all works in this field. It teaches, motivates, elevates, and entertains students. When I look at the sorry state of "approved" books in this subject and compare it to Mr. Frank's masterpiece, I feel we teachers need to cast our votes strongly in Mr. Frank's camp. Students cannot help but be inspired to write--and write well--with a text like this.

The Pen Commandments is far and away the best guide for the beginning writer I've ever read. I have guest-taught writing classes in high schools all over the country, and found time and again that the most difficult task is convincing kids that writing can be a pleasure rather than a chore. From the first word to the last, The Pen Commandments accomplishes this task with great wit and finesse. Steven Frank's writing exercises are original and irresistible, his explanations of the trickier points of grammar particularly clear and concise. Teachers should throw away their dull-witted and mind-numbing text books and enliven their classes with The Pen Commandments - soon, they will be producing students who not only can write, but like to write.

This was a wonderful addition to my library. My kids absolutely loved this book! A guide like this is sorely needed in teaching older children the finer points of writing and storytelling. There are dozens of terrific anecdotes that illustrate Mr. Frank's "commandments." I wish there had been a book as funny and entertaining as this one when I was in school. Great for grown ups, too, and you'll get a kick out of the cover art.