A Writer's Coach

July 31, 2006
Good writing can dance, according to Jack Hart, "writing coach" and managing editor at The Oregonian. It has a rhythm "that pleases in its own right, creating cadences that give pleasure, regardless of content." This guide is intended to nudge insecure writers-especially those in the early stages of honing their craft-in the direction of their keyboards with practical tools for how to achieve clear, forceful and effective writing, no matter the subject. Hart's experience as a newspaperman is perhaps his greatest asset here; focused and clutter-free, chapters follow a logical learning sequence complete with one-word chapter titles ("Method" "Process" etc.) that get right to the point. His narrative tone is accessible and engaging, with anecdotes and advice from seasoned colleagues in the industry. Though positioned as a guide for tackling anything from a personal letter to a memoir, Hart's examples and terminology lean heavily on newspaper and feature writing, which may frustrate some creative types. That journalistic approach (which Hart freely admits to in the book's introduction), however, makes for an insightful, methodical approach to developing an idea into a story. Structured more like a textbook than a general professional development or trade title, this makes an ideal addition to the classroom.

October 23, 2006
Good writing can dance, according to Jack Hart, "writing coach" and managing editor at The Oregonian. It has a rhythm "that pleases in its own right, creating cadences that give pleasure, regardless of content." This guide is intended to nudge insecure writers-especially those in the early stages of honing their craft-in the direction of their keyboards with practical tools for how to achieve clear, forceful and effective writing, no matter the subject. Hart's experience as a newspaperman is perhaps his greatest asset here; focused and clutter-free, chapters follow a logical learning sequence complete with one-word chapter titles ("Method" "Process" etc.) that get right to the point. His narrative tone is accessible and engaging, with anecdotes and advice from seasoned colleagues in the industry. Though positioned as a guide for tackling anything from a personal letter to a memoir, Hart's examples and terminology lean heavily on newspaper and feature writing, which may frustrate some creative types. That journalistic approach (which Hart freely admits to in the book's introduction), however, makes for an insightful, methodical approach to developing an idea into a story. Structured more like a textbook than a general professional development or trade title, this makes an ideal addition to the classroom.

Copyright 2006 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

August 1, 2006
Although Hart addresses his pithy writing guide to those working for newspapers and magazines, the managing editor of the Portland " Oregonian" offers such practical yet inspirational advice that both aspiring and longtime writers in any discipline would benefit from reading his book. He immediately strips away the mystique that often surrounds the writing process: "Great writing happens not through some dark art, but when method meets craft." He shoots down a litany of angst-ridden complaints, including writer's block and keyboard anxiety, with hard-nosed insight gleaned from years of working at a daily newspaper. Emphasizing that most of the work of writing comes in the thinking and information-gathering stages, Hart gives a finely detailed analysis of the steps needed to efficiently produce a finished piece. He also provides many excerpts from excellent writers illustrating the value of rhythm, color, and voice, and points out common pitfalls, such as spending too much time polishing the final draft instead of organizing the initial one. Best of all, Hart's writing is a model of the craft he so eloquently dissects.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2006, American Library Association.)