Rather than wait until I've read books before reviewing them, I think a halfway house is to at least let people know about books and, if possible, my first impressions. My intention is to write full reviews of these in due course. I hope you find these snapshots useful and interesting.
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Prize draw for subscribers to my books bulletin
Subscribers to my newsletter, Terry Freedman’s Books Bulletin, receive more than ‘just’ news about new books, reviews of bookshops and books, and tips concerning writing,. They also have opportunities to win books in giveaway contests!
This week I’ll be publishing details of how to enter a draw to win a copy of Alex Quigley’s new book, Closing the Vocabulary Gap.
Details of where to go to subscribe to the newsletter are in the article.
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What I'm reading: Dictator Literature
in Bad writing, Bookshelf, Reviews
So you think you've read some atrocious writing in your life? Well, you ain't seen nothing yet.
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The London Book Fair 2018: the first day. Photo by Terry Freedman
The London Book Fair 2018: initial thoughts
in Events, News & views
Here's a quick round-up of the things I'll be discussing in my next newsletter, including censorship, publishing myths and a marketing website.
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What I've been reading: Something nasty in the slush pile (updated)
in Bookshelf, How to, Reviews, Bad writing, Reference
How should you pitch a publisher with your book proposal? Or, to look at this another way, how should you not do so? This book answers that question.
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What I've been reading: How not to write a novel
Even if you are a non-fiction writer, this book is worth reading.
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Photo from Stencil. Licence: CC0
7 features of bad writing
Another article in the 'bad writing' series, 7 Features of Bad Writing suggests some common characteristics of poor prose. Any one of these 'sins' would serve as an indicator, especially if they occur more than once or twice.
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Image from Stencil. CC0
The horror of hitting 'Publish'
The moment that every wordsmith dreads...
Read MoreWhat I'm reading: Why we Sleep
A well-written and, frankly, frightening book about the benefits we get from sleep. frightening? Yes, because of the costs we pay when we skimp on (good quality) sleep.
Read MoreAvoiding all-encompassing words
You cannot assume that every reader will know what words like 'etc' will refer to or included.
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The Brick Lane Bookshop -- Photo by Terry Freedman
Bookshops I like: The Brick Lane Bookshop
If you can get to Shoreditch in London, be sure to visit the Brick Lane Bookshop. Thiis article tells you why.
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New books bulletin launched
Read on for news about my new books-related newsletter. Reviews of books and bookshops, new book announcements, writerly tips, and news about my own works.
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The London Book Fair -- photo by Terry Freedman
The London Book Fair 2018 Seminar Programme
in Bookshelf, Events, News & views
The London Book Fair website now has seminar listings in place. This article lists my top 11 sessions so far.
Read MoreWhat I've been reading: Waterhouse on newspaper style
This book may be thirty years old, but its advice is still pertinent. If you want to have a blitz or crackdown against, or shake-up of, bad writing (all examples of 'tabloidese'), then this is the book for you.
Read MoreLists: Bullets or numbers?
When should you use bullet points, and when numbers? Read on to find out.
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Hatchards, St Pancras, London, by Terry Freedman
Bookshops I like: Hatchards
How an experience at one of my favourite bookshops warmed me up on a freezing day.
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London Book Fair, by Terry Freedman
Book up for the London Book Fair 2018
It's that time of year again: time to book up a visit to the London Book Fair.
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Picture from Mohamed Hassan, Pixabay. Licence: CCO
No way to treat freelancers
in News & views
If you're feeling frustrated or angry at not being paid for your work, you might take solace from the fact that you're not alone, according to recent research.
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Photo from lucasbieri. Licence: CCO
Foreword, Preface or Introduction?
Do you know the difference between a Foreword, a Preface and an Introduction? I didn't either until I found an excellent article on the web.
Read MoreReview of Baking with Kafka, by Tom Gauld
Baking with Kaka is a great book, especially if you're a writer and an avid reader.
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