When Words Collide: A Media Writer's Guide to Grammar and Style / Edition 7

by Lauren Kessler, Duncan McDonald

Overview

Kessler and McDonald's WHEN WORDS COLLIDE is praised by students for its straightforward and clear-almost conversational-presentation of grammar. This versatile grammar and usage handbook will work for you as a beginning student and as you continue as a media writer. It provides concise, clear explanations and examples, as well as quick and accurate answers to grammar or usage questions. The unique 'from writer to writer' perspective guides you through the writing process.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780495050254
Publisher:	Cengage Learning
Publication date:	02/14/2007
Series:	Wadsworth Series in Mass Communication A
Edition description:	REV
Pages:	264
Product dimensions:	6.30(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Lauren Kessler is professor and director of the Multimedia Journalism Master's Program at the University of Oregon as well as a national speaker, workshop leader, and founder and editor of ETUDE, the online magazine of narrative nonfiction. In addition, she is the author of three textbooks and seven works of narrative nonfiction, including MY TEENAGE WEREWOLF: A MOTHER, A DAUGHTER, A JOURNEY THROUGH THE THICKETS OF ADOLESCENCE, Pacific Northwest Book Award winner DANCING WITH ROSE (published in paperback as FINDING LIFE IN THE LAND OF ALZHEIMER'S), WASHINGTON POST bestseller CLEVER GIRL and LOS ANGELES TIMES bestseller THE HAPPY BOTTOM RIDING CLUB--which David Letterman, in fierce competition with Oprah, chose as the first (and only) book for the Dave Letterman Book Club. She appeared twice on his late-night show. She is also the author of Oregon Book Award winner STUBBORN TWIG, which was chosen as the book for all Oregon to read in honor of the state's 2009 sesquicentennial. Dr. Kessler's journalism has appeared in THE NEW YORK TIMES MAGAZINE, LOS ANGELES TIMES MAGAZINE, O magazine, UTNE READER, THE NATION, newsweek.com and salon.com. She received her Ph.D. from the University of Washington. Dr. Kessler blogs at www.myteenagewerewolf.com.Find out more at www.laurenkessler.com

Duncan McDonald is professor of journalism at the University of Oregon, where he also served as dean of the School of Journalism and Communications as well as vice president of Public Affairs and Development. He is a former deputy director of the Freedom Forum Media Studies Center at Columbia University. A former newspaper reporter, editor and publisher, he has co-authored texts in grammar, media writing, information gathering and graphics.

Table of Contents

Preface. Part 1: Understanding Grammar and Style. 1. grmr: CWOT? 2. Ten Little Secrets Ten Big Mistakes. 3. Parts of Speech, Part 1: The verb is THE word. 4. Parts of Speech, Part 2: completing the picture. 5. The Sentence. 6. Agreement: The Search for Harmony and Order. 7. Case: It''s All About Relationships. 8. Punctuation: Graceful Movements, Confident Stops. 9. Spelling. 10. Clarity, Conciseness, Coherence. 11. Style. 12. Sense and Sensitivity. Part 2: Topical Guide to Grammar and Word Use.

Editorial Reviews

"Coverage of crucial grammar areas comprise the text's chief virtues as does its clear organization, which makes easy the navigating of tenets included."

From the Publisher