Spunk & Bite: A Writer's Guide to Bold, Contemporary Style

*Spunk & Bite* is for me a funky rhythm and jazz resource of techniques and suggestions for bringing writing alive. So much of my daily articles consist of actionless verbs (have, to be, are, would have, should have), with little no surprises or engaging fun for the reader. While I may write straight forward and complex sentences, my syntax and paragraphs simply tie one thought to the next. My writing (like this review) is nice, but not memorable or engaging.You might think in the first few chapters of his book that Plotnik is showing off with a bunch of had-to-look-them-up-in-the-dictonary words (though admittedly, reading the Kindle version of this book with the device's built-in dictionary will be useful to the average reader), that is not the case. Plotnik just happens to be an intelligent teacher of writing. *Spunk & Bite* would make a cut above perfect textbook for any advance writing class. For any writer has control of standard grammar and coherent writing might find this book a worthy next course for taking writing to its most engaging level.Nearly each page contains examples of how to use what is called *locutions, locutions, locutions* (my first introduction to the word)-- which means "to use a word, the turning of a phrase in some stylistic manner."He explains how to use elements of surprise, diction, narratives tense, mouthwatering verbs, color, hot nouns from verbs, ephemeral imagery, stellar leads and stunning endings, and much more to add punch and juice to your writing.If you've never used a thesaurus or specialized dictionary of words and lists, you'll see how and why as you read *Spunk*. Plotnik goes beyond the tired suggestion given to most writers: keep a thesaurus on your desk. No, he actually shows why and how word books can be useful.I finished reading the book in about three days, and I suggest you might get more out of it if you give it a brisk first read and then come back to it again and again as a resource. Yes, I guess it could also sit right beside your copy of Strunk and White *Elements of Style*, if you you indeed even have read it in years.I plan to work through the exercises at the end of the book just as way to review and practice the techniques he explains. For it is not just enough to read the book from cover-to-cover, but more importantly to practice what he preaches, argues, and demonstrates in each carefully crafted chapter.Here's a break down of what he covers. The list comes from Plotnik's own website:-- undoing an "E.B. Whitewash"-- elements of surprise-- describing the extraordinary-- writing for Generations X, Y and beyond-- stellar leads, stunning endings-- choosing narrative tense-- diction: be the word-- freshening the vocabulary-- words with beautiful music-- coining great locutions-- hot nouns from verbs-- world-class words from abroad-- mouthwatering verbs-- better color for your colors-- finding the names of things-- intensifiers for feeble locutions-- semicolons with confidence-- niceties worth preserving-- the feng shui of writing-- "disinfecting" your prose-- hunting down danglers-- modifiers with minus effects-- using ephemeral imagery-- achieving "edge"-- language and terrorism-- whom we write for

Fantastic tool for writers. I am adding it to my collection. This book induced thought and provided a fresh perspective on writing. Provides many examples on how to write clearer, wittier, and how to put more action into content. I was pleased with my purchase.

This was one of the first writing books I'd read (outside the textbooks for english classes). It was delightfully surprising, and gave me a renewed interest in writing again. The humor injected into 'Spunk and Bite' kept me addicted and wanting to read more--even though it is only a writing book. It gave me an understanding of what readers yearn for and why I've gotten tired of so many books--there's not much spunk or bite to the writing. Plotnik explores how to make dull and expected sentences something knew and surprising that will keep the mind more attentive and draw readers in for more. High recommend.

This was different from most books on writing that I've read. It had a strong stream of humor throughout that made it easier to swallow all the writing lessons. Although, the lessons weren't so bad either. Most of them showed you which rules were okay to break and how to break them. It was a fun and informative read. I came away feeling like a better writer. This one has to be my favorite writing book.

Liked it - good read. But it doesn't seem to carry the right punch for me. There are other more useful books for writers with thousands of readily useable, ten dollar, made-up words. This book strikes me as a "Here's-what-you-want-to-shoot-for" kinda book and less of a "Here-are-some-things-you-use" book. Valuable insights - but there are plenty of great whacked-out words out there you can steal; and once you start stealing, you'll understand how to make up your own.

The best of all my countless writing and grammar books. I have given it as a gift to several friends and family members who rave about it, too. You will never be sorry you bought this book. It's loads of fun and loaded with fantastic tips. It will certainly add spunk and bite to your writing. Fun, fun, fun.

(Soma: body of a nerve cell). What this book does to my brain reminds me of those cartoon scenes where two animals, like a kangaroo and Foghorn Leghorn get into a fight inside a bag. Explosions and bulges appear all over the place at random. It's alka seltzer for axons. No matter what you write or what rules you think limit (or somebody tries to impose on) your freedom of expression, this book will put a breeze through your cobwebs - and a smile on your face.

Arthur Plotnik is an engaging writer. He surprises me so much that I could not put down the book. Grammar books are often uninteresting; Spunk and Bite is a book that draws our attention with lively language while managing to deliver its thoughts. I would recommend this book for high school students for it helps them to start writing in a style and caring about their grammar.

The "Spunk & Bite" is one of the best books about writing fiction, period. If you read the Strunk & White & "Spunk and Bite", you are ready to write your first masterpiece. It is not very instructional or dogmatic - it's actually a very light read, but it helpful beyond belief. The author knows his stuff, and I feel like he did all of us a huge favour by writing this book - with his knowledge and talent, he might as well resort to making money by writing fiction books :) Highly recommend it!

An interesting book packed with advice for writers. His fresh approach is commendable. A must read for aspiring writers. Shipped from USA with good delivery time, and though it said used, it was 'as new'.

Okay guide for writers but nothing new or especially helpful.

The original style guide by Strunk And White (which inspired the title for this book) was published almost 100 years ago, a very useful guide to grammar and correctness, but leading to stiff and soulless writing.The author of this book recommends a fresher approach, putting intent and rhythm above perceived correctness.