This is one of my favorite books on descriptive writing. The tag line reads: "Your source for language that enchants, empowers, convinces, and wins readers." It is all that it promises! Reading this book is as entertaining as it is educational. Just reading a chapter or two always makes me feel like I can write better. There are many exercises which help the reader to put into practice what she has just read about.

Writers at almost any stage, as well as for those who enjoy reading about how to write.

I liked that Cindy Rogers explores all aspects of writing creatively. Some of the chapters include
         Comparative Devices: simile, metaphor, and personification
         Devices of Sound
         Word Choices & Techniques

Sometimes, the format of the pages led to confusion; but looking it over a second time helped. After a chapter or two, the way it's set up became less noticeable, because the exercises and information were interesting.

Do more of the exercises in the book, and of course, do some editing on one of my stories.

...like even I can learn to write better description. I closed the book with a smile.

Cindy Rogers writes in a casual, friendly tone that never talks down to the reader. Her work has appeared in Writer’s Digest, Highlights for Children, and with Educational Oasis. Word Magic was published by Institute of Children's Literature, although it is definitely written for adults, not children, so don't be misled by the publisher's name. Rogers has over 100 works to her credit.

There are so many good exercises to work on. Also, she writes with a subtle humor that I like, for example, the Introduction's title is "The Alchemy of Language--Baking Soda: Words Rising." I feel this is a book I can keep learning from, so I keep it close on my desk for quick reference.

There is an eight-page bibliography that suggests many other good reads, both on the craft of writing and books that Rogers writes about as being good to read. I loved the chapters on hooking the audience. One example is
Chapter 16: Where's Papa Going With That Ax?
(the opening conflict, conveyed in dialogue, fromCharlotte's Web).

This is an entertaining read--I'm sure you'll enjoy it too. Just writing this review has made me want to read the book again!


[First place winner of November 2007's "Invalid Item" .]

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Created Nov 28, 2007 at 12:37am • Submit your own review...