A Self Made of Words

Crafting a Distinctive Persona in Nonfiction Writing

Nonfiction, Reference & Language, Language Arts, Writing & Publishing, Writing Skills, Reference
Cover of the book A Self Made of Words by Carl H. Klaus, University of Iowa Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Carl H. Klaus ISBN: 9781609382148
Publisher: University of Iowa Press Publication: November 1, 2013
Imprint: University Of Iowa Press Language: English
Author: Carl H. Klaus
ISBN: 9781609382148
Publisher: University of Iowa Press
Publication: November 1, 2013
Imprint: University Of Iowa Press
Language: English

Confident or fretful, solemn or sassy, tough or tender, casual or formal: the self you project in writing—your persona—is the byproduct of numerous decisions you make about what to say and how to say it. Though any single word or phrase or sentence might make little difference within the scope of an entire essay or book, collectively they create an impression of who you are or seem to be—an impression that’s sure to influence how readers respond to your work. Thus it’s essential to take charge of how you come across on the page, to craft an appropriate persona for whatever you’re writing, whether it’s a personal essay, a blog, a technical report, a letter to the editor, or a memoir. In this wise and ingenious little guide, noted essayist Carl Klaus shows you how to adapt your self to the needs of such varied nonfiction, by varying his own persona to illustrate the distinctive effect produced by each aspect and element of writing.

Klaus divides his book into two parts: first, an introduction to the nature and function of a persona, then a survey of the most important elements of writing that contribute to the character of a persona, from point of view and organization to diction and sentence structure. Both parts contain exercises that will give you practice in developing a persona of your choice. Challenging and stimulating, each of his exercises focuses on a distinctly different aspect of composition and style, so as to help you develop the skills of a versatile and personable writer. By focusing on the most important ways of projecting your self in nonfiction prose, you can learn to craft a distinctive self in your writing.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Confident or fretful, solemn or sassy, tough or tender, casual or formal: the self you project in writing—your persona—is the byproduct of numerous decisions you make about what to say and how to say it. Though any single word or phrase or sentence might make little difference within the scope of an entire essay or book, collectively they create an impression of who you are or seem to be—an impression that’s sure to influence how readers respond to your work. Thus it’s essential to take charge of how you come across on the page, to craft an appropriate persona for whatever you’re writing, whether it’s a personal essay, a blog, a technical report, a letter to the editor, or a memoir. In this wise and ingenious little guide, noted essayist Carl Klaus shows you how to adapt your self to the needs of such varied nonfiction, by varying his own persona to illustrate the distinctive effect produced by each aspect and element of writing.

Klaus divides his book into two parts: first, an introduction to the nature and function of a persona, then a survey of the most important elements of writing that contribute to the character of a persona, from point of view and organization to diction and sentence structure. Both parts contain exercises that will give you practice in developing a persona of your choice. Challenging and stimulating, each of his exercises focuses on a distinctly different aspect of composition and style, so as to help you develop the skills of a versatile and personable writer. By focusing on the most important ways of projecting your self in nonfiction prose, you can learn to craft a distinctive self in your writing.

More books from University of Iowa Press

Cover of the book An Infuriating American by Carl H. Klaus
Cover of the book Whitman among the Bohemians by Carl H. Klaus
Cover of the book Whitman & Dickinson by Carl H. Klaus
Cover of the book China Lake by Carl H. Klaus
Cover of the book Meat Makes People Powerful by Carl H. Klaus
Cover of the book The Courtship of Eva Eldridge by Carl H. Klaus
Cover of the book Fangasm by Carl H. Klaus
Cover of the book In the Memory of the Map by Carl H. Klaus
Cover of the book Trickster by Carl H. Klaus
Cover of the book The Portrait and the Book by Carl H. Klaus
Cover of the book What Is Your Quest? by Carl H. Klaus
Cover of the book Cities of Farmers by Carl H. Klaus
Cover of the book Running to the Fire by Carl H. Klaus
Cover of the book The Small-Town Midwest by Carl H. Klaus
Cover of the book Social Responsibilities of the Businessman by Carl H. Klaus
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy