Most writers are probably familiar with the classic book on writing craft “The Elements of Style” by Strunk and White (also called “Strunk and White”). Written by a Cornell University English professor, this book has been a staple in the writing community. Originally published in 1920 (self-published in 1918), this book is in its 4th edition (as of 1999) and remains one of the most influential books for writers today.
Have you ever heard someone (perhaps a writing coach, teacher, mentor, or author) say “you can’t break the rules till you know the rules”? Well, here’s what they meant: if you write in a way that runs contrary to basic English grammar rules, you need to have a reason. For example: if you wrote a paragraph with several sentence fragments, but can’t explain why you did so, it’s likely because this was a mistake and there’s a 99% chance you need to correct it. But, if you know writing in fragments goes against rudimentary English rules, and yet, you did so on purpose because it added some punch to a tense scene in your story, then BOOM! You broke the rules, but for good reason.
Strunk and White provides a basic understanding of the rules. It’s the “why” behind how we write in English; covering topics such as proper grammar, eliminating unnecessary words, active voice, and commonly misused words and expressions.
Only after you have a secure grasp of the rules, can you “break” them. And this is where Spunk & Bite (by Arthur Plotnik) comes in. This fun, short book is chock-full of excellent writerly advice on how and when to “break the rules.” The title is a parodical play on the original “Strunk and White” book and adds a fresh take on those black and white stylistic prescriptions, offering writers more choices for open-minded writing that surprises readers and keeps them reading.
Spunk & Bite permits the writer to take authorial control and say what they wish, how they wish, so long as they know why they’re choosing the style. It puts the ball back in our court as writers and this kind of permission allows us to experiment and find their voice.
I’m so grateful to have found this gem at the library. I read through it so fast because I knew I’d have to return it, eventually. Then I found a copy at a used bookstore and snatched it up right away! Along with those boring-but-necessary books on writing and style, Spunk & White is a staple on my craft bookshelf.