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So, there are three things that I look for in a style book. All of the books that I'll recommend have these qualities, but I will try to highlight where they shine. 
ONE: Is the author kind to the reader, who is trying to improve their writing? 2/
ONE: Is the author kind to the reader, who is trying to improve their writing? 2/
By far the kindest guide on writing is The Writing Workshop by @sarnecka1.
https://sites.google.com/uci.edu/sarneckalab/book?authuser=0
I used to feel a lot of anxiety about writing. Sarnecka talks about writing as gardening—you need to let the seeds grow. It helps me be kinder to myself in a first draft.
3/
https://sites.google.com/uci.edu/sarneckalab/book?authuser=0
I used to feel a lot of anxiety about writing. Sarnecka talks about writing as gardening—you need to let the seeds grow. It helps me be kinder to myself in a first draft.
3/
This book emphasizes that writing and science are fundamentally social activities. Sarnecka lays out a template to set up your own writing workshop. I did one with my labmate to finish my thesis, and am doing one now with @AshleyJ_Thomas @liushari et al. I love it! 4/
Sarnecka has generously made the book freely available but, if you can spare it, if this book enriches your writing, (and, maybe, like me, if it also adds to your happiness), then you should support her by buying a copy! 
5/
5/
TWO: Do I admire the writer's writing?
Style books don't just serve as guidebooks on what to say - they can also help jumpstart your own writing. When I'm having trouble getting started, I flip through a few pages of a style book to fill my head with the writer's voice. 6/
Style books don't just serve as guidebooks on what to say - they can also help jumpstart your own writing. When I'm having trouble getting started, I flip through a few pages of a style book to fill my head with the writer's voice. 6/
And, for that, it helps if I find the writer's voice clear and aesthetically pleasing.
The best example of this is Strunk & White - the crème de la crème of style books.
https://www.indiebound.org/book/9780205309023 7/
The best example of this is Strunk & White - the crème de la crème of style books.
https://www.indiebound.org/book/9780205309023 7/
Let's admire a nice bit of writing, shall we? 8/
Ah! One can't help but admire the workings of a tidy mind. 10/
Another shining example of this is On Writing Well by William Zinsser. 11/ https://www.indiebound.org/book/9780060891541
https://www.indiebound.org/book/9780060891541
Out of all the books on this list, Zinsser's book dives deepest into the craft of writing. If you have ever struggled to start or end a piece of writing, then you should strategize with Zinsser. 12/
Alright, last one!
THREE: Does the book rekindle my appreciation for the English language?
This one is important to me, because I am a geek, and I love learning and noticing new things about language. 13/
THREE: Does the book rekindle my appreciation for the English language?
This one is important to me, because I am a geek, and I love learning and noticing new things about language. 13/
By far the best example of this is Dreyer's English by @BCDreyer. Dreyer has the knowledge to show you all the wonderful minutiae of English (e.g., when you should use an en-dash for compound adjectives) and the wisdom to tell you when to relax.
14/ https://www.indiebound.org/book/9780812995701
14/
https://www.indiebound.org/book/9780812995701
(The book is also laugh-out-loud funny! Bet you didn't expect that in a style book!) 15/
These are my recommendations! Style books don't just teach you how to write—they can also be valued companions during the writing process. These are the companions I turn to, again and again. 16/fin
