I read a lot of eighteenth century books and it seems that capitalisation is largely a personal matter. Many modern editions standardise capitalisation, which I find a pity because the texts where they don't, I find I can get into the author's rhythms better.

I don't think careful writing is essential if you can improve energetic, uncareful writing with a good dollop of careful editing.

The book that has probably influenced me most in my life is called Scepticism Inc and by Bo Fowler.

But my favourite book is probably Tristram Shandy by Laurence Sterne because I could reread it hundreds of times without it losing much.

I have never, as child or adult been able to get through the unwadeable stodge that is Lord of the RIngs and nor have I ever got through the Hobbit. There is something about the huge wads of exposition and landscape, combined with the fact that all the characters seemed liked cyphers following the d...

I liked the Laura Miller article an awful lot, writer's need to remember that writing is an act of communication and not the spinning of some airy, delicate candyfloss. Good writing is direct and solid. Another fantastic article about the same idea is 'The reader's manifesto' by BR Myers, I read it ...