First You Write a Sentence

The Elements of Reading, Writing...and Life

By: Joe Moran

Narrated by: John Lee

Length: 7 hrs and 59 mins

Publisher's summary

“Do you want to write clearer, livelier prose? This witty primer will help.” (The New York Times Book Review)

An exploration of how the most ordinary words can be turned into verbal constellations of extraordinary grace through the art of building sentences.

The sentence is the common ground where every writer walks. A good sentence can be written (and read and listened to) by anyone if we simply give it the gift of our time, and it is as close as most of us will get to making something truly beautiful. Using minimal technical terms and sources ranging from the Bible and Shakespeare to George Orwell and Maggie Nelson, as well as scientific studies of what can best fire the minds of readers and listeners, author Joe Moran shows how we can all write in a way that is clear, compelling, and alive.

Whether dealing with finding the ideal word, building a sentence, or constructing a paragraph, First You Write a Sentence informs by light example: much richer than a style guide, it can be listened to not only for instruction but for pleasure and delight. And along the way, it shows how good writing can help us notice the world, make ourselves known to others, and live more meaningful lives. It's an elegant gem in praise of the English sentence.

©2018, 2019 Joe Moran (P)2019 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“Splendid...Moran writes fluidly and elegantly, offering practical advice on giving one’s writing texture and verve.” (Kirkus Reviews)

“[An] elegant and winding book-length love letter...[First You Write a Sentence] is expansive, diving into myriad topics related to sentence composition and efficacy, and Moran’s infatuation endures through it all. Writers and linguists have much to gain from Moran’s manic and probing research, but it’s Moran’s enthusiasm for the vitality of language that will engage any and all readers.” (Booklist)

“Heartfelt...[Moran] provides many pieces of useful advice [and] makes persuasive arguments for the virtues of succinct, plain writing and for a more ornate style without definitively favoring either - the key is to be adept at whichever is chosen.... Anyone who has waxed poetic about good writing will enjoy parts of Moran’s book.” (Publishers Weekly)

Then You Write a Glowing Review

This is one of the very best writing books I've read or listened to. It is brilliant from start to finish, packed with useful information and outstanding examples. This book will make every writer a better writer.

Some books are better read than heard.

The narration was beautiful, perhaps too much so. Some books are better read than heard. Beautiful sentences are a pleasure to the eyes. I think the the pleasure of reading this book should be experienced through the eyes.