First You Write a Sentence.

The Elements of Reading, Writing … and Life.

By: Joe Moran

Narrated by: Roy McMillan

Penguin presents the audiobook edition if First You Write a Sentence by Joe Moran, read by Roy McMillan.

The sentence is the common ground where every writer walks. A poet writes in sentences, but so does the unsung author who came up with Items trapped in doors cause delays. A good sentence can be written (and read) 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.

Enter acclaimed author Professor Joe Moran. Using minimal technical terms, First You Write a Sentence is his unpedantic but authoritative explanation of how the most ordinary words can be turned into verbal constellations of extraordinary grace. Using sources ranging from the Bible and Shakespeare to George Orwell and Maggie Nelson, and scientific studies of what can best fire the reader's mind, he 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 read not just 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.

A style guide by stealth - how anyone can write well (and can enjoy good writing)

'Moran is a past master at producing fine, accessible non-fiction.' - Helen Davies, Sunday Times

'Joe Moran has a genius for turning the prosaic poetic' - Peter Hennessy

Critic reviews

Joe Moran has a genius for turning the prosaic poetic (Peter Hennessy)

Thoughtful reflections on how to write well (John Mullan)

Joe Moran is the most perceptive and original observer of British life that we have (Matthew Engel)

Moran has fast become Britain's foremost explorer and explainer of the disregarded (Juliet Gardiner, author of 'Wartime: Britain 1939-1945')

Moran is a wonderful, witty writer, and here he surpasses himself (Marcus Berkmann (on Shrinking Violets))

Compelling . . . There's plenty in Moran's book to delight grammar and language nerds (Daniel Hahn)

Humane and witty . . . as a primer in generous and lively writing, First You Write a Sentence is blithe and convincing

Exquisite...Moran's own sentences are so deliciously epigrammatic that I considered giving up chocolate in favour of re-reading his book...He is more mentor than instructor (Irina Dumitrescu)

Amazing

This is the most enjoyable non fiction book I ever listened to. The lessons taught on writing are a lifetime treasure. I now need to get the printed version.

Insightful and entertaining

This is a wonderful exploration of what makes a good sentence. The author is both passionate about the subject and practical in his advice. As a writer, it has been delightful to go back to the roots of all writing: the simple sentence, and its many complexities.

The best book on writing and the sentence narrated perfectly.

It’s the second time I listen to this audiobook and it was even better. Exquisite and insightful. I am so happy I didn’t miss out on this one.

All the instruction needed to appreciate writing.

Taken on the journey of the sentence, I am in a beautiful place of words, inspiration and calm.

Worth listening to

One of the best audio books I have had the pleasure of listening to. Some really helpful hacks and valuable insights into writing. I especially enjoyed his thoughts on using verbs, strong and weak, and sentence length. Sentences are like music, I like that. His views on paragraphing, and Christensen’s ideas on cumulative sentences were something I was interested in prior to listening, and he developed the idea. ‘Well done’, as Mr Phillips, one of my favourite characters from Lanchester’s novel of the same name, would say!