I haven’t got a book to review this week (too many office fires to put out) but I’m offering a “helpful alternative” in place of the usual review, along with a promise that between now and next week I’ll read and review Keep the Change, the new book from Steve Dublanica, author of Waiter Rant. I bought the book on release day, but haven’t had the opportunity to read it in its entirety yet.
It’s rare for me to promise a review in advance, since I only review books I recommend, but I did sneak a look at this one and I feel confident that it will live up to Dublanica’s previous volume, so I’ll go out on a limb this time.
As for this week, take a look at The Wasteline Test, a website that analyzes writing samples and lets you know whether your writing is lean and mean or in need of a Biggest Loser-style makeover. You can cut and paste anything from samples to full manuscripts, and it works for nonfiction as well as fiction. If nothing else, it’s a fun way to check in with some of the more common writing errors, and see how you measure up. Even email works. Check it out, and let me know what you think in the comments!