Customer Reviews

Writing to Make a Difference

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Writing to Make a Difference is one of the best written books that I have come across. You can tell that Massachi is very passionate about this subject and has researched tirelessly on the most effective methods on how to make a change. As one who is very interested in making a positive different in the world, the book has provided with a tangible way in which I can take action through writing.

At the time I purchased the book, the book was just selected as a finalist for ForeWord Magazine's Book of the Year Award. I went to the website and saw that the book is nominated for several other awards. After reading through this book you will see why. It is put together in an easy-to-read fashion with helpful images and tips in the margins.

One of the best things about the book is that it is organized in 25 chapters that highlight important steps in how to inspire people to make change. After reading about these strategies in detail, it is easy for one to go down a checklist of these 25 tips to be reminded of these strategies. Massachi also does a great job in providing clear examples that serve to put the twenty-five strategies in context.

If you are someone who wants to make a change, this is certainly a must for you to include in your library. Even if you are not with a nonprofit or organization that wants to influence others in a positive way, it would be helpful to read this book. It is a guide on how to do great things during the Information Age.

"Writing to Make a Difference" really can help anyone with writing, whether for a resume, a creative business letter, or just to write for yourself as a hobby! I loved the humor that was interjected making it fun to learn and read simultaneously. I plan to take a class or hear one of Dalya Massachi's talks or webinars sometime in the future.

"Writing to Make a Difference" is a wonderful example of clear writing and exceptional pedagogical skills. An author has to be a very brave person to write a book teaching others how to write. Unless the book is a peerless example of good writing, the author will look like a fool. But Dalya Massachi looks like a sage. And one with a wonderful sense of humor to boot!

I'm very impressed with with this book. It is not only full of good things, it is smart and lively. Every progressive organization should have a well-thumbed copy handy.

Susan C. Strong
The Metaphor Project
[...]

"Writing to Make a Difference" is a rare book of welcome mixtures, combining the accessibility of a "how-to" guide, rigor of an educational text, and practicality of a professional manual--all presented with the warmth of a trusted friend.

Ms. Massachi's orderly approach will help readers find answers to questions that nag at writers in any profession, and don't feel ashamed: you'll likely encounter quandaries that have slightly embarrassed you when they've cropped up again and again! Sections on subject-verb agreement and the use of punctuation will remind readers of constant pitfalls and easy-to-follow ways to navigate to safety and arrive at a confident mastery.

While the most intended audience is the "community impact" sector--thus the excellent use of anecdotal examples and sensitive attention to tone and wording--technical points are spelled out very well at the same turns.

The essence of this book is about the proper messaging "to make a difference." As such, if George Orwell would have written an entire book on the right language to use to communicate with the public--and what to avoid at all costs--"Writing to Make a Difference" may well have been the product.

"Writing to Make A Difference" is a great guide for those involved in writing for charitable organizations, but many of the techniques highlighted in this well laid out book will also benefit most people's professional writing. I was thrilled to receive a review copy of Daylya Massachi's book since I recently became involved with Rec.fm, a socially responsible company that gives most of it's earnings to charities. My background is in technical writing and the the skills I picked up in this book will nicely round out my overall writing skills.

The chapters are logically organized and take you through each step, from understanding your "Brand" to producing your written masterwork, while addressing and avoiding the mistakes that often fall in between. Each chapter has numerous real world examples, helpful "Bonus Tips" and "Personally Speaking" (the author sharing her experiences) entries in the side margins, and ends with "Writing Workshop" which helps to reinforce the lessons learned. I also enjoyed the many cartoons sprinkled throughout.

This book will likely find a place in many charitable organization's libraries.

Highly Recommended!

CFH

Hi, I'm a writer who works in technology as well as nonprofits, largely around the environment and sustainability. Dalya's book is well-written and takes a careful, thoughtful approach. This is allowing me to use it in my for-profit work as well as nonprofit. With Writing to Make a Difference, I'm able to add a layer of interest and excitement to my previously solid work. And, the practice will help in all my writing, for nonprofits as well. Thanks, Dalya!

This is an entertaining, well written guide for writers of all types but particularly oriented toward those in non-profit and community development. The information is succinct and practical, the examples and exercises are useful and well designed, and the layout is visually engaging. The author has clearly committed to providing a useful and high-quality product. I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to expand or enhance their writing skills.

Filled with worksheets and exercises, this hands-on book is an excellent tool for non-profits and community leaders. Actually, the tips will even help for-profit business writers. As someone who cringes at the improper use of grammar, I was delighted to read Chapter 22, "Get a handle on your sentence structure." The other 24 chapters are equally helpful.

The pen is very mighty indeed if applied right. "Writing to Make a Difference: 25 Powerful Techniques to Boost Your Community Impact" is a guide to writing to make a difference, giving readers a thoughtful and concise guide to make the most out of their writing. With advice on keeping your message clear, concise, and powerful, Dalya F. Massachi gives readers a solid and educational read with plenty of real world examples on the power of the writer in making a difference. "Writing to Make a Difference" is an excellent read and a top pick for the concerned person with a way with the pen.