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On Writing,
by Stephen King

Do you want to improve your opening statements?  Do you want to tell compelling stories to your jurors?  Would you like to draft a factual basis that helps the court rule in your favor?  If so, add this book to your trial lawyer's library.  Love him or hate him, Stephen King is a master of storytelling.  His books have sold millions of copies.  His stories keep readers up to all hours of the night, turning page after page, eager to reach the end.  In this book, he shares the secrets of his craft.

 

On Writing - Stephen KingThe first portion of the book is autobiographical.  It's worth reading, but that's not why you should add this book to your library.  The second half of the book is worth ten times the cover price.  Within these pages is a master's treatise on storytelling.  Replace the word "reader" with "juror" and you'll discover a powerful courtroom presentations book. 

 

There are numerous tips throughout that you can apply to the courtroom.  One of the easiest tips to use will help you eliminate clutter in your writing.  He recommends eliminating as many adverbs from your writing as possible.  There's no need to say, "He cruelly said..."  or "She happily said..."  Let the dialogue tell the story.  Let your readers (jurors) glean the story from the dialogue and the surrounding actions.  Don't tell them what they should think - let them reach their own conclusion as to what the characters (witnesses/parties) were thinking or feeling.  To apply this tip to the courtroom, start by re-reading your opening statement draft.  When you encounter adverbs, pull out your red marker and strike the offending words from the page.  You'll tighten your language and tell more compelling stories.

 

Don't let On Writing collect dust on your trial lawyer's bookshelf.  Once a year, pick it up and re-read a few sections.  Even better, listen to the audio version, narrated by King himself.  You'll remind yourself of what good writing should look (and sound) like.  Your opening statements may not become bestsellers, but if you can help the jury like your story, you'll probably like their verdict.

 

Click HERE to order your copy today.


WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE, WEBSITE, OR BAR ASSOCIATION PUBLICATION? You can, as long as you include the following blurb with it: Elliott Wilcox publishes Trial Tips Newsletter, a free weekly e-zine for trial lawyers that reveals simple, effective, and persuasive techniques to help you win more trials, guaranteed.  Sign up today for your free special report: “How to Become the Best Trial Lawyer in Your Courthouse – The Top Ten Tips for Trial Lawyers,” at www.TrialTheater.com

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