Good article, though more specifics would help readers understand what you mean about writing better. What did you learn from Dr. Barry's book? Give us some examples.

A style guide should be on every writer's desk. The 4th edition of Diana Hacker's "A Pocket Style Manual" is on mine. And Strunk & White's "The Elements of Style" should be beside it, worn and dog-eared.

The students in my Intro to Creative Writing class love Roy Peter Clark's "Writing Tools: 55 Essential Strategies for Every Writer."

Writing every day is still good advice, because you need the writing habit. But getting better every day--that's the key to greatness.