WRITING BOOKS III

Continuing my series about books I’ve read on the subject of writing, the next book on the list in On Writing Well.

“On Writing Well” by William Zinsser is the first book I read that really showed me writing is not just a talent you’re born with, but instead a skill that anyone can develop with enough practice and patience.

Zinsser’s writing style is very light and easy to read. Anyone’s writing, no matter the subject or forum, could be enriched by reading this book.

• Kiss: Keep It Short and Simple
  • The use of each word has to be justified.
  • When possible, do more with less.
  • An overuse of abbreviations, jargon, and cliches, is the easiest way to bore readers.
• Obsess over word choice.
  • Your words are all you have as a writer.
  • Use words that can strike an emotional chord in your readers.
  • Words matter always, but even more in copy.
• Begin with a bang, end with a boom.
  • The perfect ending will stay with your readers forever.
  • “If you have printed all the facts and made the point you want to make, look for the nearest exit.”
• Every sentence must build on the previous one.
  • Random jumps in the narrative confuses readers.
  • Plan before you start typing. Uniformity is key.
• Rewrite multiple times, read aloud.
  • First drafts always suck.
  • The readability of a piece is directly proportional to the number of times it has been rewritten.
  • Read each sentence aloud. Make sure it sounds right.
  • Rhyme and alliterate.
• Think in paragraphs.
  • If a paragraph seems to contain more than a single idea, it should be broken up.
  • Long blocks of text scare readers.
• Vary sentence length.
  • “The period can’t come soon enough.”
  • The longer the sentence, the more likely you are to make a mistake.
  • Short sentences deliver a punch.