William Zinsser

On Writing Well

1. IDEA 1

   Good writing is clear and simple

   Zinsser argues that clear writing comes from clear thinking. He urges writers of non-fiction to strip their sentences down to their essential parts. In his view, a plain sentence that is easy to follow serves the reader better than a showy one.

2. IDEA 2

   Clutter weakens writing

   Zinsser argues that most first drafts are full of clutter, unnecessary words and phrases that hide the meaning. Removing them strengthens writing. In his view, readers are busy and impatient, so every extra phrase costs their attention.

3. IDEA 3

   Write as yourself

   Zinsser encourages writers to find their own voice and write as they naturally would speak. Readers respond to warmth and personality. In his view, a natural voice makes the writing more believable and more pleasant to read.

All 8 ideas from On Writing Well →