Key Takeaways
1. Write with clarity, simplicity, and brevity
Clutter is the disease of American writing.
Clarity is king. Good writing is clear, simple, and concise. Avoid unnecessary words, pompous language, and convoluted sentences. Instead, focus on expressing your ideas in the most straightforward manner possible. Use active verbs, specific nouns, and short sentences to convey your message effectively.
Simplicity is powerful. Strip your writing down to its essential components. Eliminate jargon, clichés, and unnecessary qualifiers. Choose words that are precise and evocative. Remember that good writing doesn't mean using big words or complex structures; it means communicating your ideas clearly and efficiently.
Brevity is a virtue. Be ruthless in cutting out any words, sentences, or paragraphs that don't serve a clear purpose. Ask yourself: Does this information add value? Is there a simpler way to express this idea? Can I say this in fewer words? By being concise, you respect your readers' time and make your writing more engaging and impactful.
2. Develop a unique writing voice and style
Your commodity as a writer, whatever I'm writing about, is me. And your commodity is you.
Find your authentic voice. Your writing should reflect your personality and unique perspective. Don't try to imitate other writers or adopt a style that doesn't feel natural to you. Instead, focus on developing a voice that is genuinely yours. This authenticity will make your writing more engaging and memorable.
Cultivate your style. While clarity and simplicity are important, don't be afraid to develop a distinctive style. This might include:
- Signature phrases or turns of phrase
- A particular rhythm or cadence in your sentences
- A unique way of structuring your paragraphs or articles
- A consistent tone (e.g., humorous, authoritative, conversational)
Read widely and experiment. To develop your voice and style, read a variety of writers and genres. Pay attention to what resonates with you and why. Then, experiment with different techniques in your own writing. Over time, you'll discover what works best for you and what feels most authentic to your voice.
3. Master the craft of rewriting and editing
Rewriting is the essence of writing well: it's where the game is won or lost.
First drafts are never perfect. Accept that your initial writing will likely be rough and imperfect. The real work begins in the rewriting process. This is where you refine your ideas, improve your language, and polish your prose.
Edit with precision. When rewriting, focus on:
- Clarifying your main points
- Improving the flow and logic of your arguments
- Eliminating redundancies and unnecessary words
- Strengthening your verbs and refining your word choices
- Varying sentence structure for better rhythm
Read aloud and seek feedback. Reading your work aloud can help you catch awkward phrasing, repetition, and rhythm issues. Additionally, don't hesitate to seek feedback from trusted readers. Fresh eyes can often spot problems you've become blind to through familiarity.
4. Organize your writing for maximum impact
One of the most untaught and underestimated skills in nonfiction writing is how to organize a long article: how to put the jigsaw puzzle together.
Plan before you write. Before diving into a piece, take time to outline your main points and decide on the most effective structure. This might involve:
- Chronological ordering for narrative pieces
- Problem-solution structure for analytical articles
- Thematic organization for complex topics
Use strong leads and endings. Craft compelling openings that hook your reader's attention and provide a roadmap for what's to come. Similarly, end your pieces with strong conclusions that reinforce your main points and leave a lasting impression.
Create a logical flow. Ensure that your ideas progress naturally from one to the next. Use transitional phrases and sentences to guide your reader through your argument or narrative. Each paragraph should build on the previous one and lead smoothly to the next.
5. Embrace the art of interviewing and writing about people
Get people talking. Learn to ask questions that will elicit answers about what is most interesting or vivid in their lives.
Prepare thoroughly. Before an interview, research your subject and prepare a list of thoughtful questions. However, be ready to deviate from your script if the conversation takes an interesting turn.
Listen actively. Pay close attention to what your subject is saying, and look for opportunities to ask follow-up questions. Often, the most interesting details come from these spontaneous moments.
Capture the essence. When writing about people, strive to convey their personality, mannerisms, and unique voice. Use specific details and direct quotes to bring your subject to life on the page.
6. Craft compelling nonfiction narratives
Nobody turns so quickly into a bore as a traveler home from his travels. He enjoyed his trip so much that he wants to tell us all about it—and "all" is what we don't want to hear. We only want to hear some.
Focus on the story. Even in nonfiction, narrative techniques can make your writing more engaging. Look for the story within your topic and use elements like character, conflict, and resolution to structure your piece.
Be selective. Don't try to include every detail or fact you've gathered. Choose the most relevant and interesting information that supports your main points or advances your narrative.
Show, don't tell. Use vivid descriptions and specific examples to illustrate your points. Instead of simply stating facts, bring them to life through anecdotes, sensory details, and concrete imagery.
7. Find joy and confidence in the writing process
If something strikes me as funny in the act of writing, I throw it in just to amuse myself. If I think it's funny I assume a few other people will find it funny, and that seems to me to be a good day's work.
Write for yourself first. Enjoy the process of writing and let your enthusiasm shine through. If you find your subject interesting, chances are your readers will too.
Embrace your unique perspective. Remember that your individual experiences and viewpoint are what make your writing valuable. Don't be afraid to inject your personality into your work.
Overcome fear and self-doubt. Writing can be intimidating, but don't let fear paralyze you. Start writing, even if you don't feel ready. The act of writing itself often generates confidence and clarity.
8. Write family histories and memoirs with honesty and empathy
Don't use your memoir to air old grievances and to settle old scores; get rid of that anger somewhere else.
Be truthful but kind. When writing about family or personal history, strive for honesty but avoid using your writing as a weapon. Focus on understanding and empathy rather than blame or resentment.
Preserve voices and memories. Capture the unique voices and perspectives of family members. Include specific anecdotes, sayings, and details that bring your family's history to life.
Contextualize personal stories. Place your family's experiences within the broader historical and cultural context of their time. This can add depth and relevance to your narrative.
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Review Summary
On Writing Well receives mostly positive reviews for its clear, practical advice on non-fiction writing. Readers appreciate Zinsser's emphasis on simplicity, clarity, and revision. Many find his conversational tone engaging and his examples helpful. Some criticize the book's dated references and occasional lack of inclusivity. While some chapters are considered more useful than others, many readers recommend it as an essential guide for writers, particularly those new to non-fiction. However, a few reviewers find the book repetitive or disagree with Zinsser's prescriptive approach.