The World's Best Book Summaries
How can an interview bump up your nonfiction writing? What are the dos and don’ts of a good interview? When writing nonfiction, incorporating quotes and perspectives from other people can bump up the piece by adding engagement, emotional appeal, and humanity. However, there are some things you need to keep in mind when writing an interview. Here’s how to conduct a good interview, with tips from American writer William Zinsser.
What does tone of voice in writing mean? How do different tones of voice convey different feelings? Choosing what tone to use in your writing is an important decision. Depending on what tone you choose, your writing can convey different feelings and meanings. Additionally, make sure you remain consistent with the tone you choose. Here’s why your tone of voice matters so much.
What tense should you write in? What are some things to consider when choosing which tense to use? The two most common writing tenses are present and past. The tenses help your reader situate themselves in the timeline of events, so make sure to choose the right one. Here’s how to decide which tense you should use in your writing.
Do you feel discouraged when your first draft doesn’t come out perfect? Do you feel like you’ve failed if you need to write a second draft? Having to write a second draft doesn’t mean you’ve failed. In fact, the best writers revisit their works many times. Writing a second draft is how you find cluttered writing, clarify your ideas, and simplify your sentences. Here’s why you should embrace rewriting.
What is William Zinsser’s book On Writing Well about? How can Zinsser’s tips help you improve your nonfiction writing? No matter your current skill level, William Zinsser believes anyone can practice the craft of writing. On Writing Well offers a back-to-basics approach, focusing on honing essential writing skills rather than trying to employ complex stylistic techniques. Here’s a brief overview of the key ideas discussed in On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction by William Zinsser.
How are memoirs different from autobiographies? What is the main focus of a memoir? In his book On Writing Well, William Zinsser discusses how to write a memoir. He says that memoirs, in contrast to autobiographies, should have a narrow focus on a specific event in one’s life. Here are some memoir writing tips from William Zinsser.
What are the three points of view in writing? Which point of view should you choose? There are three common points of view in writing: first person, second person, and third person. The first thing you should decide when writing a narrative piece is which point of view you are going to use. Here are some things to consider when choosing which point of view to use.
Do you struggle to get your point across in your writing? Do you want to learn to write clearly and concisely? The two most important rules for clear writing are to follow a logical sequence and to be consistent. And, of course, you need to thoroughly understand the material you are writing about. Here’s how to write clearly, according to journalist William Zinsser.
Do you often write for business? What are some things to keep in mind when writing a professional e-mail, memo, or report? If you want to improve your business writing skills, the number one thing to keep in mind is simplicity. And don’t be afraid to add some personality rather than sounding like a robot. Here are some tips on how to improve your business writing.
Do you want to improve your writing skills? What does taste have to do with writing? In his book On Writing Well, American writer, journalist, and teacher William Zinsser explains how to improve your writing. The key, he says, is to develop a taste for good writing. Zinsser believes that you should choose authors whose style you admire, then try to emulate their style until you develop your own voice. Here’s why developing good taste is the first step to improving your writing.