{"id":62498,"date":"2022-03-11T13:36:07","date_gmt":"2022-03-11T17:36:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/?p=62498"},"modified":"2022-03-18T11:40:27","modified_gmt":"2022-03-18T15:40:27","slug":"on-writing-well-book","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/on-writing-well-book\/","title":{"rendered":"On Writing Well: Book Overview (William Zinsser)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

What is William Zinsser’s book On Writing Well<\/em> about? How can Zinsser’s tips help you improve your nonfiction writing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter your current skill level, William Zinsser believes anyone can practice the craft of writing. On Writing Well<\/em> offers a back-to-basics approach, focusing on honing essential writing skills rather than trying to employ complex stylistic techniques.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here’s a brief overview of the key ideas discussed in On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction<\/em> by William Zinsser.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In the book On Writing Well<\/em>, William Zinsser argues that anyone can learn the craft of writing by practicing the fundamentals of simplicity, clarity, and identity. Zinsser\u2014a writer and professor of creative nonfiction\u2014primarily applies these principles to nonfiction writing, but his ideas extend to other disciplines as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Published in 1976, On Writing Well<\/em> breaks down the principles of good writing and common problems writers encounter in their craft. Zinsser\u2019s advice is helpful for writers of all skill levels, even those who just want to write a better memo or email. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this guide, we\u2019ll first discuss simplicity<\/em> and how to achieve<\/a> it by eliminating clutter and choosing precise words. Then we\u2019ll explore how to achieve clarity<\/em> through logic and consistency. We\u2019ll also discuss your writing identity<\/a><\/em> and how to make tasteful creative choices. Finally, we\u2019ll discuss common creative nonfiction writing genres. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is Simplicity?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Simplicity means your writing is easy to understand because it uses common and precise words as well as simple sentence structures. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Shortform note: Zinsser\u2019s belief in simple writing<\/a> may have been influenced by Dr. Rudolf Flesch<\/a>, who was a popular literacy expert throughout the mid-1900s. He advocated for short and straightforward writing, contending that it improved reading comprehension<\/a>. His writings on the subject influenced the minimalist writing and editing style of the 20th century. Flesch even created literacy tests to assess the simplicity<\/a> of a written passage through a combination of word length and sentence length.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To write simply, follow these guidelines: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Use Common Words <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

To avoid confusing your reader, write with smaller, more common words. Zinsser believes that a good rule of thumb is to write like you talk since we generally don\u2019t use words with more than three or four syllables. If you wouldn\u2019t say \u201cpulchritudinous\u201d in conversation with a friend, reconsider using it in your writing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Shortform note: Some writing experts offer another reason for using common words: People don\u2019t appreciate feeling illiterate<\/a>. They argue that writers who use complex words appear to be \u201cshowing off\u201d and advise writers to get out of this habit. Researchers support this idea, citing overcomplicated writing and flowery language as a common reason manuscripts are rejected<\/a>.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Use Precise Words<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Simplifying your writing makes your meaning clearer with fewer words. To achieve simplicity, Zinsser advises choosing the best word to suit your meaning and tone. The best word is the one that accurately encapsulates the idea you want to convey. One precise word can do the job of three or four vague words. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zinsser encourages writers to use a thesaurus and a dictionary when choosing words. Look up synonyms to words in your thesaurus, and use your dictionary to compare the nuances between their meanings. For example, you could describe the sun as \u201chot,\u201d but also consider writing \u201cboiling\u201d or \u201cscorching.\u201d One word might offer more nuance or meaning than the others, thus making it a better choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Shortform note: While Zinsser encourages both simple and precise word choices, sometimes the most precise word isn\u2019t the simplest or most natural<\/a>. For example, \u201csusurration\u201d might be more precise, but \u201cmurmur\u201d is the simpler choice. Stephen King believes that while an advanced vocabulary can lead to good writing, it isn\u2019t a requirement<\/em> for it<\/a>. In your writing, make sure you\u2019re not compromising<\/em> simplicity by using a more precise\u2014and more complex\u2014word. Instead, find a balance between simplicity and precision, and use words that feel most natural to you.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Construct Simple Sentences<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Zinsser also recommends writing with straightforward sentence structures. A simple sentence structure clearly conveys the subject of the sentence and the action the subject is performing. These sentences are easier for readers to follow than a complex sentence structure with, for example, many clauses or references to different ideas, time periods, events, and so on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Shortform note: There may be a scientific reason to use simpler sentence constructions. While researchers don\u2019t know everything about how the human brain understands sentence meaning, some experts believe that we speed up the processing of simple sentences<\/a> since our brains can more easily predict where the sentence is going.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zinsser argues that writing in active voice is the easiest way to construct straightforward sentences. Active voice describes a subject performing an action: For example, \u201cJohn will drive my car.\u201d This differs from passive voice, which describes an event or action that happens to someone: For example, \u201cMy car will be driven by John.\u201d Active voice is simpler, more direct, and less cluttered than passive voice, which is wordy and indirect. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eliminate Clutter<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Zinsser asserts that simple writing can\u2019t have clutter. Clutter is a word or phrase that takes up space but doesn\u2019t add meaning to your sentence. Zinsser believes that it\u2019s your job as a writer to carefully select the right words and delete clutter\u2014this is part of what makes writing a craft. To eliminate clutter from your writing, delete any indirect, wordy, or redundant words and phrases, such as adverbs and euphemisms. Replace these words or phrases with a more succinct term. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Shortform note: If you\u2019re struggling to delete clutter, try using an online editor like the Hemingway App<\/a>. This tool highlights hard-to-read sentences, adverbs, passive voice, and other ways your writing may sound confusing. It also lets you evaluate your writing and make thoughtful changes. But be careful not to rely exclusively on these kinds of tools<\/a>\u2014they shouldn\u2019t be a crutch. Rather, they should help you develop a keener eye for words that aren\u2019t doing necessary work.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Embrace Rewriting<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

While you should strive to write with simplicity, don\u2019t expect your first draft to be perfect\u2014there will be clutter and imprecise words in your draft. To achieve simplicity, Zinsser recommends embracing rewriting, or the act of improving what you\u2019ve already written. By rewriting, you\u2019ll find better, simplified ways of expressing your ideas. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zinsser explains that to rewrite, use your first draft as a guide, and restructure confusing sentences. Delete clutter, and rephrase words or sentences that could be more succinct. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, test the simplicity of your writing by reading your work out loud. Reading your writing out loud will indicate which sentences need reworking. If you trip over words or phrases, it\u2019s a sign to rewrite it more simply. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is Clarity?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Once you\u2019ve achieved simplicity in wording and structuring your sentences, focus on bringing clarity to your writing. Clarity occurs when you logically explain your idea to a reader. Zinsser believes that it\u2019s your job as a writer to guide the reader through your thought process rather than forcing them to dissect disorganized or underdeveloped writing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zinsser believes that to write clearly<\/a>, you must clearly understand the topic you\u2019re writing about.<\/strong> If you don\u2019t understand<\/a> the topic, you\u2019ll never be able to explain it well to your reader.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Follow a Logical Sequence<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

To write with clarity, follow a logical sequence of ideas. Each sentence should build off of the idea in the previous sentence<\/strong>. To lead your reader to your next thought, Zinsser recommends anticipating what the reader will ask and answering their question in the next sentence. Constantly ask yourself, \u201cWhat is the next thing the reader needs to know?\u201d Then answer that question in the next sentence rather than repeating the previous sentence in a different way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Shortform note: Truly logical writing answers a reader\u2019s questions before they have a chance to ask them. To make your writing more logical<\/a>, experts recommend this general formula: state each idea, provide evidence for that idea, and draw a clear connection to the conclusion. This formula works for any kind of argument or proposal. But the formula can also be applied to creative nonfiction like memoirs or travel writing. Your evidence will probably come in the form of the detail you give the reader to back up your claims. For example, instead of just stating someone\u2019s name and occupation, you could describe their uniform. This description would provide evidence to support the idea of their occupation.) <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be Consistent<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Consistency, or what Zinsser calls unity<\/em>, is when certain key elements of your writing stay the same throughout your writing, even as your idea develops. Zinsser believes consistency eliminates unwanted confusion because your reader won\u2019t have to keep up with unnecessary changes in your writing. Keep these three elements consistent throughout your writing:<\/p>\n\n\n\n