Posts Tagged with "on-writing-well"

Reference #9: On Writing Well

The secret to good writing is simplicity. Remove every word that serves no purpose. Prefer descriptive verbs over adverbs. Aim for clear, simple writing.Read more →

Reference #10: On Writing Well

Zinsser provides the following advice for ending a piece of writing: "When you're ready to stop, stop.Read more →

Reference #11: On Writing Well

To conclude a story, quotations work best. A note of humour or sense of finality works well. What is best is to surprise and delight the reader. This could be through an unexpected detail, or a remark far out of left field.Read more →

Reference #12: On Writing Well

Scientific and technical writing is done well when written linearly. Each fact must follow logically from another, with no leaps in logic if it is to be understood by a layperson. Part of the value of describing the process is that it forces you to make sure you understand how it works.Read more →

Reference #13: On Writing Well

When writing, and especially when writing science, it is important to find and elevate the human element. Opening your writing with humanity draws the reader in, independent of the broader topic.Read more →

Reference #14: On Writing Well

Zinsser's definition of a careful writer comes from baseball player Joe DiMaggio. When asked how he consistently played so well, DiMaggio replied:Read more →