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8th out of 238 books
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On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction
"On Writing Well" has been praised for its sound advice, its clarity and the warmth of its style. It is a book for everybody who wants to learn how to write or who needs to do some writing to get through the day, as almost everybody does in the age of e-mail and the Internet. Whether you want to write about people or places, science and technology, business, spor
...morePaperback, 30th Anniversary Edition, 336 pages
Published
May 9th 2006
by Collins
(first published 1976)
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On Writing Well may primarily focus on non-fiction, but parts of it should be required reading for novelists, as well. Though, at first, Zinsser’s advice may seem anal–retentive and persnickety, it is great for keeping your work focused and making your sentences sharper.
The best part of On Writing Well focuses on“trimming the fat in the sentences you write. Zinsser provides a hand-edited page of his own On Writing Well manuscript as an example of how to cut down on useless words...more
The best part of On Writing Well focuses on“trimming the fat in the sentences you write. Zinsser provides a hand-edited page of his own On Writing Well manuscript as an example of how to cut down on useless words...more
One of the oldest ways to master a craft is through imitation and writing well is no different. Zinsser's book stands alongside Strunk & White's "Elements of Style" as one of the best guides on how to write clearly and effectively. The book's tone and style is much like a series of lectures from a professor who projects a sense of knowledge, warmth, and passion.
Zinsser illustrates many of his points through the use of personal anecdotes and examples culled from writers of...more
Zinsser illustrates many of his points through the use of personal anecdotes and examples culled from writers of...more
Katelyn Beaty
rated it
Recommends it for:
person who wants to write all good
Shelves:
books-on-books,
classics
I always thought of the ability to write well as a gift more than a skill--kind of like hand-eye coordination, or rhythm. You either have it or you don't. It's not until I began working in the editorial world that I realized the writing which seems effortless is that which requires the most effort. Part of my training at this job required reading a quintessential work on nonfiction writing, William Zinsser's "On Writing Well" (30th Anniversary edition). I was warned that it's a slow burn...more
A lot of people like this book, and it is a very cheap book to buy. It is great at teaching you how to cut unnecessary words from your writing, which is something I need to do more often. But that's about the only lesson I learned. One of his pet peeves is nouns used as verbs, which is funny because I now use the word "zinsserize" to mean cutting out unnecessary words. (For eample, "Nice essay, but you need to zinsserize it some".) I enjoy it. But as for the book, the index o...more
I first read On Writing Well years ago when I was assigned to co-teach a writing course for Duke University’s Talent Identification Program (TIP) the summer of 2000. I thought then, I was prepared to teach a bunch of highly intelligent teens about the elements in writing great nonfiction. It turned out, however, that I learned much more about the writing process thanks to Zinsser. The head instructor for the course had read the book and informed me that our classes would be doing so a...more
Yesterday I wrote a post on "How Writing Fiction and Writing Non-Fiction are Different." I started thinking about this subject after reading William Zinsser's "On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Non-Fiction." This is one of those books that has sold over a million copies (Sorry Snooki, it looks like your book hasn't hit 9,000 yet). It's a must read for anyone who writes - especially the non-fiction writer.
The book is divided into four parts...
...more
The book is divided into four parts...
...more
Finally! A well written book on writing well. Zinsser presents the concepts clearly, concisely and interestingly - the latter of which is something not easily done in instructional books. He is a terrific writer, which one would think would be a criterion for writing this genre of books. But I've found this is not the case.
Zissner doesn't waste time with schmaltzy examples of how to formulate plots and manufacture characters, but instead focuses on clarity, grammar, story structure a...more
Zissner doesn't waste time with schmaltzy examples of how to formulate plots and manufacture characters, but instead focuses on clarity, grammar, story structure a...more
Not sure how much I can say about this book, other than it is a great text for people struggling with using grammar rules, and a sort of "storybook" for people who just want to brush up on their writing skills. Zinsser is a much-published author of non-fiction (newspapers, magazines, books), and draws on his many decades and types of experiences to guide other writers in matters of style and substance. His main focus is on helping writers develop "voice" -- the nearly indes...more
first read this book in the mid-1970's in a college class. It was one of our texts. I remember thinking even then that the book was readable and interesting, and that it focused my attention on writing as a craft. Often I find myself thinking about the creative and artistic aspects of writing but forgetting that, as a craft, writing can also be a disciplined activity. For this reason, I am glad to take the time to reread this classic guide to writing.
Though the book is not a typical...more
Though the book is not a typical...more
It's hard not to give high ratings to the classic of writing books, "On Writing Well" by William Zinsser. Like any book on writing, it's not complete by itself, but add it to a collection of other books on writing ("Bird by Bird"- Anne Lamott, "The Writing Life" - Annie Dillard, and others) and you begin to have a vision of the hard work, satisfaction and process of being a writer. Zinsser is unique in the emphasis he places on good writing, accurate use and appli...more
Zinsser's first few chapters talk solely about eliminating clutter and simplifying your work... yet his book is more than 300 pages of repetitive, hypocritical and lengthy sentences. This book could have been easily shortened to 50-100 pages. I was not a fan of his many examples (quite frankly, I skipped over most of them). Most of all, I wish Zinsser followed his own advice - simplify, and trust your material (don't feel the need to explain almost every single principle; we get it). The book, h...more
William Zinsser did not sell more than a million copies of On Writing Well by writing for the APA only. Zinsser was successful because he wrote for the average reader by writing for himself. He conveyed his identity in his work by writing from his perspective. The uniqueness of Zinsser's voice and ideas are fresh to the reader, who wants to read anything but a 300-paged address about grammar's conventional rules. Zinsser also avoided condescension in his tone by writing for himself. Who would co...more
I cannot believe I finished reading this book while taking intensive Japanese classes and going through volunteer training at the same time. Somehow this book kept dragging me back to it and I have to say that it changed my life. While reading it, I could see my inner critical reader emerging and feel my inner writer growing.
For years, I struggled with reading, because I don't feel confident enough to say I like this book or dislike that book. I feel "unqualified" to comment on others ...more
For years, I struggled with reading, because I don't feel confident enough to say I like this book or dislike that book. I feel "unqualified" to comment on others ...more
Read the first two parts--
Witty, concise, and informative, the first two parts on "Principles" and "Methods" are brilliant. These parts, however, constitute 30% of the book. The rest of the book - that is, 70% - is uneven and can be skipped without missing out on anything important.
The only chapters I found worth reading are those on "Science and Technology," "Business Writing," and "Writing About Arts," all of which are i...more
Witty, concise, and informative, the first two parts on "Principles" and "Methods" are brilliant. These parts, however, constitute 30% of the book. The rest of the book - that is, 70% - is uneven and can be skipped without missing out on anything important.
The only chapters I found worth reading are those on "Science and Technology," "Business Writing," and "Writing About Arts," all of which are i...more
On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction (2006), William Zissner
Zissner's ninth issue of On Writing Well proves to be an excellent pick for the Personal MBA reading list for its value as a reference and its mental model content. Different from step by step books like Writing Nonfiction, Writing Well presents an array of concepts subcategorized as principles, methods, forms and attitudes. Zissner takes you through his ideology with interesting stories and examples mi...more
Zissner's ninth issue of On Writing Well proves to be an excellent pick for the Personal MBA reading list for its value as a reference and its mental model content. Different from step by step books like Writing Nonfiction, Writing Well presents an array of concepts subcategorized as principles, methods, forms and attitudes. Zissner takes you through his ideology with interesting stories and examples mi...more
I skimmed over a good third of this book, because it didn't quite apply to me. Still, David Gates recommended that I read it and read it I did. If you write fiction, pick it up sometime. If you write nonfiction I'd keep it next to your dictionary. This is the 30th anniversary edition and there's a reason why it's been around for so long.
It's important to realize that this book focuses upon journalistic non-fiction writing: tightly focused articles on just about every subject. You will not learn about fiction writing here. On the other hand, for non-fiction in general, this is one of the best books there is on the topic. He writes the book in the style and using the principles that he advocates. It's far more readable than Strunk & White, and deals with various genres: travel, memoir, science, et alia. Perhaps the most unique fe...more
On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction
By William Knowlton Zinsser
336pp New York
Harper Paperbacks $14.99
ISBN: 978-0-06-089154-1
There are numerous genres of books out there, and writing each one requires a different approach from the others. In On Writing Well,, William Zinsser, a writer, critic, editor, and teacher, puts together an amazing collection of guidelines that teaches the reader how to write accordingly. He cuts to the chase and gi...more
By William Knowlton Zinsser
336pp New York
Harper Paperbacks $14.99
ISBN: 978-0-06-089154-1
There are numerous genres of books out there, and writing each one requires a different approach from the others. In On Writing Well,, William Zinsser, a writer, critic, editor, and teacher, puts together an amazing collection of guidelines that teaches the reader how to write accordingly. He cuts to the chase and gi...more
In the introduction, Zinsser, aware he's working in the shadows of giants (in terms of style manuals, at least) characterizes his book as a supplement to Strunk and White's Elements of Style. True to that description, the early chapters with titles like "simplicity," "clutter," and "words" are the most engaging. (I especially enjoyed the description in "usage" of assorted experts haggling over which words ought to be admitted to the American Heritage Dicti...more
I first read On Writing Well as a college student 26 years ago, and because I was a photojournalism major, I remember being impressed by what amounted to my first "writer's book."
Zinsser knows how to craft a sentence and make a point, and the overall impression is one of being taught by a patient, gray-haired professor.
On Writing Well is aimed squarely at non-fiction writers (not surprising given Zinsser's newspaper background), and I'd suggest it's still an ...more
How-to books are not exactly known for being page turners, but I couldn't stop reading On Writing Well. Zinsser writes with personality and humor, which makes this book fun to read.
Part I was written for all writers everywhere. Zinsser certainly practices his craft as he explains how to write simply—choosing words carefully, and eliminating useless jargon that only clouds meaning.
Part II was written with journalism in mind. Zinsser discusses things like writing article leads,...more
Part I was written for all writers everywhere. Zinsser certainly practices his craft as he explains how to write simply—choosing words carefully, and eliminating useless jargon that only clouds meaning.
Part II was written with journalism in mind. Zinsser discusses things like writing article leads,...more
Even though I read the 1970 orginal edition, I found it packed with advice that is just as useful today as it was then. Some of the most striking recommendations of Zinsser:
Avoid clutter.
Avoid trendy words.
Beware of the long word that is no better than the short word.
Re-examine each sentence that you put on paper.
Be yourself. Believe in your own identity.
If it amuses you in the act of writing, put it in.
Rhythm and alliteration are vital to every sentence.
...more
Avoid clutter.
Avoid trendy words.
Beware of the long word that is no better than the short word.
Re-examine each sentence that you put on paper.
Be yourself. Believe in your own identity.
If it amuses you in the act of writing, put it in.
Rhythm and alliteration are vital to every sentence.
...more
This book has been recommended to me for over 30 years. I shamefully never had the time to pick it up. I had been writing from adolescence into my mid-thirties, then came to a halt. In the middle of a career change, I was encouraged to start writing again. So I began digging through the trunks of my writing. This book was again suggested as a good starting point. I was wary at first. I knew it would be a struggle and investment. However, I should know better than to question the classics ...more
This is not your run of the mill "how to" books on writing. Zinsser presents his material using a readable & enjoyable narrative style.
He preaches simplicity, the importance of word choice, and the necessity of rewrites.
Every chapter is filled with excerpts from some of the world's greatest writers in their genre and are interspresed throughout the narrative.
This is a must read, not only for writers, but a great work for serious readers.
I would recommend...more
He preaches simplicity, the importance of word choice, and the necessity of rewrites.
Every chapter is filled with excerpts from some of the world's greatest writers in their genre and are interspresed throughout the narrative.
This is a must read, not only for writers, but a great work for serious readers.
I would recommend...more
Since it was assigned to me for AP English, I suspected a treatise on grammar and punctuation that would bore me to tears. But On Writing Well turned out to be no such thing. Zinsser uses a dearth of examples and personal antecdotes to make his non-fiction book about writing non-fiction truly interesting. I really enjoyed this book, and found myself almost in suspense for what Zinsser would say next. I gave it only 3 stars because it's not one of my favorite books ever and it's not a novel that ...more
Should you be allowed to reference your own work when citing examples of excellent writing and structure?
I'm going to go with no. And it's suggestive of why Zinsser's book is a bit of a slog. Though there's lot of encouraging advice that makes me want to go to the word processor and put in extra work, there's a lot more that's self-serving, smug, or out of touch.
A lot of the early sections and echoes of Strunk and White's editions of "Elements of Style", and as ...more
I'm going to go with no. And it's suggestive of why Zinsser's book is a bit of a slog. Though there's lot of encouraging advice that makes me want to go to the word processor and put in extra work, there's a lot more that's self-serving, smug, or out of touch.
A lot of the early sections and echoes of Strunk and White's editions of "Elements of Style", and as ...more
Of all books I have read about writing, this one is the most accessible and useful. It's a practical guide on how to be clear and concise in nonfiction writing. William Zinsser's tone is conversational and his sense of humor made me chuckle.
It's good to know that Zinsser thinks that a sentence is a fine thing for a preposition to be put at the end of. And it's ok to begin a sentence with a conjunction. I don't agree with everything he says, but he makes good points about what works ...more
It's good to know that Zinsser thinks that a sentence is a fine thing for a preposition to be put at the end of. And it's ok to begin a sentence with a conjunction. I don't agree with everything he says, but he makes good points about what works ...more
I'm stuck between a two and a three for this one. I chose three simply because this book had several good points on writing. A solid book of writing advice. In particular I appreciated the section on focusing on the writing process, as opposed to the final product. (It was the one chapter where I lost my reservations against the book.) He is also clear and honest and addresses some of the possibly touchy subjects of writing, such as the "he/she" dilemma. It deals with realities of the ...more
William Zinsser, you're the man
The first section of the book covers general principles for writing well, while the second section describes guidelines for specific types of writing, including business writing, sports-writing, memoir-writing etc.. The book helped me think about how I can better improve both my business writing, my blog writing and my elusive in-my-head magazine articles that have never actually been written. It is also very enjoyable and readable—much less dry than Strunk’s Elements of Style, which I don’t thi...more
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William Knowlton Zinsser (born October 7, 1922) is a writer, editor, and teacher. He began his career as a journalist for the New York Herald Tribune, where he worked as a feature writer, drama editor, film critic, and editorial writer, and has been a longtime contributor to leading magazines.
In his books, Zinsser emphasizes word economy. Author James J. Kilpatrick, in his book The Wri...more
More about William Knowlton Zinsser...
In his books, Zinsser emphasizes word economy. Author James J. Kilpatrick, in his book The Wri...more
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“Writing is an act of ego, and you might as well admit it.”
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“Less is more.”
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Sep 07, 2010 05:39pm