On Writing Well, 30th Anniversary Edition: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction Review
All writers struggle: what is easy to write, is usually hard to read. The best writers make it seem effortless, whereas in reality, they are often painstakingly writing and rewriting paragraphs and entire passages until they are distilled to what the reader finally sees on the page. That insight alone is worth the time and money for this book, because once you understand this process, all else begins to fall into place. William Zinsser covers a lot of ground, and as a beginner I found a lot of useful advice throughout the book. My only reason for less than five stars, is that the author dedicated a large section of the book specifically towards writing "memoirs", whereas I wish he would have compared and contrasted a few different styles. Otherwise, definitely a great read.
On Writing Well, 30th Anniversary Edition: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction Feature
- ISBN13: 9780060891541
- Condition: New
- Notes: BUY WITH CONFIDENCE, Over one million books sold! 98% Positive feedback. Compare our books, prices and service to the competition. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed
On Writing Well, 30th Anniversary Edition: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction Overview
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, sports, the arts or about yourself in the increasingly popular memoir genre, On Writing Well offers you fundamental priciples as well as the insights of a distinguished writer and teacher. With more than a million copies sole, this volume has stood the test of time and remains a valuable resource for writers and would-be writers.
On Writing Well, 30th Anniversary Edition: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction Specifications
Whether you write an occasional professional letter or a daily newspaper column, William Zinsser's On Writing Well should be required reading. Simplicity is Zinsser's mantra: he preaches a stripped-down writing style, strong and clear. He has no patience for excess (most use of adjectives and adverbs, he writes, just adds clutter) or tired phraseology (for instance, he'd like to outlaw all leads involving those "future archaeologists" most often found "stumbl[ing] upon the remains of our civilization"). He recommends that all writers of nonfiction read their work aloud (don't commit something to paper that you wouldn't actually say) and write under the assumption that "the reader knows nothing" (not to be confused with assuming the reader's an idiot). In addition to the chapters on the expected--usage, audience, interviews, leads--Zinsser also focuses on such trouble spots as science and technical writing, business writing, sports, and humor.
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Customer Reviews
4 decade professional writer says: "Best single book of writing advice" - John Elliott - Troy, NY USA
I have written professionally since 1969, and in my view "On Writing Well" is the best single book of writing advice that I know.
I reread this book every few years just to keep my axe sharp.
Read a chapter a week and then put it into practice before you advance to the next.
You'll be a better writer for it.
You'll be taught to how transform a flabby first draft into lean muscular prose, and your readers will like you better for it.
This is the book I recommend to anyone who has aspirations of being a better writer or communicator.
Just what I expected - Joyce Powell - CANYON LAKE, TX, US
This book had just what I expected. As a non-fiction writer it helped me focus on keeping the "main thing" the main thing and keeping it simple.
Great Book! - Mark Kimitch - Minneapolis, MN
Purchased this book for my Graduate Research and Writing class at the University of Denver. It has helped me tremendously in improving my writing and revising abilities. I recommend this book to any student or writer in high school, college, or grad school.
*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Aug 24, 2010 13:17:07
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