Matthew Kudija

About Notes Reading Notes Reading List

On Writing Well by William Zinsser

• cut cut cut
  • don't use adjectives unnecessarily
  • don't modify a word that already contains the meaning you need
  • don't use a complicated word when a simple one will work
• If you think clearly, you will write clearly
• Don't use a word in writing that you wouldn't use in conversation
• Don't try to be in your writing someone you are not: be true to who you are
• The only person you are writing for is yourself, so don’t ever worry if the reader likes you or agrees with you
• Humor is a lubricant in writing
• Re-writing is the essence of writing
• Use active verbs rather than passive verbs (something that you can picture someone doing)
• Use short, blunt, simple, sacramental nouns
• Writing is learned by imitation
• Read everything you write aloud and make sure it sounds good