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