On Writing Well
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The document summarizes key points from William Zinsser's book "On Writing Well" about writing nonfiction. Some of the main ideas discussed include writing simply and for oneself first, using words carefully, maintaining unity within a piece, capturing the reader's attention in the opening and closing, and developing an authentic voice that readers will recognize. The full book covers additional topics like different forms of nonfiction writing and maintaining enjoyment, confidence and integrity in the writing process.
On Writing Well
- 1. On Writing Well The Classic Guide To Writing Nonfiction By William Zinsser Book discussion led by Bette Miles-Holleman
- 2. Part 1: Principles The Transaction Simplicity Clutter Style The Audience Words Usage
- 3. Highlights: Part 1 Any writing method that helps you say what you want to say is the right method for you. Simplify: strip every sentence to its cleanest components. Writing is an act of ego; believe in your identity and opinions. Write for an audience of one: yourself.
- 4. Highlights: Part 1 (continued) Care deeply about words. Get a good dictionary and thesaurus. Use them. Words are the only tools youve got- use them with originality and care. Usage is relative. Separate usage from jargon. Use good words to express yourself clearly and simply to others.
- 5. Part 2: Methods Unity The Lead and the Ending Bits & Pieces: includes nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, qualifiers, punctuation, contractions, overstatement, credibility, paragraphs, sexism, rewrites
- 6. Highlights: Part 2 You learn to write by writing. Writing is a question of problem solving. Unity (of pronoun, tense & mood) is the anchor of good writing. Think small, choose a subject, cover it well and stop. The first sentence is the most important.
- 7. Highlights: Part 2 (continued) Capture the reader. Force him to keep reading. Look everywhere for material. Always collect more than you will use. When youre ready to stop, stop! Make careful study & use of parts of speech, grammar, punctuation, writing rules.
- 8. Part 3: Forms Nonfiction as Literature Writing About People: The Interview Writing About Places: The Travel Article Writing About Yourself: The Memoir Science and Technology Business Writing: Writing In Your Job Sports Writing About The Arts: Critics & Columnists Humor
- 9. Highlights: Part 3 Nonfiction is what is sold, published and read in the current market. When interviewing someone, get them talking. Use their words, not yours. Observe closely, interview in depth. Write well. Be yourself when you write. Humor is the secret weapon of the nonfiction writer.
- 10. Part 4: Attitudes The Sound Of Your Voice Enjoyment, Fear and Confidence The Tyranny Of The Final Product A Writers Decisions Writing Family History and Memoir Write As Well As You Can
- 11. Highlights: Part 4 Develop one voice readers will recognize. Dont alter your voice to fit the subject. Writers who write interesting things keep themselves interested. Learning is a tonic. Writing is related to character. Sound values = sound writing. Work with humanity and integrity. The product is you.
- 12. Learn More Visit my Squidoo lens: http://www.squidoo.com/onwritingwell American Scholar.org: Visions and Revisions http://www.theamericanscholar.org/visions-and-revisions/