Zinsser_10

On Writing Well: Key Techniques and Insights

Woody Allen's Perspective on Relatability

• Woody Allen's desire for audience connection: "If people come away relating to me as a person... then I'm succeeding."

• The importance of surprising conclusions in nonfiction writing to engage readers.

Writing Strategies: Bits & Pieces

Verbs

• Active vs. Passive Verbs: Use active verbs for clarity and vigor; passive verbs weaken sentences.

  • Example: "Joe saw him" (active) vs. "He was seen by Joe" (passive).

  • Active verbs create momentum and allow visualization.

• Precision with Verbs: Avoid vague verbs that require qualifiers; opt for strong, precise verbs.

  • Instead of "stepped down", specify whether he resigned, retired, etc.

Adverbs

• Most adverbs are unnecessary; they clutter sentences and weaken strong verbs.

  • Avoid redundancy: "blared loudly" or "clenched tightly" is unnecessary—use strong verbs alone.

• Remove weak qualifiers, e.g. "decidedly better" or "arguably true."

Adjectives

• Use adjectives sparingly; they should serve a distinct purpose, not merely decorate the text.

  • Example: "Drab house" vs. simply "house"—only add adjectives when they convey new information.

Little Qualifiers

• Eliminate weak modifiers such as "very", "rather", and "somewhat"—be definitive.

  • Example: Replace "I was a bit confused" with "I was confused."

Punctuation Guidelines

Period

• Use periods effectively; break long sentences into shorter ones for clarity.

Exclamation Point

• Use sparingly; the sentence should convey excitement without over-reliance on punctuation.

Semicolon & Colon

• Use semicolons to connect related thoughts, but do so sparingly; colons introduce lists or explanations.

Mood Changes

• Use transitional words like "but," "yet," and "however" to guide the reader through shifts in tone.

Contractions

• Utilizing contractions can create a more natural and engaging tone in writing.

Differentiating "That" and "Which"

• Generally, use "that" for essential clauses; "which" for non-essential clauses.

  • Example: "Take the shoes that are in the closet." vs. "Take the shoes, which are in the closet."

Concept Nouns

• Avoid using abstract nouns in place of active verbs; they sap energy and clarity from writing.

  • Example: Instead of "The common reaction is incredulous laughter," write "Most people just laugh with disbelief."

Creeping Nounism

• Beware of overcomplicated noun phrases that obscure meaning; aim for clarity.

Overstatement and Credibility

• Avoid hyperbole; keep statements truthful to maintain writer credibility.

Dictation and Writing Process

• Dictated writing may lack personality; always edit to reflect true voice.

Writing is Not a Contest

• Focus on individual progress in writing; compare against personal goals instead of others.

The Role of the Subconscious

• Solutions to writing problems may emerge after letting ideas rest—stay cognizant of ongoing thought processes.

Quick Fixes and Pruning

• Often the best solution is discarding unnecessary elements in your writing.

Paragraph Structure

• Short paragraphs enhance readability; avoid excessively fragmented or long sections.

Addressing Sexism in Language

• Use gender-neutral terms; adjust language to avoid sexism and promote equality.

Rewriting as a Process

• Emphasize the importance of rewriting; view it as an opportunity to refine and improve writing significantly.

Computer Usage in Writing

• Word processors facilitate editing, organization, and reduce the tediousness of revisions.

Trusting Material

• Rely on the authenticity of the facts; engaging narratives often convey colorful truths without over-explanation.

Writing from Interest

• Write about what you love; no subject is trivial if approached sincerely, and this passion will resonate in your writing.