Actions Quotes Logo
Quote Image

I'm often dismayed by the sludge I see appearing on my screen if I approach writing as a task--the day's work--and not with some enjoyment.

~ William Zinsser ~

Actions Quotes Logo
Switch quote backgound
Switch quote backgound
Switch quote backgound
Switch quote backgound
Switch quote backgound
Switch quote backgound
Switch quote backgound
Switch quote backgound
Switch quote backgound
Switch quote backgound

I'm often dismayed by the sludge I see appearing on my screen if I approach writing as a task--the d...

Show More
Picture of William Zinsser
William ZinsserOn Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction

More William Zinsser quotes

"

Probably every subject is interesting if an avenue into it can be found that has humanity and that an ordinary person can follow.

"

Look for the clutter in your writing and prune it ruthlessly. Be grateful for everything you can throw away. Reexamine each sentence you put on paper....

"

Write about small, self-contained incidents that are still vivid in your memory. If you remember them, it's because they contain a larger truth that y...

"

Beware, then, of the long word that's no better than the short word: "assistance" (help), "numerous" (many), "facilitate" (ease), "Individual" (man or...

"

Good writing has an aliveness that keeps the reader reading from one paragraph to the next, and it's not a question of gimmicks to "personalize" the a...

"

Don't annoy your readers by over-explaining--by telling them something they already know or can figure out. Try not to use words like "surprisingly," ...

"

It wont do to say that the reader is too dumb or too lazy to keep pace with the train of thought. If the reader is lost, it's usually because the writ...