Genealogy Books - On Writing Well, 25th Anniversary : The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction (On Writing Well)

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Spotlight customer reviews:
Customer Rating:

Summary: Graceful, Witty, Focused and Highly Educational
Comment: I just read On Writing Well from cover to cover with a speed and relish that I remember last
experiencing as I devoured The Hobbit for the first time when I was 12. The impressive thing about
this book with a potentially very technical subject, is that it's an un-put-downable read even for
someone barely interested in the art or science of writing. (Zinsser would argue that its mostly
science and a little bit of art...)

The author presents a methodical approach to creating,
polishing and, most importantly, breathing life into almost any piece of nonfiction you are
interested in trying your hand at. His most effective device is the host of specimens of exemplary
writing that he illustrates his points with. I take that back - his most effective device is that
his book itself is an exemplary specimen of what he is preaching.

Customer Rating:

Summary: Priceless!
Comment: Zinsser's book is a must read for all writers! His how to do approach is not only useful, it's
interesting to read too. The writing advice in this book is priceless regardless of what topic you
choose to write on. I will try to read this book once a year and will refer to it often as I write.
His style is humorous and lasting, yet remains simple and easy to understand. "On Writing Well" is
truly a gift for all writers. Highly recommened.

Customer Rating:

Summary: Practical
Comment: No nonsense guide to the art of writing. Witty, humorous and straightforward, no fluffy wordisms
that plague the writing of today. Loved it.

Customer Rating:

Summary: Must have!
Comment: I wanted to improve my writing skills, so I came across this recommended book in the back of
literary magazine. I bought it and could not put it down.
"On Writing Well" was first published
in 1976. I read the reprinted version. If you are non-fiction writer, this book is for you. The
chapters are broken down into Principles, Methods and Forms.
The Principles chapter states
simplicity and avoid clutter in your writing. Find your audience and use words to enhance that
aspect. "Clutter is the disease of American writing." William Zinsser said.
The Methods chapter
states "Learn to write by writing." Write anything and everything that comes to you. Write outside
your comfront zone genre. Research something you know nothing about.
The Forms chapter includes
writing about people, places and yourself.
"Writing wasn't easy and wasn't fun" and it was "hard
work and his words seldom just flowed." He said.
I keep this book close to my own writing
habits. I wish I read this book before I wrote my book. Anyway, chapter 10 gives "Bits and Pieces"
on usage. He gives examples of using active verbs, Adverbs and paragraph construction. Other
chapters include business writing, sports writing and critical writing.
William Zinsser uses
plenty of his own writing to critique. Stating examples of poor sentence structure and misused
words. He recommends to write and rewrite. And rewrite again.
"Good writing is good writing."

Customer Rating:

Summary: "On Writing Well" well written
Comment: I first read the 2nd edition of this book in the early 80's, when it had 2 parts, and an excellent
book at that time. Now, with 4 parts, it is even better with additional material and re-written
information. The book itself is an example of writing well, giving you the impression you're
participating in an informal discussion with the author. It is a must read for any aspiring writer
and a re-read for the published writer. It's just one of those books you bring down off the shelf
every once in a while.

Back to On Writing Well, 25th Anniversary : The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction (On Writing Well)

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