Comments on: Review: On Writing Well

By: Donald Latumahina

Donald Latumahina — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 11:35:40 +0000

Stanley,
Thanks for the tips. I need such tips to improve my writing.

By: Mr Positioning (Stanley Bronstein)

Mr Positioning (Stanley Bronstein) — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 17:58:11 +0000

The Elements of Style has long been established as THE definitive source for writing properly. BUT the book doesn’t necessarily teach you how to write well. Did that make sense?

One of the important characteristics about writing well is to pick good subjects and to get your message across clearly. You already do that quite well (although we can ALL get better).

Another thing I’ve found to help your writing is to work on your vocabulary. The best thing I’ve found for that is an audio program called Verbal Advantage (verbaladvantage.com)

It is an incredibly comprehensive program that will help anyone build an absolutely incredible vocabulary. And before you ask, I am NOT affiliated with the company (grin) . . .

Take care

Mr Positioning (Stanley F. Bronstein, Atty, CPA, Author and Professional Speaker)

By: Donald Latumahina

Donald Latumahina — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 08:53:53 +0000

Kirk,

I agree that both of them are important books that worth rereading once or twice a year as you do. It’s very easy for bad habits to come back otherwise.

And thanks for recommending Writing About Your Life; I think I need to read that book too.

By: Kirk

Kirk — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 16:36:12 +0000

I recommend On Writing Well very very highly to everyone. I gave a copy to my dad (a high school principal) for Christmas a year ago. I make a point to re-read this book — as well as Elements of Style — once or twice a year, to keep bad habits from coming back.

I also like one of his other books, Writing About Your Life, but I’m not as sold on Writing to Learn.

By the way, have you seen the new Elements of Style with pictures? Mmmm… I’m glad I have a previous, text-only copy; the image fluff detracts from the feel of the book…

By: Writing Power's Links to Love: March 2 | Writing Power

Writing Power's Links to Love: March 2 | Writing Power — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 19:22:21 +0000

[...] Review: On Writing Well | Life Optimizer: Zinsser’s book is helpful indeed, and it’s not one that we hear about in the blogosphere as much as some others. Check out this review if you’re interested in learning more. (Note: yes, I noticed it too. Donald misprints the title of the Strunk and White book in his post. But I still liked the review. No one’s perfect.) [...]