### **On Writing Well Cheatsheet** #### **1. The Core of Good Writing** - **Clarity is King**: Clear thinking equals clear writing. If your ideas are muddy, your sentences will be too【14:9†source】. - **Cut Clutter Ruthlessly**: Simplify every sentence. Eliminate words and phrases that don’t add value: - ✘ "At this point in time" → ✔ "Now" - ✘ "Experience pain" → ✔ "Hurt"【14:0†source】【14:5†source】. #### **2. Writing is a Craft, Not an Art** - Writing is learned through practice, not inspiration. Rewriting is the essence of writing【14:8†source】【14:11†source】. - Treat writing as carpentry: - Master the tools (verbs, syntax, and structure). - First build sturdy sentences, then embellish【14:16†source】【14:8†source】. #### **3. Style is Personal** - Be Yourself: Readers want authenticity, not an imitation of other writers【14:16†source】. - Avoid Over-Styling: Simplicity triumphs over gaudy language. A forced “style” makes writing feel insincere【14:16†source】. #### **4. Engage the Reader** - Writing is part entertainment. Use anecdotes, humor, and surprising details to grab attention【14:18†source】. - Avoid jargon or overly technical language; keep the reader in mind【14:11†source】【14:15†source】. #### **5. Structure is Everything** - Plan the Journey: Writing is sequential and logical. Keep tension and flow between sentences, paragraphs, and sections【14:19†source】. - Start Strong: Your opening must hook the reader with a provocative idea【14:19†source】. #### **6. Writing for Work** - Business writing doesn’t have to be robotic. Make your emails, memos, and reports human and concise【14:15†source】. - Avoid corporate jargon like “utilization” or “implement” when simpler alternatives exist【14:12†source】【14:15†source】. #### **7. Practical Writing Advice** - **Short Paragraphs**: Writing is visual; short blocks of text are easier to read【14:10†source】. - **Delete Problem Sentences**: If a sentence doesn’t work, remove it instead of forcing a fix【14:10†source】. - **Read Aloud**: Listening catches errors your eyes miss【14:7†source】. #### **8. Final Thoughts** - Writing is hard, even for professionals. The effort is what makes it worthwhile【14:11†source】. - Take pride in the details. Great writing comes from obsession with clarity, rhythm, and economy【14:18†source】. This cheatsheet condenses Zinsser’s principles into actionable steps while emphasizing his relentless focus on clarity and simplicity. #writing #books #writing-tips