As part of my book-for-every-year-of-my-life challenge, I’ve reached 1976 and William Zinsser’s classic On Writing Well (although I’ve cheated slightly as I bought the 7th edition, published 2006).
William Zinsser is the guy with the great quote – ‘Writing, learning and thinking are the same process.’ – but I didn’t know too much about him apart from that.
Now, more than half way into his book, I have a major crush on the guy. (And there’s a phrase he would detest, of course.)
Let me give you another pearl from the many I’ve been highlighting as I’ve read over the last few days:
‘Think small. Decide what corner of your subject area you’re going to bite off, and be content to cover it well and stop.’
I’m soaking in his friendly, concise style as I edit, hoping it’s contagious.