Eagerly awaiting the next edition.
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I approached Zinsser's book "On Writing Well" for its good reviews, and thus spent money and time on it. My opinion is that Zinsser went off topic; he exercised self-indulgence, lost sight of the topic, and delivered an auto-biography. I learned more about the author's life than his art of writing. The book is also a marketing operation; the main-matter includes extensive references to other works by the same author and his present business, so much that I felt an invitation to read those works and enroll in a class at the author's "New School" in New York, to learn what the book was supposed to deliver on paper! This is not supposed to happen, and I resent it. --- I read the book twice. The first time, to understand that much of it is needless. The second time, to spot the words of wisdom that are scattered in its 300 pages, take notes, and put the book away in my personal library. My reference book on the subject remains Strunk's "Elements of Style". By comparison, Strunk's work stays on my desk. I share Zinsser's own opinion that anyone serious about writing should read Strunk every year. I would say, read it so often to memorize it. I wish Zinsser's work were along the lines of Strunk's own, to complement it.
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The Best. Learn not to waste words.
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I have bought a dozen copies of this over the years and distributed them to friends and colleagues. This is the most sensible and sound advice on writing well I have seen. It helps you clarify what you wish to say, and dispels the myths of inpenetrable "business"-speak and the "bank-teller mentality" superbly. It has clear examples and is an enjoyable read. After you have read this you will realise finally that you can delete up to 50% of the words you use in a first draft and make it 200% better!
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A veritable treasure trove of ideas and guidance on writing.
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Whether you write for fun or work, this book delivers what is promised by the title. The article which had the biggest impact on me was the example of a draft essay and the way in which the writer pares away the driftwood (unlike this review) until the article is succinct and unambiguous; making it a pleasure to read. Enjoy and learn at the same time.
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