On Writing Well is a near-essential read for both non-fiction and fiction writers. While reading the sections on Principles and Methods, I immediately thought of several authors who would benefit from Zinsser’s advice on simplicity and clutter. Zinsser practices what he preaches: his prose is lean and free of the “fat” he warns against. Although some sections in Forms and Attitudes feel heavy on examples, his warmth and humor prevent the material from feeling dry, making his lessons highly digestible.

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