Tag Archives: On Writing Well

“Remember: Your biggest stories will often have less to do with their subject than with their significance . . .”

Posted on April 27, 2023 by Kate Stover

William Zinsser continues, “. . .not what you did in a certain situation, but how that situation affected you and shaped the person you became.” Zinsser reminds us that readers don’t want to be impressed by your accomplishments. They don’t … Continue reading →

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“I’m more interested in the intangibles that produce good writing – confidence, enjoyment, intention, integrity.”

Posted on October 29, 2021 by Kate Stover

In the 30th Anniversary Edition of this classic book on writing nonfiction, William Zinsser describes how his priorities have evolved over the decades. Known as an advocate for clear, “uncluttered” writing, in his later years, he grew to value “humanity … Continue reading →

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“One of the saddest sentences I know is ‘I wish I had asked my mother about that.'”

Posted on May 14, 2015 by Kate Stover

William Zinsser, a writer’s writer if there ever was one, died this week. I wonder how many of the authors whose books are featured in this blog have read or taught from On Writing Well. I agree with the editors … Continue reading →

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