On Writing Well
Last week, I just got my own copy of William Zinsser’s book, On Writing Well. I’ve been wanting to get one since I heard that it’s the best complement to Strunk and White’s Elements of Style but it’s not available locally. Good thing my aunt from NC, Tita Linda, is kind enough to send me a copy. (Thanks again Tita Linda!)
I used to be overly critical of other people’s grammar, spelling and enunciation of the English language. Now if I read or hear somebody with the wrong grammar or enunciation, I sometimes just snicker a little to myself but I really don’t mind. Except if they’re writers, of course. I’m fully aware now that I shouldn’t expect everybody to be proficient with the English language. I even let those beauty pageant contestants get away with their quirky, off-key answers, at least they tried to speak in English and didn’t get an interpreter unlike the others.
As for myself, I like to write but I know it’s really not that easy. Words, for me, don’t really flow like an eternal spring all the time. Writing sometimes depends on my mood and interest to the topic to be discussed. I’m still on the first few chapters of Zinsser’s book and I feel like I have a lot to learn in order to write well. It’s a very useful book and gives relevant examples about usage, style and a lot more.
Let me share something from the book. It says there, Never say anything in writing that you wouldn’t comfortably say in a conversation examples are indeed, moreover, and individual (like he’s a fine individual). Oh wow, I guess I’m quite guilty of that, I’ve written the word ‘indeed’ one too many times here in my blog and I don’t normally use that word when I’m talking to somebody. Well at least I don’t use reckon for suppose or concur for agree.
Say, what do you reckon I should wear? I envision you’d look quite statuesque in a green gown, would you concur? I guess that would be pretty hilarious in a regular conversation. Lol.
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that’s good to know- as i tend to go with a “simplistic” style of writing. like you- i don’t consider myself a good writer- i write when i’m inspired or when i have something good to write about. lately- there’s just not enough time in a day…i’ll try to squeeze in some time- i know i haven’t updated my blog in months!
you write well- i like reading your posts. keep up the good work!
take care,
ate inna
The book you have now is INDEED an EXCELLENT READ!
I used INDEED because it is INDEED a GREAT BOOK! I knew I have a copy of that somewhere, but I think I remember lending it to someone and never returned it. The bad thing is–I could no longer remember who the culprit is. Hehehe.
On your desire to write and break into writing, welcome to the crazy world of writing. :) Like everyone of us would say, writing is not for the faint-hearted. When you are in this profession–you should learn how to accept ‘okrayans’ from fellow writers and from editors, too! :)
Happy writing. Practice writing. Along with that Read, Read, Read. Read JK Rowling’s Harry Potter because it’s neatly written when it comes to narration. It’s not just telling a story, but a classic example of ’show don’t tell’ approach. ;)
@ate inna: Thanks for reading my posts and I’m really glad you like ‘em. I like reading your blog too and you are a good writer. :) Oh btw, has Kai finished painting the dollhouse? Love the pistachio mint color.
@jude: Thanks Jude. I haven’t bought a copy of the magazine you mentioned in your email. I’ll check it out later. :)
Another suggestion. To practice writing, try reviewing movies.
I know that there are sites who allow their visitors to review movies and [some do pay] they pay movie tickets! :)
Just found your blog. :)
I’ve always been something of a stickler for good grammar and spelling, but I’ve started to notice people’s enunciation recently too. My friends often comment on how well-spoken I am, and I often comment on how badly spoken they are.
Be careful with the Strunk and White’s, by the way. There’s some good stuff in there, but in some respects, they’re two prescriptivist fools that seem(ed) intent on spreading utter nonsense. Things like declaring singular they an error (’Was it your father or your mother who broke their leg’), for example — it’s utter nonsense. Jane Austen herself used singular they. Not to mention Shakespeare.