On Writing Well - The Four Premises
Developing a Rhythm and Practice of Writing - Part 7
I have always struggled with writing well. My grammar and run-on sentences need help. I’m grateful for Michael who helps me improve through his feedback and revision suggestions.
In regards to the style of my writing - I try to stay aligned to the four basic premises from William Zinsser’s “On Writing Well”. The four are:
- Clarity
- Brevity
- Simplicity
- Humanity
Clarity is essential. Writing does that for me and my hope when I share the writing is that it is clear to the reader.
Brevity is generous. It is also a challenge. I have so much to say but most times my readers feel overwhelmed when I try to unpack everything at once. I try to limit my writing to 500 words. The hard work and time it takes to keep it brief is a gift to the reader.
Simplicity is scalable. I am very intentional in the words I choose. I evaluate simplicity by having my 13 year old daughter read what I wrote and ask her if she understood what I wrote.
Humanity is beautiful. I try to write to give greater proximity and into the process of working it out. The insights from hindsight is inspirational but the access to the work in progress is transformational.
How did I do? Was it clear, brief, simple and human?
“The most personal is the most universal.”
- Henri Nouwen
This entry is for Month-long writing challenge for our The Beautiful Future Members. Every weekday, we write and share with one another to build and strengthen our practice of writing.