On writing well

I think the problem comes from schools and universities. They force students to think in volume (6 pages, 12 pages) when writing. Who is a better writer: Julie, who wrote 12 pages of coherent paper or Mary, who stacked the same essence in 4 pages of superb writing?<p>According to the guys who teach -- Mary should receive about an F on her paper while Julie will get a B+.

The excerpted book<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Writing-Well-30th-Anniversary-Nonfiction/dp/0060891548/" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.com/Writing-Well-30th-Anniversary-Nonficti...</a><p>is wonderful. I have my doubts about whether the professor who posted that long excerpt on a public website really understands what "fair use" is about in United States copyright law. But if readers read the excerpt after following the link here and then buy the book, that would be a good outcome.

When I signed my contract with O'Reilly to work on The Geek Atlas they sent me a copy of this book as part of my 'welcome to the O'Reilly family' pack.<p>It's excellent. I'd recommend reading it and Strunk and White for anyone who needs to write non-fiction.

I'm not sure I agree. Okay, English is not my primary language, but it largely applies to Spanish. The so called "clutter" sometimes adds expresiveness. He argues that "smile happily" is redundant. But not all smiles are happy smiles. So the word is not dispensable at all.

After reading through it doesn't feel like there is much content in his writing, anybody else have this feeling?

I have this book on my desk right now. I read it every year. I also try to keep an extra copy or two at home to give to friends who are serious about blogging/writing well.<p>Best book on writing. Period.

On writing <i>good</i><p>Haha. But seriously, <i>I</i> found this very interesting :)