I composed this recently for a writing class I’ve been teaching (ages 13-16), and it came out surprisingly cogent. Posting with slight modifications, in case it comes in handy. If any writer who is better than me tells you something different, listen to them.
This list would not exist had I never encountered Anne Fadiman, Verlyn Klinkenborg, or William Zinsser. Buy Zinsser’s book and you don’t have to read any of this.
Oh, and also, I’m trying to make the blog easier on the eyes by embedding giant essays in PDFs. Click below for the thing I’ve been talking about!
I’m impressed. But I’m usually impressed, because I enjoy reading your writing.
Your advice can help a good writer become a great writer. I’m not sure if it’ll turn a bad writer into a good writer. But this is very comprehensive nonetheless.