Zinsser's 30 Year Old Book on Writing still Speaks to Modern Reporters

By Katie Thompson

Imagine using a 30 year old refrigerator, watching a 30 year old television set, or driving a 30 year old car. Most wouldn’t even consider using these “ancient” items in an era where new technology abounds.

Now also imagine reading a 30 year old book offering advice on non-fiction writing. Could it possibly still be relevant to modern reporters in a journalistic world so different from the one in which the book was originally written?

It seems unlikely, yet William Zinsser, author of On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction, has made it happen.

“It’s just the basic stuff, simple things that you can work on that make the biggest difference in your writing,” said Katie Zarrilli, ’12, a Communication Arts major from Gorham, ME.

On Writing Well offers advice on a wide array of topics within the writing field that is highly applicable to modern reporters. He has sought to share his knowledge of professional writing with the next generation of journalists.

Deborah Devenney, ’12, a Communication Arts major from East Haddam, CT felt that, “He (Zinsser) was very practical and had a grandfatherly tone about him, like he was passing on wisdom.” Devenney was impacted by Zinsser’s respect for the English language and his advice to choose words carefully.

“He has a love for words and using them properly that I can only hope to achieve,” she said.

Zarrilli also found elements of On Writing Well that she will carry over into her writing.

“I really liked when he (Zinsser) talked about hearing yourself in your writing,” said Zarrilli, who continued, “I want to work on my own sound and voice so that eventually people won’t have to see my name but will know the work is mine.”

Zinsser’s book not only provides grammatical and stylistic advice, but encourages writers to believe in themselves and to constantly revise their writing to bring it to its highest potential.

“On Writing Well has given me more confidence in my writing,” said Zarrilli.

While a 30 year old refrigerator, television set, or car may seem impractical and irrelevant all these years later, Zinsser has proven that his book On Writing Well has withstood the test of time.