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Portrait of William Zinsser

William Zinsser

(1922–2015) Journalist United States

150 quotes in 613 categories

Clutter is the disease of American writing, and Zinsser urges us to strip away flashy adjectives. He says short paragraphs make writing visual, catching the eye before the brain works. He also encourages copying other writers as a stepping stone to finding one’s own voice.

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William Zinsser was a journalist from the United States, best known for On Writing Well: An Informal Guide to Writing Nonfiction.

Quick Facts About William Zinsser

Born
October 7, 1922
Died
May 12, 2015
Nationality
United States
Profession
Journalist
Notable works
On Writing Well: An Informal Guide to Writing Nonfiction

About William Zinsser

William Knowlton Zinsser, an American writer, editor, literary critic and teacher, began his professional life as a journalist for the New York Herald Tribune, where he served as a feature writer, drama editor, film critic and editorial writer. Throughout his career he contributed regularly to major magazines.

Quotes by William Zinsser

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