In the next chapter Zinsser expressed the importance of crafting a good opening statement. Much the same, coming up with five titles for my blog is harder than I thought it would be. Again it was good to have someone call attention to cliché introductions so I can avoid them. I’ve posted a couple of titles, but I really need to turn on the brain burner for a couple more posts.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Module 3 Observations
I'm really enjoying On Writing Well. The book holds my interest so it's an easy read. Zinsser advocates cutting the clutter and I like that he takes his own advice and shows plenty of samples. One of his examples of unity problems was an article about travel. The author goes back and forth from casual conversation and opinions about his trip to “travel log." The writing was too familiar. I'm typically pretty careful with verb tenses, but I see myself doing the same kind of thing. I never realized that I was vacillating between two styles until it was pointed out in this chapter.
I work hard usually to find a good opener, but often after writing a piece, I run out of steam at the end. I just want to put it to an end and so I don’t spend as much time on the conclusion as I should. It amazed me that Zinsser says he looks for endings while he is still researching his subject! He hears a quote and immediately thinks, “that’s my ending.” Wow—that’s definitely something I need to be on the lookout for in the future.
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Though not to as successful a degree as Zinsser, I also try to think of a good stinger to put on my articles, columns, etc. Even though most readers won't make it all the way through what I write, my pride forces me to make the best of every ending. Sometimes I have that worked out before I have the lead. Other times, it comes to me during the writing. When all else fails, I just try to wrap it up by any means necessary.
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