Writing Anxiety? Worry No More

Writing Anxiety? Worry No More

By: Jack Dominick

An average experience for me whenever I am faced with a writing task: procrastinating as long as I can and try not to think about it, for I am constantly worrying about all the little obstacles and difficulties that arise whenever one has to write. A majority of people can agree with this, and yes, even the proclaimed “good writers” can still agree they hold some aspects of writing in disdain. However, all those who find writing difficult and obscure, worry no more, for I have discovered a font of knowledge that can cure any “I-Hate-Writing Syndrome.” The explanatory and information-filled guide to writing by William Zinsser, On Writing Well, aids in ending any misconceptions or contempt towards the big-bad-writing task. 

William Zinsser, a journalist since 1946, presents his collection of stunningly helpful guidebook pieces in chapter format, with each chapter focusing on a different aspect of writing. These range from the general, such as style and structure, to the specific, such as how to write a memoir or use humorous language. Breaking the separate ideas into different chapters allows for the readers to go to any specific section they want or need, which is a very efficient and thoughtful approach. Additionally, the way the book is organized, starting from the general to the specific, gives the guide its logical first page to last page system. This made the book that much more enjoyable to read, for it felt as if you were learning a completely new subject from the ground up.  We never think of writing this way, something that can be broken down and examined piece by piece. We usually just assume, unfortunately, that you can either write well or you can’t. The way Zinsser breaks down what writing really is illustrates that anyone, with the proper amount of effort, can become as strong a writer as he or she wants. As Zinsser states, the issue with being afraid of writing isn’t because any of us just aren’t “good” writers, rather it is “rooted in that old bugaboo of American education: fear” (x). 

Whilst reading On Writing Well, I found myself writing down certain tips or techniques that Zinsser presented; I would stop and go, “woah”, because a book (besides a textbook) actually had me engaged to such a point that I was writing things down, which rarely, if ever happens. From the earlier sections that elaborate on Style and Simplicity, to the later sections on Travel and Sports Writing, every point Zinsser makes is surrounded by explanations and examples. Zinsser addresses the reader saying, “Here’s the opening sentence of seven memorable nonfiction books” (63), and then goes on to quote examples such as The Bible and Winston Churchill. This style of presenting a point, and then clarifying and supporting that point with powerful and universal examples makes what Zinsser is portraying all the more impressive. Furthermore, Zinsser’s personable tone acts with this idea hand-in-hand. His style of addressing the reader as a mentor who truly wishes to help in his or her understanding of the principles of writing gives a charming feel to the experience of the book. On Writing Well never becomes inaccessible to the average reader. Zinsser’s choice of words and techniques make his examples and explanations as easy to understand, while still remaining deep in its meaning. Being a high schooler and a writing tutor myself, some of the information was somewhat redundant such as background information behind tone and how to write clearly, but in retrospect, it was only a small amount. A majority of On Writing Well was new, useful, and interesting information for

me. This book can be convenient to writers from all levels of writing skill, for everyone can find something useful for them.

On Writing Well proved to be a book for all writers wishing to learn how to improve their writing on many different scales. I would recommend it to students and teachers alike. Whether it be the struggling eighth grader, desperate for some tips on how to write clearly, or the master journalist, yearning for some insight on how to express their love for another country, Zinsser provides for every reader’s needs. With the help of On Writing Well, I, and everyone else who admits to having having some form of writing anxiety, can kick those fears out the door for good.