by A. L. Sugden

Created on: September 12, 2007

Perpetual Revision

In his book, On Writing Well: the Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction (New York, NY: HarperCollins, 2001), William Zinsser gives an overview of the components of good writing. In 294 pages, he covers the basic principles, methods, forms, and attitudes associated with nonfiction. From the first chapter to the last page, Zinsser stresses the idea that writing well takes hard work and persistence. He does not insist on one method; he does not throw all convention to the wind. In his advice, Zinsser discerningly explains that there are exceptions to rules and that sometimes "what has always worked" still works. The underlying message to Zinsser's advice is that there is no one-size-fits-all writing style, there is no over-night successful writer's "voice."

Over all, I agree with Zinsser's writing wisdom. I can see from experience and from his examples that most of his suggestions are valuable. I enjoyed his writer's voice when it surfaced. I respect the man for his understanding and his personality. However, I have not added his book to my must-read-again list.

In chapter 10-the chapter on the mechanics of writing-Zinsser spends nearly three pages on "sexism." Sexism, as he explains, is the use of gendered verbage. On pages 81 to 84, he describes gender-specific terms with words like "offensive," "patronizing," "rankling," and "demeaning." Every mention of the femininist movement is tender and assuaging. He pussyfoots through the problem, keeping an eye on the edgy female readers hunting for cause of outrage.

It is true that the "vexing new questions [of] what to do about sexist language," (81) baffle today's writers, new and experienced. Today the masculine default is politically incorrect, or worse-offensive. Zinsser describes the common "solutions" to these questions: the use of constant pluralism, the use of "he or she", and the use of gender-neutral terms. He explains that the first and second options are wearisome and should be used sparingly. They are indeed wearisome. According to Zinsser, the third option is the most viable and flexible. He also suggests the use of second person-when natural-extolling that it is a "godsend" (84).

The feminist movement has deprived women of their delicate femininity in the view of society. Today's writer is quivering behind his keyboard, afraid that the edgy female readers will find the dreaded cause of outrage, and accuse him of being sexist. Because of political correctness, women are no longer seen

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