Great advice. When a lot of writers (myself included) start out, they have the impulse to spill everything onto the page, to dazzle the reader with their prose, maybe throw in a good metaphor or two. But as you gain more experience, you realize that good writing is often about compression. Or to quote The Elements Of Style: "Omit needless words."
Thanks Jeff! Yes, I am positive I wrote about monkeys, but don't remember exactly what I said over those 10 pages. I remember that same semester I took anthropology and was reading a great book called "Chimp Politics," so I think I weaved that in there.
Great advice. When a lot of writers (myself included) start out, they have the impulse to spill everything onto the page, to dazzle the reader with their prose, maybe throw in a good metaphor or two. But as you gain more experience, you realize that good writing is often about compression. Or to quote The Elements Of Style: "Omit needless words."
Absolutely! Every word should add value. Sometimes the best way to improve your writing is to hit delete.
Btw, I’m going to feature this article in an upcoming issue of This Week In Leadership (13k subs). I will of course lead it back to you.
Great stuff.
Oh, here: www.TheBestLesdershipNewsletter.com
Wow, that's awesome! Much appreciated
“As much as creativity craves freedom, it thrives on constraint”
What a great insight and so true.
Creativity hates the blank page - it needs lines and borders.
So did you actually write about monkeys? Do you remember what you said?
Thanks Jeff! Yes, I am positive I wrote about monkeys, but don't remember exactly what I said over those 10 pages. I remember that same semester I took anthropology and was reading a great book called "Chimp Politics," so I think I weaved that in there.