Austen Austen — Fri, 26 Jan 2007 14:53:08 GMT

Another book that gives great advice on writing well is Patricia T. O’Conner’s “Woe is I.” In addition to great grammar and punctuation advice, she has chapter called “Saying is Believing: Write What You Mean.” It includes a lot of helpful advice that could easily translate to writing for the web, and even design:

“Say what you have to say.”
“Stop when you’ve said it.”
“Don’t belabor the obvious.”
“Be direct.”
“Don’t make yourself the center of the universe.” [Something I think many designers are guilty of.]
“Put descriptions close to what they describe.”
“Make sure there’s a time and place for everything.”
“Put your ideas in order.”
“Read [your own writing] with a felonious mind.”

I have this book by my side every day. I highly recommend it.

Boxes and Arrows: Comments by Austen Austen