Part IV: Chapter 24 Write as Well as You Can Summary

Zinsser cannot point to a time when he had decided to become a writer, but he does remember wanting to work for a newspaper. His mother instilled in him a love and respect for good writing, whether in books, newspapers, or whatever the print medium. His father brought to him a strong work ethic toward quality. These two character traits led him into writing, and to writing always as well as he can.

The author gains his edge over the competition by writing in an entertaining manner. His attitude is that if the writer does not make the trip for the reader enjoyable, then the entire point of writing is missed. Editors can miss the point too and try to rewrite away from Zinsser's intentions. Zinsser fights...