Four basic premises of writing: clarity, brevity, simplicity, and humanity.

Good writers are visible just behind their words.

Never hesitate to imitate another writer. Imitation is part of the creative process for anyone learning an art or a craft. Bach and Picasso didn't spring full-blown as Bach or Picasso; they needed models. This is especially true of writing.

Every successful piece of nonfiction should leave the reader with one provocative thought that he or she didn't have before. Not two thoughts, or five - just one. So decide what single point you want to leave in the reader's mind.

Fighting clutter is like fighting weeds-the writer is always slightly behind.

Readers must be given room to bring their own emotions to a piece so crammed with emotional content; the writer must tenaciously resist explaining why the material is so moving.

The secret of good writing is to strip every sentence to its cleanest components.