No, I don’t think I know Nancy Atwell’s work. But I’m relatively new to being aware of writing gurus. A friend recommended Zinsser’s book and I read another one of his, Writing About Your Life. It helped me to see that quality writing is neat and spare which allows the words themselves to do the work. I also found Sally Stuart’s Getting Published which combined with her market guide has made all the difference. The editing process is a lot like pruning shrubs which is probably why they use that word “prune” a lot. I realize when I’m editing my own work that I tend to make the same wordy mistakes over and over again. I’ll look Nancy Atwell up and see what she has to say.

Have you read Nancy Atwell’s material on writing? She has lessons to help middle/high schoolers tighten up and clearly express their thoughts in their writing. Using her work and teaching suggestions helped me improve (and keep improving) my writing.

You’ve hit on some of the points of her lessons about clarity. When I read your piece, I thought of Atwell’s lessons. The struggles you shared are my struggles, too. Thanks for relating your experienes because it helps me know that others also think that writing IS HARD WORK!

P.S. Zinssr is her guru, too.