Write to the Point

by Bill Stott

Write to the Point is the best available guide to effective writing of non-fiction. "Have something to say, and say what you mean to say as simply as you can." Those are Bill Stott's most important points, and for all those readers who know that this simple advice may be difficult to follow, he offers encouragement on such topics how to find something to say; the basics of organization, how to avoid sexist language; how much is enough; plagiarism; and basic grammar.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction

226 pages, Paperback

First published April 15, 1991

About the author

Degree in Fine Art and post-grad degree in Art Education. First published in Liverpool Echo (1976). Cartoons published in Punch, Private Eye, Automobile, Saga, Yachting World, Times Educational Supplelemt, Classic Machinery and many more...

Reviews

[رَشَد الأرحيم · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stott encourages us to do something that writing books generally don't, that is to speak our own voice. Initially, the title: ‘Write to the Point’, gave me the sense that the book was about writing concisely, something I thought similar to William Zinsser’s book ‘On Writing Well’. While it does provide advice of that sort in a number of its chapters, it generally aims to provide readers with the confidence to just write. I know this sounds simple, but it isn’t. In reality, as Stott argues, people are so afraid to write they lose the ability to think clearly about what they really think before they write. I don’t know if many people suffer from this, but I certainly do. I did an MSc course for two years; a course which required a lot of writing. My first essay was perhaps the most honest, but it was also the only essay that I did not pass. Failing my first essay is what changed my approach to writing. I became overly concerned with finding the perfect structure, the ‘right’ words, and the correct outline. I bought and read several books on writing; I was adamant to find the ‘recipe’ for the perfect essay. I will be honest, it helped. My grades went up and I performed exceptionally well on a number of essays. But reflecting on all the principles of writing took its toll on me. I no longer enjoyed writing, and I think primarily because I was not confident anymore. I always felt the need to perfect my sentences. There was no first draft, to me, everything had to sound grammatically and logically sound from the start.
Now why is this important? I think if you want to be a good writer, you need to find confidence in the ideas you present. Of course, structure, clarity, and communication are all important. But as the book teaches us, finding something to say, is just as, nay more important for a strong argument. So, if you are someone who has lost their voice, or who no longer enjoys writing, read this book. I am sure you will find it useful.

[Nitin Rajkumar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book after reading Cliff Stoll's Cuckoo's Egg. I liked that book for it's preciseness and brevity. I got to know "Write to the point" had good influence on his writing. It changes the way I feel about writing. Now at least I do not feel it is a tedious task.

[Scott Danielson · Rating 4 out of 5]

An encouraging book about non-fiction writing.