第16页 | 300 Days of Better Writing | 阅读 ‧ 电子书库

Day 11: Write clearly.

Have something to say, and say it as clearly as you can. That is the only secret.
(Matthew Arnold)

This is probably my favorite quote on writing because it addresses two essential principles.

First, the content must have value to the reader. Know what you are trying to communicate.

Second, clarity is essential to communicate the content. Unless you craft the writing carefully, and unless your writing is economical, direct, and clear, your reader will have difficulty understanding what you have to say—assuming the reader even tries.

You have something to say, so do the work necessary to help your reader understand.

I would only add one more part to this quote: “Then stop.”