I don’t much consider myself a writer. I don’t know. I’m a copywriter by day, sure. It’s my job. But have I earned the far more prestigious title “writer”? If I have, doesn’t that cheapen the greats who are, without question, writers? It feels like a distinction to be reserved for only the best of the best.

William Zinsser was one. He wrote “On Writing Well,” a wonderful, straightforward book on the craft and art of writing. I’ve tried to model my writing on his advice, both at work and elsewhere. Especially lately. Even in my texts (I know that’s nerdy).

Many people think good writing is flowery and complicated, littered with big words that few people understand. But that’s what those words are: litter. They have their place, I guess. But not in everyday writing. There, simplicity is king.

William Zinsser died in May. He was 92. This is my favorite line from his obituary in the New York Times:

His advice was straightforward: Write clearly. Guard the message with your life. Avoid jargon and big words. Use active verbs. Make the reader think you enjoyed writing the piece.

And this, from the man himself, perhaps my favorite thing that has ever been said about writing:

There’s not much to be said about the period except that most writers don’t reach it soon enough.