Hesitation, pretension, and lack of confidence get in the way of good writing. No one likes to read something written by a guy who never gets to a point or by someone who is a know-it-all bore. The trick to writing is to make sure you are honest, direct, and simple. The following essays help writers do exactly that.

1. George Orwell, Politics and The American Language. Essential reading.

2. Strunk & White’s The Elements of Style is over 50 years old, but it  reads like it was printed last week . E.B. White’s concluding remarks, in the chapter called, An Approach to Style, are particularly good. Find the 4th Edition of the book here, for free.

3. William Zinsser, author of On Writing Well, explains the simple truths behind good writing: Writing English As a Second Language.

4. Lester Dent, pulp master, explains the art of writing of a good story. His advice can also inform article and copy writing. Pulp Paper Master Fiction Plot.

5. I wish Hemingway’s book, On Writing, was online and free, but it’s not. You’ll just have to buy it. But these articles explain some of the main points Hemingway preached: Hemingway Productivity & 5 Tips For Writing Well & (most importantly) Hemingway on When to Stop Writing.

6. Kurt Vonnegut lays out 8 steps for writers. All wise. Here is his answer to the question: can writing be taught?

Bonus:  29 famous authors explain their ‘10 Rules For Writing Fiction‘