Writing can often feel like a puzzle. Countless times I’ve sat at my desk, staring at a blank page, unable to find the right method to start. As I reflect on my writing journey, I realize unity and practice are crucial to good writing.

“All writing is ultimately a question of solving a problem.” (Zinsser, p.g. 47)

The Struggles of a Writer

Everyone knows writing is hard, no matter how proficient and experienced you are. One of the biggest challenges a writer faces is simply starting. After all, the first sentence is the most important one. The overwhelming feeling is only amplified by the sheer number of words, tones, or styles writers must decide. William Zinsser, author of “On Writing Well,” guides us through the basics of writing.

Zinsser emphasizes that “the only way to learn to write is to force yourself to produce a certain number of words on a regular basis.” When I begin writing, I remind myself that writing is a process—it is meant to be reread and rewritten. When we write, we tend to overthink the lead, focusing on its perfection rather than its purpose. A lead should prompt your reader to continue reading, nothing more or less. 

Similarly, knowing how to conclude is important to the writing piece. The ending should not drag on—you’ll lose your readers as fast as you gain them. Zinsser advises that when you’re ready to stop, stop. It’s tempting to add more, but this only dilutes the impact and message of your writing.

“Polish both the introduction and the conclusion.” (Donnell King)

All writing presents a problem to be solved, whether it’s organizing the information, choosing the right words, or developing a consistent tone. The only way to get better at writing is to write constantly.

Unity: Tying It All Together

At the core of good writing is unity—the idea that all parts of writing work together to support a central point. Without unity, writing becomes disorganized and confusing, failing to guide the reader through the story. 

Zinsser explains that a writer must decide on a unity set and stick to it. This means deciding what the main focus is before writing and ensuring all ideas align with the central point. Unity also shapes the writing style, tone, and direction. All of this creates a complete and cohesive writing piece. It’s able to engage readers without overwhelming them with unnecessary details or a messy structure.

The ABCs of Writing

In addition to unity, three basic rules help maintain consistency throughout writing:

1. Accuracy: be correct, truthful, and precise to build trust and credibility with the reader. 
2. Brevity: be concise and to the point by using short sentences and avoiding unnecessary words to keep readers engaged.
3. Clarity: communicate clearly by avoiding jargon and excessive details.

Writing to Progress

Writing is a balance of logic and creativity. Unity ties the ideas together, a structured beginning and ending satisfies a reader, and practice improves your writing.

Write with these basic principles to ensure you write cohesively and engagingly. Your writing doesn’t have to be perfect, but it should be purposeful and unified.