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"As children we wrote sentences like "See Dick run." As adults, we are more likely to write "It is imperative that we assiduously observe Richard as he traverses the terrain at an accelerated rate of speed."

Richard Lederer - From the Foreword of THE DICTIONARY OF CONCISE WRITING

In a letter to a twelve- year old boy, Mark Twain wrote, "I notice you use plain, simple language, short words, and brief sentences. That is the way to write English - it is the modern way and the best way. Stick to it; don't let fluff and flowers and verbosity creep in." In THE DICTIONARY OF CONCISE WRITING, Robert Hartwell Fiske points out many ways we have padded our language and our writing with unnecessary words. Clear and concise communication is more effective in conversation - as well as in literature. Although much of the examples in the book apply to business applications, the advice is well worth the attention of anyone who writes. Those who write nonfiction articles and books, as well as those who write fiction, need to heed Mr. Fiske's advice.

As we grow older, we come to the erroneous decision that if five words will make the point, twenty words will make us appear much more intelligent. After all, the more words we know, the smarter we must be! Actually, the ability to communicate our thoughts, desires, and stories, is defined by how well our readers understand what we're trying to say.

Let's look at a paragraph that might appear in a newspaper:

Oftentimes, the Senate, as well as the White House, struggle with questions involving what is now being described as lifestyle. The problem is that, in effect, the Senate and the White House sometimes are being asked to put their stamp of approval on lifestyles that, while acceptable in Washington, are not acceptable by general standards elsewhere.

If we put this paragraph on a "word diet," it becomes:

Often, the Senate and the White House struggle with questions of lifestyle. The problem is that both sometimes are asked to approve lifestyles that, while acceptable in Washington, are not generally acceptable elsewhere.

Which of these examples gives the clearer meaning?

We've fallen in love with words. Words are powerful, and for fiction writers, their use determines success or failure. They deliver our stories and our characters. Padding your writing with unnecessary verbiage will soften the impact you wish to convey.

THE DICTIONARY OF CONCISE WRITING is a must have for anyone who wants to communicate effectively.