George Said:

What's The Best Way To Improve My Writing?

We Answered:

Hi Guy,

You've got the basic idea correct, but I'd avoid the writers you mention. You don't want to read writers of fiction; you want good non-fiction writers. The problem with Buckley is that he never says in one word something he can say in ten. Moreover his style is designed to impress with big words that leave most readers in the dark. I've never understood why he has that pathological need to impress people with his vocabulary.

I'd stick with more modern writers of non-fiction. Read Tom Wolfe, Hunter Thompson, and take up a subscription to The New Yorker. You want to develop a punchy, pithy, and witty style -- these will help you hear what it sounds like.

Cheers. And good luck, mate.