introduction

Part 1: Principles of Good Writing

1.
Writing that discovers me
2.
Simple writing is good writing.
3.
Let's throw away as much as we can
4.
My own style is my own writing style
5.
Who are you writing for?

Part 2: Things to Know

6.
How to maintain unity
7.
How to start and end

Part 3 Various formats

8.
Nonfiction as Literature
9.
Interview: Writing About People
10.
Travelogue: Writing about Places
11.
Memoir: Writing About Myself
12.
Science and Technology: Descriptive Writing
13.
Business: Writing about work-related matters
14.
Criticism: Writing about Art
15.
Humor: Writing for Pleasure

Part 4: Writing Posture

16.
Let's listen to the voice of the text
17.
Joy, fear, confidence
18.
The tyranny of the final result
19.
Writing is a series of decisions
20.
Writing that preserves memories
21.
Let's do our best

Advice for Writing in English
22.
word
23.
usage
24.
etc.

Entry
Major authors featured in this book
Translator's Note
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The essence of writing is 'rewriting'

With the advent of AI-powered chatbots and automated writing tools, anyone can easily write.
Bookstores are flooded with books on writing using AI.
But just because something is written without any hesitation, does that mean it is good writing?

“Inventions that reduce the fear of writing are as convenient as air conditioning or light bulbs.
But as with all things, there are pitfalls.
Those who write on computers do not realize that the essence of writing is rewriting.
“Just because you can write fluently without hesitation doesn’t mean you’re a good writer.” _19p

Jinseo recalls the early days of word processors and points out that technological advancements don't necessarily mean everyone becomes a better writer.
People who rely solely on convenience without going through the process of polishing their writing end up writing even more lengthy texts because they are so absorbed in their sentences that they look neat.
However, technological advancements have clearly benefited those who are good at writing.
Because it has become easier to rewrite sentences.
He emphasizes that the essence of writing lies in ‘rewriting.’
Good writing is not completed in one go, but is created through a process of refinement and organization.
Ultimately, it is not artificial intelligence but you, yourself, that decides what to discard and what to keep in your writing.
This book presents the principles of writing good articles and how to polish them.
That principle has remained unchanged over the years.
The same will apply to any innovative technologies that emerge in the future.

The Core of Good Writing: Humanity and Warmth

Jinseo says that finding your own voice and expressing it honestly is the key to good writing.
Writing is not just a skill, it is an act of self-expression.


“A good writer reveals himself right behind the writing.
(...) let's sell ourselves.
Then your own topic will be appealing.
Believe in yourself and your thoughts.
Writing is an act of the self.
Let us acknowledge ourselves and use that energy to move forward.” _50~52p

He cites examples of how he finds even writing in specialized fields he has never been interested in reading enjoyable.
What captivates the reader at this time is not the subject of the writing, but the ‘writer’s passion.’
When you write about why you were drawn to the topic, how you feel about it, and how it changed your life, the reader is naturally drawn from one paragraph to the next.
Good writing captivates readers with such vivid energy and authenticity.
Writing is about expressing your own thoughts, not someone else's.
No reader wants dry, similar writing.
No matter what format the writing takes, what the reader wants to see is the personality and sincerity of the writer.
So, Jinseo suggests the principle of 'writing for yourself', not for the reader.
The greatest strength of this book is that it gives you the confidence and strength to write your own.

Keep it simple

Another thing the author emphasizes is the principle of 'writing concisely'.
If the principle of 'write for yourself' is a question of attitude toward writing, this is a question of fundamental skills in handling the tool called language.
The author advises that we throw away everything we can from our writing.
This is because your own style is not born from an overuse of flowery and decorative expressions, but from letting go of your shoulders and expressing yourself as you are.
The author says that most drafts can be cut by half without losing the content or the writer's voice.
Only when you know how to build such a simple and strong framework can you write your own.
It is in that context that rewriting is considered important.

Essential advice for writers

The most notable feature of this book is that it is rich in stories about the inner self of the writer.
From the challenge of identifying a fresh style and voice, to overcoming fear of writing and finding confidence and joy, to the compelling story of how composing a long piece intertwines with self-discovery, the author explores the challenges faced in the writing process.
And, using his own writing as an example, he unfolds in detail the worries and moments of choice he encounters while writing a piece.
This gives readers an opportunity to reflect on their own writing style.

Author Kang Won-guk said he found great comfort in Jinseo's encouraging words: "If you feel that writing is difficult, it is because writing is truly difficult."
Author Choi Hye-jin commented, “The best part of this book is that it honestly reveals the vulnerable inner self that writers inevitably face,” and said that it is a book that helps readers manage the desires and anxieties they encounter in the process of writing and instill self-confidence and optimism.
Above all, Jinseo never loses his warmth and humor from beginning to end.
That is why this book has been loved by countless people for a long time.
The best way to read this book is to keep it by your side and listen to Jinseo's voice as you write.
This book will not only teach you how to write good sentences, but will also be a companion that will help you calm your wavering mind during the writing process.