Photograph portrait of Don George by Krista Rossow

Don George, renowned as the editor of the Traveler website and the author of the Lonely Planet Guide to Travel Writing, shares his insights on effective writing. With a career spanning various publications, including the San Francisco Examiner and Chronicle, George has encountered numerous writers who struggled to convey their messages clearly.

George advocates for a clear understanding of the purpose of one's writing. He suggests writers should ask themselves, "Why are you telling me this?" to maintain focus on the purpose of their piece. This question serves as a guiding principle, ensuring coherence and relevance in the narrative.

Moreover, George emphasizes the importance of respecting language as a communication tool. He encourages readers to delve into Strunk and White's "The Elements of Style" to better understand the power of words and their impact on the reader.

When it comes to the writing process itself, George advises reading one's work out loud. This practice helps identify wooden rhythms, phrases that aren't working, and leaps of logic. Additionally, he suggests giving a piece of writing time to rest before editing, enabling a fresh perspective and a more critical eye during the editing process.

For beginners, George recommends joining a writers group for diverse perspectives and constructive feedback. If a writers group is not available, he encourages aspiring writers to start one. This collaborative approach can help refine one's writing skills and foster a supportive community of like-minded individuals.

George also critiques the "Dear Diary" style of writing, which lacks reference to the experience being described and focuses excessively on the writer's personal life. He encourages writers to ground their narratives in the experiences they are describing, providing a more engaging and informative read.

Lastly, George emphasizes the importance of having a clear understanding of the point a writer wants to convey in their piece. As John McPhee, one of George's professors, once said, every sentence and word should advance the story, and any unnecessary ones should be removed.

Leslie Trew Magraw, the editor and producer of the Intelligent Travel blog network, can be followed on Twitter @leslietrew. These insights from Don George offer valuable guidance for both seasoned and aspiring writers, encouraging them to approach their craft with purpose, respect, and clarity.