The Elements of Style, by Strunk and White, that classic little handbook I’ve been picking away at over 
the last seven months or so. It sits on my desk, next to my computer, and I read it from time to time, reading about writing. Today’s quote goes like this:
The beginner should approach style warily, realizing that it is an expression of self, and should turn resolutely away from all devices that are popularly believed to indicate style-all mannerisms, tricks, adornments. The approach to style is by way of plainness, simplicity, orderliness, sincerity.
That quote echoes one of my favorite writer-heroes, William Zinsser (more about his classic handbooks later) who writes about writing, and trumpets simplicity and sincerity.
Simplicity and sincerity are hallmarks of good writing-probably any good writing-whether an appellate brief or a short story.
At any rate, it’s great to have a copy of The Elements of Style by your side. You’ll refer to it long after you’ve read it through-even if you’re more of a Spunk & Bite, rather than Strunk and White, type of writer.
