Writing Tools: 55 Essential Strategies for Every Writer
I’ll tell you right now that every aspiring writer should read The Elements of Style. Rule 17 in the chapter titled “Principles of Composition” is “Omit needless words.” I will try to do that here.
Stephen King • On Writing: A Memoir Of The Craft (A Memoir of the Craft (Reissue))
I think a scrupulous avoidance of cliche and unnecessary words and a consistent desire to surprise are a good starting point for anyone, eventually taste, disposition, and commitment to character and situation take care of the rest.