Keep Strunk & White in the Bathroom and Other Ways to Obsess Over Writing Well

Susan D’Agostino, a working writer and contributor to Inside Higher Ed, outlines a series of personal rituals designed to cultivate the essential elements of tension and surprise that elevate compelling storytelling. Her approach moves beyond simply conveying information, aiming instead to create an immersive and engaging experience for the reader. D’Agostino stresses that these qualities are not accidental but are actively pursued throughout the writing process.

A central tenet of her methodology involves maintaining constant access to foundational writing guides, exemplified by the practice of keeping Strunk and White's "The Elements of Style" in an unconventional, readily accessible location like the bathroom. This seemingly simple act serves as a potent symbol of an unwavering commitment to clarity, conciseness, and grammatical precision – principles espoused by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White, whose seminal work has guided generations of writers since its initial publication in 1918. By integrating such a reference into daily life, D’Agostino suggests that even established rules can become a dynamic foundation for creative exploration, rather than rigid constraints.

Beyond adherence to stylistic guidelines, D’Agostino advocates for a profound and pervasive "obsession" with the craft of writing itself. This entails fostering habits that encourage continuous engagement with narrative architecture, the nuanced development of characters, and the intricate exploration of thematic depth. The ultimate objective is to produce prose that not only informs but also captivates, holding the reader's attention through unexpected plot developments and a palpable sense of unfolding drama. This deliberate cultivation of surprise and tension is presented as the critical differentiator between functional, albeit dry, writing and truly memorable literature that resonates long after the final page is turned. D’Agostino's intention is for stories to be not merely read, but deeply experienced.

These insights, shared in her July 31, 2026, piece for Inside Higher Ed, offer practical, actionable advice for writers across various disciplines who aspire to enhance the impact and memorability of their work. By integrating these personal rituals into their own creative processes, writers can move towards crafting narratives that connect more profoundly with their audiences, ensuring their stories possess an enduring power to engage, surprise, and leave a lasting impression.