TOP TIPS FOR AUTHORS
G'day folks,
We can all learn something to make our writing better. Sometimes we fall into bad habits. Just
because you're writing blogs or website content doesn't mean you can't learn a
few things from the great writers of yesteryear. In looking at the tips below,
you might be surprised at how relevant and timely their advice can be. Here are a few tips courtesy of Shanna Mallon.
3. Show,
don't tell.
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1. Write,
write, write.
"Quantity
produces quality. If you only write a few things, you're doomed." —Ray
Bradbury
You know
what they say, "If you want to be a writer, write!" What applies to
novels and newspaper columns also applies to the Web: The more you practice,
the better you become. Keep churning out content, refining as you go, learning
what works and what doesn't. Over time, your content will improve.
2. Write
with passion.
"When
you do a thing, do it with all your might. Put your whole soul into it. Stamp
it with your own personality. Be active, be energetic and faithful, and you
will accomplish your object." —Ralph Waldo Emerson
If
there's one thing that separates good writers from great writers, it's passion.
When you care about what you're saying, your audience can tell. So to write
well, write with passion. Throw yourself into your writing, and keep at it.
"Don't
tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass."
—Anton Chekhov
It's one
of the oldest pieces of writing advice there is and for good reason. Writing
that shows is writing that is powerful. Work to reveal information rather than
tell it. Let your readers figure things out for themselves.
4. Avoid
clichés.
"Never
use a metaphor, simile, or other figure of speech, which you are used to seeing
in print." —George Orwell
The first
phrase that comes to your mind isn't always the best—in fact, if it's the first
phrase that comes to your mind, it might be the worst one to use. Common,
overused phrases make your writing feel stale and boring, so look for new ways
to describe ideas and cut out clichés.
5. Be
scannable.
"I
try to leave out the parts that people skip." —Elmore Leonard
Here's a
tip: If you're bored by your writing, your readers probably are, too. So cut
out the boring bits and make your words tighter. Likewise, design your online
Web content so that it is scannable, complete with headers, bold text, and
other formatting that differentiates the hierarchy of content.
6. Be
clear.
"Always
prefer the plain, direct word to the long, vague one." —C.S. Lewis
Two
surefire signs of amateur writing are unnecessary adjectives and sentences that
won't stop. Longer writing isn't always better writing. Avoid writing filled
with complicated sentences and convoluted wording. Work to make your writing
clear and simple so it's easy for readers to understand.
7.
Eliminate clutter.
"No
matter how wonderful a sentence is, if it doesn't add new and useful
information, it should be removed." —Kurt Vonnegut
It's as
true with online content as it is with short stories and novels—writers tend to
get attached to their words. But if you want your writing to be powerful, you
must eliminate anything—even things you like—if it doesn't carry its own
weight. Cut clutter.
8. Choose
your words carefully.
"The
difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference
between lightning and a lightning bug." —Mark Twain
Twain had
it right: Take time to consider your word choices.
9. Write
to one.
"Don't
be intimidated by the vastness of your audience. Imagine you are writing to a
single reader. I have found it helps to pick out one real person I know and
write to that person." —John Steinbeck
Especially
on the Internet, writers can get caught up trying to please the masses. But you
can't please everyone, and you shouldn't try. Take Steinbeck's advice and write
to just one.
10. Be
unique
"I
owe my success to having listened respectfully to the very best advice, and
then going away and doing the exact opposite." —G.K. Chesterton
Even the
best advice is just that: advice. Don't ever let trying to follow someone
else's path stop you from forging your own. You have a unique voice, and that's
the best thing you can offer your audience—be who you are, and have the courage
to be different.
Shanna Mallon is a writer for Straight North, a
Chicago Web design firm providing specialized SEO, Web development, and other
online marketing services.
Clancy's comment: Thank you, Shanna. There are some great reminders here.
I'm ...
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