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Then last night, a fellow writer
and dear friend of mine called me to share some news regarding a project. She
also informed me that after a long hiatus she was ready to tackle her writing. And
since I had started writing again, we agreed on giving each other feedback.
Sometimes a little push is all you need to get motivated again.Based on our current editing
process, I realized we need to apply what we learned in our writing workshops.
1. USE ACTIVE VOICE INSTEAD OF PASSIVE.
In general, the active voice is stronger because it is more direct and cuts down on the number of needed words.
In general, the active voice is stronger because it is more direct and cuts down on the number of needed words.
2.
SIMPLIFY YOUR LANGUAGE.
Use simpler words—whether verbs, nouns or adjectives— replace a less familiar word with a more readily understandable one to avoid misunderstandings.
3. USE VERBS, NOT NOUNS.
Sometimes nouns make sentences longer and weaker. For instance, “The passing of time was…” Why not say, “Time passed…”
4. CUT BACK LONG SENTENCES.
One way to make your writing clearer is to limit the use of long sentences.
5. TRIM EXCESSIVE QUALIFICATION.
At times, qualifiers will serve their purpose but overdoing it can weaken your writing. Excessive qualifiers add bulk without adding substance.
6. USE PARALLELISM.
Parallelism is an important element of style because it builds clarity and power.
7.
AVOID REDUNDANCIES.Use simpler words—whether verbs, nouns or adjectives— replace a less familiar word with a more readily understandable one to avoid misunderstandings.
3. USE VERBS, NOT NOUNS.
Sometimes nouns make sentences longer and weaker. For instance, “The passing of time was…” Why not say, “Time passed…”
4. CUT BACK LONG SENTENCES.
One way to make your writing clearer is to limit the use of long sentences.
5. TRIM EXCESSIVE QUALIFICATION.
At times, qualifiers will serve their purpose but overdoing it can weaken your writing. Excessive qualifiers add bulk without adding substance.
6. USE PARALLELISM.
Parallelism is an important element of style because it builds clarity and power.
A story can become tiresome when a writer needlessly repeats a word or an idea.
8.
AVOID UNNECESSARY SELF-REFERENCE.
Avoid such unnecessary phrases as "I believe," "I feel" and "in my opinion."
9. AVOID THE MASCULINE GENERIC.
The masculine generic refers to the sole use of the pronoun “he” or “him” when referring to situations involving both genders. Opt for gender-neutral language, instead.
10. BE SPECIFIC.
Vague language weakens your writing because it forces the reader to guess at what you mean instead of allowing the reader to concentrate fully on your ideas and style.
Avoid such unnecessary phrases as "I believe," "I feel" and "in my opinion."
9. AVOID THE MASCULINE GENERIC.
The masculine generic refers to the sole use of the pronoun “he” or “him” when referring to situations involving both genders. Opt for gender-neutral language, instead.
10. BE SPECIFIC.
Vague language weakens your writing because it forces the reader to guess at what you mean instead of allowing the reader to concentrate fully on your ideas and style.
