Tuesday, March 06, 2007

How to Improve Your Writing

I just wrote a tutorial on self-editing and proofreading. Not everything fit, so I thought that I'd dump the extras here.

Editing tips:
1. Vary Sentence Length and StructureWhen you write, vary the length and structure of sentences. Use a mix of simple and complex sentences, but never run on sentences. Sentence variations build as much power as words. If you want to increase tension, shorten the sentences. If a 'breather' needs to slow the reader's pulse, then use longer, more complex sentenses.

2. Be SuccinctIf a word is unnecessary, repeated, or can be removed without changing the meaning of a sentence, even if it requires a rewrite, then do it.

3. Use the Active Voice, SHOWINGWriting in the active voice sounds easy enough. But, it isn't. There is a difference between active voice and showing. You can write in active voice but still be writing passively.

4. Write From the HeartIs it really your story? Are you passionate about the themes? Or, heaven forbid, are you just writing to break the day's bordom. Trust yourself and write the truth, no matter how scary that might be.

5. Practice GrammarIt is so tiring getting manuscripts that would fail a grade nine English course. I do not believe that a sentence must meet university levels of grammar to be consider well written, but please, grade nine is not hard to master.

Okay, that is out of my system.




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