#writingtipsset

[writingjunk]

Writing Tip #16: Print out a hard copy

Many people compose directly onto a computer. That's what I'm doing as I write this. Even if your printing company wants an electronic file, and most do, print yourself a hard copy. It is easier to read and to find your mistakes on paper.

Worried about the trees? So am I. I print my work on the backs of pages as often as possible. I use flyers, form letters, fax cover sheets, any piece of paper with a blank side. I've discovered even loose leaf paper will go through my printer.

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Writing Tip #15: Choose a beckoning title

A good title is catchy and says, "Read me." Depending on your topic, you may want to steer clear of a "cute" or "witty" title in favor of one that makes a clear promise of what is inside.

Writers often discover a title as they write. Sometimes a phrase or reference in the book comes to stand for the whole work.

Take your time to find a good title. You want one that calls to a reader, insisting on a purchase.

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Writing Tip #14: Build to the end

In English, we expect the most important item to be at the end. When you write a list, put the most important, unusual, or powerful item last.

The final sentence in a paragraph ties up your ideas in a neat package or hints at what is to come.

Your most powerful paragraph comes at the end of the chapter.

Poets labor over their final word. Let yours linger in the mind.

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Writing Tip #13: Use humor when you can

Not everyone crack jokes all day long. But a light touch from time to time lowers a reader's guard and opens her to your ideas. Be careful that your humor is kind and tasteful, unless of course you are writing for seven-year-olds, when bodily function humor is high on the list.

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Writing Tip #12: Show, don't tell

If it's a sermon your reader wants, there are churches to oblige.

What does it look like, sound like, feel like, taste like, smell like? When you describe a person or event, your reader is there with you. When you tell, the reader relaxes to the point of mental slumber.

Not sure of the difference?

Telling: John was sad after Susan broke up with him.

Reader: Yawn!

Showing: John shut his celll phone and leaned against the wall. He heaved a sigh and dropped his head into his hands.

Hear the reader's mind working:

"What's with John? Oh, I get it, he feels Susan lat him donw"

In non-fiction, details show, generalities or opinions tell.

Telling: Children are out of shape these days.

Reader: "I don't think that's true. My neighbor's kid plays Little League."

Showing: Forty percent of 5 to 8-year-olds are obese.

The reader's mind kicks in: 

"Wow! Children are out of shape these days!"

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Writing Tip #11: Use parallel structure

Doing the same thing in the same way creates a pattern that helps a reaer follow along.

On this page I've used a parallel structure for the tips. Each one is written as a command. I used the imperative mood (the command) because these tips are vital parts of writing. I uses it in each case because that creates a pattern your brain picked up by the time your reached Writing Tip #3.

If I had changed Writing Tip #8 to "Details are important," your brain would have registered the shift in structure and for a moment would have flickered away from want I want you to do:

keep reading, accept these tips, use them, become a stronger writer, sell lots of books, advance the general quality of written English in the world.

Human brains love pattern. Give your reader's brain a pattern and your ideas will come through like sunshine through a window. Your reader will

keep reading, take you seriously, recommend your book, change the world.. 

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Writing Tip #10: Use active voice

Technically, active voice puts the active agent first, followed by the verb (the action), followed by the object of the action.

Passive voice reverses the order.

Active - The boy hit the ball.

Passive - The ball was hit by the boy.

If youtake care of the verb to be (See Writing Tip #5) you will be using active voice more often. (Notice was in the example.)

Active voice is stronger and moves the action along. Passive voice sounds like someone is trying to hid something or to avoid responsibility. We find passive voice in many government documents.

Do you aspire to write like the government?

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Writing Tip #4: Use a structure

For some writers, having a structure in place first makes the writing easier. These writers prefer to think things out ahead of time and then build to a plan. 

Other writers put down all their ideas in a glorious profusion of words. Papers maybe spread all over the house, the car, the office desk, and fishing tackle boxes... These writers like to see all the material and then build the structure. 

Both approaches work well depending on the personality of the writer. both kinds of writers need to end up with a structure that supports the reader's understanding.

There is no one right structure for a book any more than there is one right structure for a house. Some will be linear, and take the readers step by step directly through to a conclusion like a long hallway opening into a inner courtyard.

Others will feature a spiraling staircase that takes the reader around and around the topic, always climbing higher to the secret chamber at the top, or to the rooftop view where everything becomes clear. 

The fair thing is to do is to use a reasonable route to the destination. It's unfair to take your reader up the staircase to the fourth floor and then to push him out a window so he can enjoy the inner courtyard.