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Top Ten Tips for Writing Absolutely Anything - by Jo Parfitt
Ten Top Tips for Writing Absolutely Anything!
Every time I run one of my writing workshops I find myself giving the same advice. Indeed, regardless of what you are writing, the same rules apply. Whether you are writing fiction or non-fiction, a book, articles or even a report. Yes, it's the same for anything. Here goes:
1 Cut. Anything you write can stand cutting and still retain the meaning. So, cut and cut and cut again. It might seem like you are 'murdering your children' but this is a skill you need to learn. Never use a long word when a short one will do.
2 Know your reader. Understand your market. Write hat your reader will want to know and not simply what you want to say.
3 Stay focused. Just because you know a hell of a lot about something does not mean that you need to share every scrap of your knowledge. The best writing stays focused.
4 Said is invisible. It is fine to write 'he said'. In fact no-one notices it. Write 'he intoned' or 'he ejaculated' and believe me, they will notice!
5 Paint a picture. Words like 'amazing', 'wonderful' and 'breathtaking' mean nothing. No-one can picture an 'amazing view'. Show us what it looked like – the reader cannot read your mind.
6 Get feedback. Everyone needs an editor, even professional writers. After you have read something several times you become blind to your mistakes. If you are writing something for publication or general communication always get someone else to check it first. Even spellcheckers get it wrong. And check your grammar and punctuation too.
7 Write it all before you edit. Any writing professional will advise that you write it all and get to the end before you go back and do any editing. Anne Lamott calls this the Shitty First Draft. That's what it is. But at least it is finished. Get to the end before you go back to the beginning.
8 The right style. Ensure you have the tone and style right for your reader. Foreign audiences may not understand your idioms or humour. Academics expect footnotes and appropriate vocabulary.
9 The right layout. If you are writing up minutes or reports you would check that your layout matches the standard style, wouldn't you? You need to check you submit articles and books in the standard style too. Double or single spaced? Block left or indented? Check before you press the send button.
10 Read it aloud. Read your work aloud and you will immediately spot any sections that your tongue stumbles over (like that one). Read aloud to a third party and you will spot even more problem areas.
Jo Parfitt has been a freelance writer, editor, author, publisher, speaker, trainer and consultant for more than 20 years in five different countries. Known as the Expat Inspirer, she shares her tips at www.expatrollercoaster.com and www.career-in-your-suitcase.com.
