10 Proven Tips
to Improve Your Writing_________
1. Less is more. If you can say it in one paragraph, don’t take two. If a six-letter word will get the point across, don’t use a word with thirteen.
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2. Details make your writing “sticky.” The specific elements of your story paradoxically make it universal - and memorable.
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3. Pay attention to your verbs. Verbs pack more heat than adverbs and adjectives.
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4. Set the scene briefly. Don’t worry too much about setting the scene for your story. Let the details of the story itself carry the context.
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5. Use images. A good image can lock in a character, a relationship or an event better than a list of adjectives or adverbs.
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6. Awaken your senses. Most of the time we use the sense of sight to describe something. Engage as many senses as you can.
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7. Write in a style that is comfortable for you. Tell the story as if you were talking with a good friend who was not able to be with you on the day in question.
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8. Get focused. Think or write the phrase, “One time . . .” If you are concerned about focus, “used to” and “always” are risky words.
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9. Use dialogue. You’ll know your dialogue is working when your characters don’t sound alike.
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10. Show, don’t tell. Your readers will appreciate the opportunity to draw their own conclusions.
