Helpful Writing Tips?

Question

Anyone have any helpful writing tips when writing anything, really? Just what are ways to make writing effective, descriptive, powerful, etc....Or just any helpful writing tips at all anyone can offer? Thanks so much...!

Kiara

Answer 1

Basically, when writing ANYTHING:

1. Be CLEAR.
George Orwell said: "Writing should be as clear as a window-pane". Do not think you'll sustain your reader's attention if you try to be fancy with too many, or big words. Be simple. Avoid wordindess. Say what you mean, and say it in your own voice.

2. Write using varied sentences
Writing is most engaging when the ideas flow in interesting, varied sentences. For example, don't write one long sentence after another; mix it up by adding shorter ones.

3. Avoid passive voice.
If you want to bore your reader by writing like a textbook, then fine. Write using passive voice. If, however, you want to entertain your readers and keep them engaged, use the active voice. Passive voice makes for completely non-dynamic writing.

Example of passive voice: I was thrown across the room by Jack.

Example of active voice: Jack threw me across the room.

Have Jack DO it.

4. Avoid cliches.
Avoid using phrases that have been used thousands of times before.

Ie., I was "tickles pink" when Jack asked me out.
Or: That story really "rang true" to me.

Get creative and come up with your own phrasing.

5. Incorporate imagery using figurative language
Metaphors and similes really help to clarify a point you're trying to make. Further to this effect, descriptive language will really help to enliven a work.

Ie., "Crunch" is a word that appeals to my senses: I can HEAR it.

6. EDIT!!!
EVERY good writer edits his or her work. NO ONE writes a masterpiece on their first draft. You have to write, put it away, come back to it, then put it away again. You must read an reread and make necessary changes as you see fit. Writing just keeps getting better with every draft.

Above all, write about the things that move you. If you have an idea in your head, or an observation you've made, write about it. If you're passionate about what you've written, it'll be interesting.

And keep writing. Your first few attempts may be crap, but if you keep at it, you'll improve.

Good luck

Answer 2

Don't cross so quick. Plan the complete tale earlier than you write some thing, and you are a ways much more likely to whole an complete guide. Write simply to peer in which it is going, and your are much more likely to not whole it than to whole it. (That's a first-rate system for shorter works.) When you write that first draft, supply your self permission to write down crap. All books cross via many drafts, and it is larger to get the complete tale down, however badly, than to keep again or continue slowly considering it should be a distinct best. Nobody says you must percentage your first draft with any person.

Answer 3

It is important that u read books as a writer, not a reader. See how the writers write. Study their technique. You don`t have to copy their technique but it`s helpful if u know the tricks.
Click on the link below for some really great free writing tips, tutorials etc

Answer 4

Read a lot. And don't read books about how to write, either. Read whatever you like. THen, try to mimic the styles of your favorite writers in your writing. At first, your stuff will seem like a lousy copy, but after a while you will develop your own voice as you combine the techniques of different writers.

Answer 5

Do lots of research and make sure before you start writing you have a basic outline of what you want to accomplish. Otherwise if you just start typing away then you'll get frustrated later in the piece when you get stuck. ORganize your thoughts on paper, then start your story, article, editorial etc...Big help.

Answer 6

Use descriptive parts of speech. Avoid using the phrases um and like.

Answer 7

If it's fiction, be sure to have your characters and settings well-defined. If it's sci-fi or fantasy, be sure to have it clear in your head about what can and (as importantly) can't be done with magic or technology.

Answer 8

metaphors. similes. descriptive examples.

Answer 9

Add a lot of adjectives.