Writing Wisdom

The Best Writing Advice

One of the best pieces of writing advice I’ve received is “write what you know” by Anne Lamott.

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This means crafting content based on personal experiences and topics that resonate with you, fostering a strong connection with your readers.

Lamott also emphasizes not to fret over perfect structure, grammar, or style initially, as these can be refined during editing.

The primary focus should be on getting your ideas onto paper.

And..

Writing well is essential for success, providing pathways to awards, publications, and favorable client feedback. Here are some key tips:

• Omit needless words: Follow the guidance from “Elements of Style” to eliminate unnecessary phrases like “The reason why” or “Because.”
• Simplify: Convey complex ideas with clarity, avoiding jargon and aiming for a lower reading grade to engage a broader audience.
• Write with strength: Empower verbs, steer clear of weak phrases like “I think,” and embrace active voice for clarity and directness.
• Avoid qualifiers: Substitute weak qualifiers such as “very” with stronger alternatives like “frequently” or “exceptional.”
• Use punctuation effectively: Opt for short sentences for readability, employ semicolons sparingly and correctly, and utilize commas judiciously to prevent clutter.