Back in my school days, if the teacher demanded a term paper I knew just what to do. I quickly researched the report, and wrote it as fast as I could.
Next, I reached for a thesaurus and looked up complicated, multi-syllable synonyms for my easy words. This turned my paper into a complex, obtuse mess.
That was wrong, wrong, wrong! Once I started to write for a living, I quickly discovered that if readers don't understand something, they simply quit reading!
So how can you make your writing less formal, more personal, and turn readers into interested friends? Here are some ideas I've stumbled across:
1. Think about a specific reader when you write. I usually picture a family member. This tends to make my writing less formal.
2. Ask a question. Example: "Do you ever get bored reading a long, complicated report?"
3. Propose a solution. Example: "Here's a way to alleviate afternoon boredom."
4. Present new evidence: Example: "My brother ? a historian ? claims he's discovered three new traits about medieval knights."
5. Offer free advice. Example: "I've found a new way to write research papers."
6. Share a shortcut. Example: "Here's a timesaving method to exercise better and more efficiently."
7. Tell how or why you started a project. Example: "I started this company with one goal: to help people find the job best suited for them."
Rix Quinn wrote the book of writing tips "Words That Stick." It's available at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/asin/1580085768/qid/
For more information on his frequent phone seminars, e-mail him at mailto:rixquinn@charter.net
elite cleaning services Mundelein ..Finding the time to write a novel is one of... Read More
Why should you consider creating a memoir of your personal... Read More
Have you ever started a creative writing project with great... Read More
So, the decision is final. I am a writer.Actually, I... Read More
Riding on the fumes of potential, you take pen to... Read More
Whether you keep a separate spiritual journal or just want... Read More
Productivity begins by recognizing and valuing your brilliance, time, and... Read More
There is no specific formula for children's fiction. There are,... Read More
When my first book "Starting Your Own Business" was published... Read More
Writing for the web is very different from writing for... Read More
The Internet has truly revolutionized the careers of writers worldwide.... Read More
As a professional copywriter, not only do I do a... Read More
A good white paper is a paper that makes you... Read More
You send me an e-mail. You tell me you've written... Read More
Day after day, writers tend to sit for hours writing... Read More
Many of us dream of writing a book. Why not.... Read More
Do you consider yourself a storyteller? Do you consider yourself... Read More
Do you have a problem creating a focus in your... Read More
There is a psychological nuisance so powerful that can deflate... Read More
I asked several writers how long it took them to... Read More
There are many ways you can generate ideas you can... Read More
What do people expect when they join a writing group?The... Read More
Think you can't write a book that will sell? You... Read More
In my ten years as an advertiser, I've encountered plenty... Read More
You are the only one who knows what being a... Read More
Airbnb cleaning service Mundelein ..How to Come Up with Fresh Story Ideas When Your... Read More
A few days ago, I critiqued a chapter for a... Read More
Human beings seem to be born with a gene for... Read More
I owe the completion and success of my book to... Read More
Short Story Writing Tips -We've established what a title should... Read More
If you want to be a writer, you must write... Read More
Every part of your book can be a sales tool.... Read More
Based on the feedback that I have been getting from... Read More
Writing is a personal and introspective process. To share with... Read More
Your query letter can be a deal maker or a... Read More
The principle for writing good screenplays begins with good idea... Read More
If you either want to write a book to help... Read More
Here's something from my mailbag. "Dear Michael, do you need... Read More
Think of writing like karate...it's about DISCIPLINE.Writing, like other forms... Read More
Nothing is more daunting for any writer than having to... Read More
Have you ever had a student write to tell you... Read More
When I was young, I used to talk to myself.... Read More
During my 25-year career in a variety of professional positions... Read More
As many authors are fond of stating, "Ideas are all... Read More
1) Convince yourself you want to do something else. If... Read More
"This is just brilliant. The whole interview is incredible? I'm?... Read More
Connectors -- conjunctions, punctuation, and transitional phrases -- allow readers... Read More
You know you've got writing talent. Others enjoy your work... Read More
Anyone who has read any of my articles on the... Read More
How many times have you checked out a job board... Read More
Writing |