|
|
| Writing Information |
|
|
|
|
Ten Quick Tips for Inexperienced Writers
One of the biggest problems that inexperienced writers have is simply knowing how to get started. If you've unsure of your writing skills, then here are some quick tips to help you get started. 1. Get yourself a thesaurus-or better yet, two of them. These can be tremendously helpful tools when you're struggling to find the right word. A thesaurus is no substitute for a solid vocabulary, but it is still helpful in a pinch. 2. Avoid using the same word too frequently. This can make one's work sound repetitive. Again, a good thesaurus can be helpful in this regard. 3. Keep your sentences fairly short, since longer sentences can sound unwieldy. I've found that 17 words or fewer is a good guideline. Do remember that this is just a guideline, though. 4. Even as you keep the sentences short, make sure that they flow together well. Sometimes, unskilled writers will simply chop longer sentences up into shorter segments that don't blend together smoothly. If in doubt, try rephrasing the sentences or adding the proper connective phrases (e.g. "then," "so," "as a result"). 5. Get a copy of "The Elements of Style" by Strunk and White. It's a short book, but incredibly helpful. There is no better reference for aspiring writers. 6. Don't rely too much on your word processor's grammar checking features. They can be quite impressive, but their capabilities are still quite limited. Spelling checkers are also limited in their capabilities, since they cannot recognize a lot of proper names and technical terms. In addition, spell checkers cannot detect situations wherein the user has entered the wrong word in place of the proper one. 7. Proofread, proofread and proofread? over and over. When you're done, have a friend proofread your work as well. 8. Remember your target audience. Ask yourself, "What information will my audience require in order to understand what I'm saying?" 9. Avoid clever wordplay unless you're sure that it will work. In most cases, it is best to gain more writing experience before trying something witty. 10. Remember the artists adage, "Practice, practice, practice"? If you want to become good at writing, then write, write and write! About the Author: V. Berba Velasco Jr., Ph.D. is a senior electrical and software engineer at Cellular Technology Ltd (http://www.immunospot.com, http://www.elispot-analyzers.de, http://www.elispot.cn) where he also has various technical writing duties.
|
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
14 Tips On Writing The Short-Short Story The short-short story has been likened by some as being closer to writing a poem than a story. And that makes sense-every word has to be packed with power; every line has to move the story along. Comma Usage Made Simple Don't they drive you nuts? Proofreading for Profits How to avoid mistakes that undermine your credibility Revising Your Manuscript: Fourteen Questions to Ask Yourself 1) Can you summarize the story in about a sentence or two? You Dont Need Inspiration! Or do you? A Plan All writers should use a plan whether written or reflected. This includes the initial idea, the content or main points, and the conclusion whether it is an article, a short story, a chapter, or a complete novel. How To Filter Description Through Your Characters How do you describe a scene without slowing down the pace of your novel? What do you include? What do you leave out? Here's a neat trick: use your own experiences as a guide. In Your Own Words More Tips For New Writers (Part I) How to Pitch a Story Ever wonder why we refer to convincing an editor a story is worthy by "pitching a story?" I have. I'm a baseball enthusiast, and it makes a lot of sense to me. When the editor is at bat with you, he or she has a few swings to make before making a connection ? through the story idea (ball) that could end up being a base hit or a home run. Naturally, everyone wants to hit a home run when they go to bat with an editor. Sometimes publicists and writers do have to walk to first base for the story assignment. Here are some helpful tips on how to pitch a story to an editor ? and how to at least hit a single, double, or triple ? if not a home run on occasion. 71 Ways For A Writer To Make Money There are so many ways for writers to make good money by writing. Some people love to write, even as a hobby. You can turn your writing skills into income. Here are a brief list for your reference. Screenwriting, Screenplays, Screenwriters ? Incremental Productivity When attempting to understand Creativity and Innovation, it pays to import the vast range of research and knowledge that has been accumulated in these fields ? most of it is to be found in the field of Business and Management. Writing Good Dialogue. There's nothing that kills a scene like hackneyed dialogue. Just stop and think about the average B-Grade Hollywood Movie. Sure, at times the plot is bad and the characterisation woeful but most of the time, what stops it from being a good movie is the dialogue. Cringe-worthy dialogue. Use These 3 Editing Tips to Ensure Your Writing Hits the Bull?s-Eye The first step in the writing process is to put your ideas down on paper. Once you have text to work with, the second step is to revise what you have written to make it as clear, accurate and powerful as you can. The final step is to edit your work carefully. Business Letter Etiquette Business etiquette is fundamentally concerned with building relationships founded upon courtesy and politeness between business personnel. Etiquette, and especially business etiquette, is a means of maximising your potential by presenting yourself positively. Taming The Book Proposal Taming the Book Proposal: The Basics Autobiography: Installment No.3 ESSAY 3 How to Write Bad Poetry So you've decided to crown yourself with a title that a million other people (just like you (yes, just like you!)) give themselves every day. Some people believe giving yourself such a title is equivalent to, and just as beneficial monetarily, as naming yourself Queen of England. But, there is no grace, rarely enough publicity, and only the title of Court Jester seems to be becoming for you because you are a fool among others. The Psychology Of Effortless Writing I love writing. I love the swirl and swing of words as they tangle with human emotions. ~James Michener Dont Forget That Manual! No user manual? Surely you jest! Top 7 Writers Sites for 2005 If you dream of turning your book into a best seller, or you're looking to become a best selling author in your field, then these sites promise to help you do just that.
|
| home | site map |
| © 2005 |