On Writing Well
As for how to write well, here's the short version: Write a bad version 1 as fast as you can; rewrite it over and over; cut out everything unnecessary; write in a conversational tone; develop a nose for bad writing, so you can see and fix it in yours; imitate writers you like; if you can't get started, tell someone what you plan to write about, the... See more
Create a strong intention and obstacle
“What I need before I can do anything is an intention and obstacle. Somebody wants something. Something’s standing in their way of getting it…They’ve got to really want it bad, and whatever is standing in their way has gotta be formidable.” -Aaron Sorkin
Sorkin returns to this idea throughout the entire MasterCl... See more
“What I need before I can do anything is an intention and obstacle. Somebody wants something. Something’s standing in their way of getting it…They’ve got to really want it bad, and whatever is standing in their way has gotta be formidable.” -Aaron Sorkin
Sorkin returns to this idea throughout the entire MasterCl... See more
Practical things you can do to make your text clearer.
Open two copies of the same document and put them side-by-side. Edit in one, while referring to the other.
Rewrite your first draft using this rule: no significant words from the first draft are allowed in the second draft.
If your sentence has more than two commas in it, it’s probably too long.
I... See more
Open two copies of the same document and put them side-by-side. Edit in one, while referring to the other.
Rewrite your first draft using this rule: no significant words from the first draft are allowed in the second draft.
If your sentence has more than two commas in it, it’s probably too long.
I... See more
gilest.org: Clarity hacks
Advice to a Young Writer by C. S. Lewis
1. Turn off the radio.
2. Read all the good books you can, and avoid nearly all magazines.
3. Always write (and read) with the ear, not the eye. You should hear every sentence you write as if it was being read aloud or spoken. If it does not sound nice, try again.
4. Write about what really interests you, whether
... See moreWhen communicating with your fans and contacts, don’t try to sound bigger than you are.
Don’t use the corporate “we”. Say “I”. Fans want to connect with you as a person, not as a brand.
Don’t appear flawless. Show a charming flaw. Confidence attracts, but vulnerability endears.
Definitely don’t use corporate-speak to try to sound like you’re a big ... See more
Don’t use the corporate “we”. Say “I”. Fans want to connect with you as a person, not as a brand.
Don’t appear flawless. Show a charming flaw. Confidence attracts, but vulnerability endears.
Definitely don’t use corporate-speak to try to sound like you’re a big ... See more
Derek Sivers • Don’t try to sound big. | Derek Sivers
“A few tips on how to be a better writer:
– write about what fascinates you
– make one point per sentence
– use stories to make your point
– cut extra words like “really” and “very”
– read the whole thing out loud
– post publicly (you’ll try harder when you know others will read it)
And finally, be more thoughtful about what you consume. The quality of id... See more
– write about what fascinates you
– make one point per sentence
– use stories to make your point
– cut extra words like “really” and “very”
– read the whole thing out loud
– post publicly (you’ll try harder when you know others will read it)
And finally, be more thoughtful about what you consume. The quality of id... See more
