Tips for Better Writing
To be a better writer, you need to know how to be direct and clear, while also putting your own
stamp on your writing. Here are some tips on how you can improve your writing.
1. Be direct in your writing. Good writing is clear and concise. Filler words, like unnecessary
adverbs and prepositional phrases, take up space and weigh a sentence down. Say exactly
what you mean in the most direct way.
2. Choose your words wisely. There are many ways to write a sentence, and there are
different words you can choose to convey the same idea. Always choose the simpler of
two words. Use familiar vocabulary instead of lofty words. Simple words are more direct
and easier for all readers to understand. Use a thesaurus if you need a little help finding
a replacement or an easier way to say something.
3. Short sentences are more powerful than long sentences. A story loses energy with
wordiness. Short sentences are easier to comprehend – something that readers
appreciate. Avoid trying to pack too much into a line. Every sentence should contain one
thought or idea.
4. Write short paragraphs. Keep your paragraphs short and manageable. Each one should
consist of sentences that support the same idea. Short paragraphs are easier to digest.
They also create a more visually appealing layout on the page.
5. Always use the active voice. Use the active voice and adhere to subject-verb-object
sentence structure. It’s the most direct path to making your point. (With the active voice,
the subject is doing something, which is more exciting than the passive voice in which
something is being done to the subject.)
6. Review and edit your work. Proofreading your first draft should be the first step in your
editing process. Edit for these four elements:
• Accuracy in spelling, grammar, sentence structure
• Clarity of meaning in sentences and paragraphs
• Structure and flow of the writing
• Coherence of the overall piece.
Tighten your writing, check your word choice and sentence structure, and hone your voice to
improve your style.
The art of writing is in the re-writing. Bob Walshe, author, historian, environmentalist.
7. Use a natural, conversational tone. Your writing style relies on your own, unique voice.
Communicate in your comfort zone. In other words, write like you converse. Shape ideas
with your original thoughts and voice and do your best to avoid clichés. Your writing style
should reflect your personality.
8. Read famous authors of fiction and non-fiction. Notice not just what they say but how
they say it. Notice their style – try to feel their personality coming through the text. Look
at the overall structure and flow. Reflect on your own writing.
9. Practice. Keep writing. We learn to write by writing.
10. Read about how to improve your writing. There’s a wealth of information out there!