Writers: Consider These 5 Rules

By: Paul Schwalbe (Guest Writer)

These rules aren’t really rules, but five things you might want consider before deciding to bend or completely break them.

1. Less is More.

         Overly long and wordy pieces that go into extreme detail can be either mind numbing or overwhelming to readers. When writing, keep in mind how many of the words you’re using are actually conducive to the story. Just because there is a lot written doesn’t mean there is a lot happening. A good technique to prevent using too many words is to break down your piece to the bare minimum by removing any words that do not contribute to the story. When finished, you can go back and fill in holes to add to your piece without getting bogged down with details.

2. Show. Don't Tell.

There is quite a bit of truth behind the phrase, “A picture is worth 1000 words.” While you’re writing, be mindful that there is a difference between using words to tell something and using them to show something. Take every opportunity you get to show rather than tell. I know it may seem a bit contradictory to Rule 1., but if you can paint a nice picture with a few words, you're golden, Pony Boy.

3. Write Something/Anything Every Day!

         I shouldn’t really have to explain this one. Practice makes perfect.  

4. Play to Your Strengths.

         Say you’re a right-handed baseball player. The bases are loaded and you’re up to bat. Do you go up and try to bat lefty? Heck no! You go and blast the bejesus out of the ball right-handed, because you know your right is stronger than your left. Similarly, when writing you should know what you're good at and take advantage of it. Emphasize your strengths and let them compensate for your weaknesses. That's not to say ignore any weaknesses you have. Practice still makes perfect, but don’t wait till the bases are loaded to attempt something completely new.

5. Always Proof Read!

         If you’re like me, nothing is more upsetting than finding obvious spelling errors and grammar mistakes in a piece, especially in ones that are already published. I worked as an editorial intern, for a small publishing company, and was amazed at the number of manuscript submissions sent in that had not even been put through a simple Spell Check. Before you ever let anyone read your writing, proof read it at least once.