Written on February 13th, 2009 at 12:02 am by Darren Rowse
5 Universal Writing Rules
In this post Isaac Sweeney shares some rules of writing that I think many of us as bloggers will benefit from. Isaac teaches at the School of Writing, Rhetoric, and Technical Communication at James Madison University (Harrisonburg, VA) and is a published author. He blogs at Ways With Words.
Whether it’s blogging, a novel, a newspaper article, a screenplay, or a poem, some writing rules are universal.
1. Revise
Nothing written is perfect the first time around. In fact, many writers don’t care at all about first drafts; they say the real writing is done when revising.
Revising and proofreading are different. Proofreading means going back and finding mistakes, from grammar to spelling. Revision isn’t about finding what’s wrong, but about finding what could make a piece better.
Some basic questions to ask when revising are: Am I being concise or could I say this same thing with fewer words? Will my reader understand my idea? Do I need to explain more? Would an example help? How can this be more impactful?
All of the steps that follow are also things to think about when revising.
2. Proofreading: It’s “Definitely,” Not “Defiantly”
Proofreading and revising are different (see number 1). Proofreading isn’t simple, but it’s simpler than revising. It requires a check for mistakes — grammar, spelling, word choice, correct site names, etc.
Unfortunately, when it comes to fast-paced writing outlets, like blogging, first drafts that contain mistakes get published again and again. In the process, these writers (and subsequently, their blogs) lose credibility. This can translate into less traffic. As you know, traffic is the lifeblood of any website.
3. Structure Matters: Beginning, Middle, End
Rants and stream-of-conscious pieces are fun and therapeutic. But real writers think about structure before publishing. They move things around and/or plan them out. While the writing process is often chaotic, the writer needs to think about structure before showing a piece to any reader.
Structure is a fun thing to experiment with, but every piece should have a clear beginning, middle, and end. This beginning, middle, and end may take different forms — that’s the fun part — but they must be there.
Some basic structural questions to ask are: Does my beginning keep the reader reading? Does my middle convey important information while keeping my reader’s attention? Does my end leave a lasting impression?
4. Don’t Be Afraid of Change
As I said, the writing process is often chaotic. Word meanings change. Readers’ vocabularies differ. Maybe your planned research is impossible because of the massive natural disaster in City X.
Whatever the case, all good writers face adversity and adapt. Maybe a natural disaster is extreme, but closing without saving happens to the best of them. So the writer may purchase some sort of anti-virus protection for the computer — this is change.
It could be as frustrating as an idea that goes nowhere, and the writer is forced to throw hours of work into the digital recycle bin. Sometimes change is as basic as adapting a writer’s process. There may not be time for the brief outline the writer usually makes before beginning; instead, the writer delves right into a draft, still leaving time to revise.
A writer’s willingness to change is necessary.
5. Revise: I’m Repeating it on Purpose
I cannot stress enough the importance of revising. Revise as much as possible. A written piece is never perfect, but the writer should always strive for perfection.
Tags: Writing Content
75 Responses to “5 Universal Writing Rules” - Add Yours
TechMata
February 13th, 2009 12:37 am
Thanks Isaac!
I think I got to apply number 2 on every post that I am going to make. Losing credibility hurts…
Can you give us a link or topic on what is the general structure of a blog post (or any article for that matter)?
Thanks! ^_^
http://pinoyingermany.blogspot.com/
Jeffery Patch
February 13th, 2009 12:51 am
These are good rules that should always be followed! They may sound basic, but I’d bet that 90%+ of blogs don’t bother with them and you can often tell. I always re-read everything I write and I even go back a day or two later and catch more mistakes. :)
Swami K
February 13th, 2009 12:58 am
Hi Isaac:
Nice article.
To me, Revise is more critical than the other points. I feel if Revise will take care or lead towards covering other 3 points.
Regards,
Swami K
http://ksawme.blogspot.com
pmt master
February 13th, 2009 1:09 am
a tip for writing anything educational:
write in small paragraphs and divide paragraphs into points, readers love it and writing becomes really easy.
Maranda Gibson
February 13th, 2009 1:11 am
Thanks Isaac!
I’ll “definitely” be putting these into action when I write. ;)
Deano
February 13th, 2009 1:12 am
Nice post, but sometime I feel that people spend to much time revising things. Sometimes it’s best just to hit that publish button :)
Heidi
February 13th, 2009 1:14 am
Great post, Isaac!
I admit, I sometimes fail to set aside enough time to complete each of these steps to my satisfaction, but I’m constantly striving to improve. It’s so important to realize that your writing deserves to be judged AFTER a revision and proofreading – you’re not by any means obligated to show your worst side to anyone, nor should you. It’s like not brushing your hair and performing a mirror-check before you go out in the evening …
Heidi
eve
February 13th, 2009 1:16 am
I am guilty of number 2, spell check is great but sometimes I don’t pay close enough attention and it corrects the word to be completely different! Great article!
Charles Lauller
February 13th, 2009 1:19 am
Funny how the fundamentals always apply-past, present, and future. Thank you for the reminder. Great advice as usual.
Ashwin
February 13th, 2009 1:21 am
Excellent!! I think many a times writers oversee the importance of conciseness. An apt word is always better than a sentence!!
Andrew
February 13th, 2009 1:23 am
I think it’s so funny you used “definitely” as your example misspelling because I goof that word up all the time. Every alternative spelling looks correct to me. =)
Twitter: @jaledwith
Yum Yucky
February 13th, 2009 1:24 am
This is great. This made me go back and re-read my post from yesterday and wha-lahh, your advice made it better.
TechMata
February 13th, 2009 1:31 am
Agree with Deano… ^_^
Yum Yucky
February 13th, 2009 1:35 am
Another thought – I’m curious, what do you think about revising the title of a post after its been published?
Sometimes I might think of how my title could have been better, but I have never gone so far as to actually make changes. I’m talking small changes, not totally re-wording the title.
Narshada
February 13th, 2009 1:45 am
Good article, but I’m fairly sure ‘impactful’ isn’t a word…
Su Prieta
February 13th, 2009 1:46 am
The thing about revising….
One of my pet peeves (with myself) is sitting for long periods of time trying to ‘re-work’ content that I already have on the page. I have had to learn sometimes to just hit ‘delete.’
There are times when we overcommit to content already on the page because we spent time and energy putting it there. But sometimes it can’t be re-worked. If the content on the page is not gaining any momentum, sometimes just by letting go and deleting it we can create a tsunami of new and better content that would not otherwise have come through.
Don’t be afraid to hit ‘delete!’
ZK@WebTrafficROI.com
February 13th, 2009 1:54 am
My usually writing come after 4th or 5th times. At the first I write everything about those things which I am thinking and relevant to the matter. With the help of this now everything on my table.
Now I just have to pick and decorate in the perfect way so that everything must look related to each other.
After putting that I read again so that every break things can be withdrawn.
Keram
February 13th, 2009 1:55 am
I can’t agree more. To be able to write, one must be free of the editorial mind – this allows the ideas and meaning to flow. Then after there has been some time to digest, the editorial cap must go on and ruthlessly hack away at the detritus. The third stage involves seeing how the piece works with the outside world how others are receiving and understanding it. This requires fine-tuning.
Monthiel
February 13th, 2009 2:03 am
Excellent!! I’ll definitely be putting these into action when I write, in portuguese :) I’m brazilian but I read problogger every day, so, I found this great post. Sorry about my poor english.
Regards,
Monthiel, Brazil.
BLOGBOOZE
February 13th, 2009 2:31 am
I think Revising and Proofreading both are almost the same. I think many bloggers including my self do these 2 at once.
Anyway I agree with all other points Issac has made. Thank you Issac for this post.
Tom B.
February 13th, 2009 2:32 am
I have found writing in spurts helps with revision and proofreading. I write the first section, go over it again right away, then save the draft and do something else for at least a few hours. When I come back, I write the next section, then go over the entire thing. Repeat until the article is done.
This means writing ahead, so if I need something fast, it does not get the same treatment. And mistakes still get through, which I will notice a week later and wonder how I missed it. But it does help getting more things right.
Hendry Lee
February 13th, 2009 2:38 am
I have to disagree slightly.
“Review as much as possible.”
I usually do some revising, but not twice! Not to underestimate the value of it, but sometimes it is important to know when enough is enough.
Rather than focusing on perfect writing perhaps you should prioritize on getting the content out on time?
Perfection in writing is impossible. Perhaps it would take a life time to improve on writing but strive for excellence (not perfection) and get it out.
Jake
February 13th, 2009 2:49 am
You nailed it, revise, revise, revise. Print it out and read it out loud, that helps me a lot in finding small mistakes and fixing flow problems in my posts.
Isaac
February 13th, 2009 3:02 am
Thanks for all your great comments. Certainly, I don’t expect people to keep putting off publishing in order to keep revising. There does have to be a point when enough is enough and you have to put the piece out there. I still say revise as much as possible, until you reach that point.
Nate @ Money Young
February 13th, 2009 3:18 am
All my posts have three drafts. And even after three sometimes I pull them back because I don’t like it.
We shouldn’t be afraid to say ‘no’ to certain articles and take them back to the drawing board.
As Leo says it’s better not to post than to post bad content.
-Nate
Mia of General Hysteria
February 13th, 2009 3:34 am
I am definitely a made example of missing misspelled words. I think it’s a combo of typing to fast and moving my thoughts onto the next sentence I want to type before finishing the one I’m on. Oh, and my mom says I was “hooked on phonics and that it hasn’t helped (my) spelling”. GREAT!
As for revisions, that’s the best way to get good writing. I try to put down my thoughts and then go back and tailor it to my writing style.
Helmi Asyraf
February 13th, 2009 3:42 am
I do agree that it is important to proof read our draft before we publish it.
But the important thing about this point is how do we proofread our blog – methods and amount of time used.
For me, the best way to proofread is not when we have finished the entire draft but when we finished every paragraph. Through this method, the amount of time used can be reduced and at the same time the quality of the proofread is increased.
This is because especially when we have lengthy blog post, it is quite demotivating read all over again the draft.
The best approach is :
First : Proofread after each para. we have finished.
Second : Follow through with another proofread for the entire draft for once
Eddie Gear
February 13th, 2009 3:53 am
Nice post. By following the basic structure of writing and proofing, one should be able to write good posts. I usually follow this process:
1) 1st draft
2) Review
3) Edit
4) 2nd Review
5) Proof
6) Publish
Cheers,
Eddie Gear
Arshad
February 13th, 2009 3:53 am
Thanks for the list of tips Isaac.
Tiggy
February 13th, 2009 3:57 am
Another tip – don’t do all your revisions/edits on the same day!
I Need A Blog Idea
February 13th, 2009 4:17 am
Proofreading can be difficult because you often get into the flow of the writing and skip over misspelled words. It’s often easier to proofread if you read the entire post backwards. You won’t get into the flow and you’ll pick up mistakes much easier.
John Samuel
February 13th, 2009 4:21 am
Structure of a post is very important. The best example is this article itself. It has been clearly structured.
Kayla
February 13th, 2009 4:24 am
As I’ve become a more experienced blogger, I can preach the power of revising as well. I used to revise mine only once, checking for spelling and grammatical errors. Now I do a lot more revising, by adding more images, paragraphs, and even entire sections when I feel the need.
My posts always take much longer to create and publish now, but I always get much better feedback.
Big Slick Design
February 13th, 2009 5:24 am
All I have to say is proofread, proofread, proofread!
I can’t count how many times I’ve came across blogs that have a ton of majorly misspelled words and other things of that nature.
I almost immediately leave the blog, unless it really has something unique to offer me.
Endurance
February 13th, 2009 5:28 am
I find that I fail to revise my writing alot. I get in too much of a rush to publish it. My girlfriend ends up correcting me though!
Other than that I believe it is important to give yourself from freedom when writing. You want your personal writing to be professional but you also want to keep your own style. Doing so will help you stand out from the crowd.
David King
February 13th, 2009 5:42 am
Revise! GOT IT!
proof-read… editing too!
thanks!
ZK@WebTrafficROI.com
February 13th, 2009 5:47 am
I think you should write in your style first and when its ready than you should add professional touch to that.
If you start writing with a professional approach than you will generate a crap.
tim
February 13th, 2009 5:54 am
Thanks Isaac! I def. need work in some of these areas! When a visitor emails you to notify you that you need to fix a typo or two, you know you need work!
Trina
February 13th, 2009 7:22 am
Trying not to revise too much on the first draft can be tough. It can be a good thing to get the raw version out quick before the juices stop flowing. A good clean up is important-thanks!
ed
February 13th, 2009 7:24 am
A fresh pair of proofreading eyes always helps me. Sometimes I can read, and re-read but still miss something dum*. ;)
Seth
February 13th, 2009 7:25 am
I like to write the content all down quickly… Then go through the editing process. When I feel it is good I publish. After publishing I go directly to the live post and read it again out loud. If there is anything to fix, I do it right then. Thanks!
Nancy Devine
February 13th, 2009 7:32 am
Revision is writing. And writing is revision. It might be hard to revise a blog post a number of times—let’s say 20 times—but it’s important to remember that revisioning is about trying to re-see work, so to speak. I think that applies to blogs as well as other kinds of writing. Writing is work…exhilarating work.
SEO Tips
February 13th, 2009 7:41 am
Excellent article and something I can safely say that I actually do now. Its great being able to say that.
Great tips though very important for every Blogger.
Gini
February 13th, 2009 8:13 am
Whenever I’m writing something especially important, I use a checklist I made a few years ago of things to look over before publishing.
Bobbi
February 13th, 2009 8:40 am
Darren,
Very good advice indeed. I am one of those that doesn’t do the outline, just jumps into writing. I find I can get down what my point is first before it fades, then I proofread and revise. Change this sentence, change that word to make it sound better to the readers. No I am not perfect at writing, thing is I do enjoy it and with that comes responsibility to the readers to at least be error free. Doesn’t always work that way still I try and make it happen. I have been given some good compliments on what I have written so far.
I do read, read again and then even after I publish I read again to make sure of how it sounds and/or looks from a readers point of view.
Good Advice, Darren
Thank you,
Bobbi
Joshua Moore
February 13th, 2009 9:28 am
It is funny how these points keep showing up in various aspects of my life. Revising is something I have never really had to do to get good results in my life, but now it makes me think ‘how much better could my results possibly be if I revised my work?’. I will definitely take the lessons from this post on board. Thank you!
Robby G
February 13th, 2009 10:48 am
Awful lot of guest posts you’ve been having lately Darren. I like it. If you ever want to let me get a chance at one, let me know. Or I guess I should contact you about one because you probably don’t read these comments anymore, eh? Anywho, good post, Isaac. Now I’m off to revising my drafts.
GB
February 13th, 2009 11:36 am
This is actually an amazing revelation for new bloggers like me.
Like you mentioned above I guess one of the mistakes new bloggers make is to try and spit out content as fast as we can.
But I guess this shows just how much a pause and rewind is to the pre-publishing process is.
I was about to publish another post but then ran into this article. So I went over it 3 times to make sure its ready for publishing.
Just a thought, when I was changing or redrafting the whole post I found ways to split it into two or more posts or make another related post. I guess revising not only polishes your work but also creates a new line of thought that just might lead to your next great post.
Sales Copywriter
February 13th, 2009 11:44 am
“There is no such thing as a great writer. Only a great re-writer.” I think about this every time I write.
You’re right about these being universal writing rules. They’re just as applicable–if not more so–to sales and marketing copy.
Aaron
Leverage Points Marketing
Mike
February 13th, 2009 11:53 am
Revision seems to be a hot topic of discussion here – so let me add this:
Don’t be afraid to rewrite something even after you’ve published it. A few reasons are:
1) People may happen upon something on your blog that is a couple months or years old, and if they’re turned off for whatever reason, they may not care to see anything more – which defeats the purpose of your archives.
2) You will likely link back to some of your old posts. Make sure that the older material meets the same standard as the new stuff.
3) Rewriting old posts is good practice and keeps you sharp. Furthermore, if your post changes enough, it may be worth reposting which will allow you to get more mileage out of old material. Furthermore, you’ll potentially expose new readers of your blog to some of the classics in your archives.
4) It’s always nice from a personal perspective to reread some of the previous efforts with the intention of making them better – it’ll definitely make you feel good about how far you’ve come as a writer.
phaoloo
February 13th, 2009 12:23 pm
Thanks Isaac for this interesting post.
Although I know that the Structure Matters: Beginning, Middle, End, I usually write beginning and middle. End is usually ignored.
Joel Brown
February 13th, 2009 1:47 pm
I really think that i need to reconsider the way that i write for my blog. Take some time and reread things, and adjust things to make it better, spelling i always check but don’t revise often enough.
mike
February 13th, 2009 3:04 pm
I have revised a lot of my posts over time. Sometimes you don’t word them right the first time.
ces
February 13th, 2009 3:14 pm
Hi : )
Great points as always!
But point # 4 was hella confusing. I had to read it three or four times before it made any sense to me, and it still doesn’t quite make sense. Though it’s likely that it’s me… I’ve been at the computer now for way too many hours…
ZK@WebTrafficROI.com
February 13th, 2009 3:27 pm
@ Mike …
You should draw an outline … I prefer to write everything about a topic at the first instance. I do not care whether that one is coming in chain basis or not. Just write it down when you complete than read it again and arrange in a manner which suite your article.
Your first write represents what’s you are thinking and whole post will come from that only.
Sheila Atwood
February 13th, 2009 5:59 pm
Some times when I am writing my ideas take a different direction that seem more appropriate. So the delete button comes in handy when I go back and read my post.
What I hate is when my next post just doesn’t formulate. I chase it around on paper, in my head and on the computer.
So change is some good advice I can use.
Thanks.
GigiSehatBadanSehat.blogspot.com
February 13th, 2009 8:38 pm
hello…i vote for your blog on bloggers choice awards 2009.
it will be honour if you would vote for my blog too for foreign language category…success for you!
Gilang
Gigisehatbadansehat.blogspot.com
Robin
February 13th, 2009 11:21 pm
It always amazes me how many bloggers fail to just run spell check. It is so fast to do. Errors in grammar are far easier for readers, to overlook. We are all guilty of them. Even your article here had one.
As long as, spelling is good and writing is decent, content will be able to shine through. A page riddled with typos and poor spelling, certainly loses readers.
Agent SEO
February 14th, 2009 12:31 am
Thanks Issac…
I often times find myself just hitting the publish button before I revise my content, only to go back later (or immediately) to find mistakes or tweak content.
It can be maddening, but it is necessary to write content that people will be able to use not just right now but for a long time to come.
Thanks for the article
Christopher Ross
February 14th, 2009 1:07 am
On point two, I’d suggest as often as possible to find somebody else to do the proofing. Sometimes we’re a little too close to our writing to see the mistakes.
krissy
February 14th, 2009 3:18 am
I always rewrite before posting. Or at least proofread to see if my post needs to be rewritten at all. Thanks for reminding us.
krissy knox
follow me on twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/iamkrissy
mikethemasterdater
February 14th, 2009 3:55 am
I proof my brains out but something always manages to sneak by me! I think I am getting a bit better at it but what I would like to know is does it ever end!??
Will these little demons keep sneaking past me?? lol…
PraShawn
February 14th, 2009 5:24 am
Proof reading is a good point. I think anybody who take their self serious should consider proof reading the posts. Thanks for sharing.
Glenn Abel
February 14th, 2009 7:28 am
Bloggers are in an unusual position, considering the long history of writing for mass media. In trad media, someone always reads behind you, looking for errors and possible libel.
So I would add to this post:
6. Know the basics of grammar and spelling
Spend some time learning fundamental grammar and studying the often-misspelled words (there are two of them in that sentence!). This will enhance your clarity and cut down on revision time.
The time you spend (a half day, maybe?) will come right back to you as you write.
Write for Blogs
Make Money Online Tips
February 14th, 2009 4:29 pm
I think you should rename your blog guestblogger.com :p Anyways revising is very important because any mistake shows unprofessionalism.
Monte (Samuri Hillbilly in WV)
February 14th, 2009 7:52 pm
I belong to a content writers group and I’m the only male in the bunch. The ladies all pride themselves on being one take wonders and wouldn’t think of revising. At times I’ve been frustrated by my need to draft, revise,revise, revise, then proof a time or two and finally publish. They aspire to be poets and novelists while I aspire to sell more content. I’m usually the top monthly earner in the group. The 5 Universal Writing Rules are certainly all that.
Fotografi
February 14th, 2009 10:05 pm
5 golden rules, thanks.
Chris
February 15th, 2009 3:26 am
Speaking for revising, the story goes with famous painter, J.M.W. Turner, that he would even correct paintings as they hung in the gallery. A good work is always a work in progress, I guess.
Susan Sheppard
February 15th, 2009 11:39 pm
Isaac: great post.
I agree with Christopher Ross:: Having someone else proofread one’s blog (or other to-be-published material) is the best way for mistakes to be caught. Ideally a trained proofreader. (Just because someone can read English doesn’t make them *the best* choice to proofread English. I can drive a car but that certainly doesn’t mean it would be wise for me to drive in the Daytona 500. )
Davina
February 16th, 2009 2:26 pm
Hi Isaac, and Darren. I’m so happy to read this! I thought proofreading was a dying art (when it comes to blogging). I’ve been a proofreader for more than 10 years and it’s a natural habit to scrutinize each post I write. I cringe when I read some comments I’ve left, when it’s too late to take them back and fix them. I agree that good content is key, but it doesn’t take all that much time to give a post one extra read. My recommendation is to write ahead of time and look at it a couple of days later with fresh eyes… or hire a good proofreader to do it for you, while you’re writing your next post.
Pet Snakes
February 17th, 2009 4:33 am
The single best piece of advice I ever got about learning how to write was this -
1) Buy a book called “On Writing” by Stephen King.
2) Read said book.
3) Write using the lessons you’ve learned from that book.
Applicable for all forms of writing. Whether you like him or not there’s a reason he’s one of the best selling authors of all times. He knows how to write.
Sharon
February 17th, 2009 11:51 am
Good basic advice Darren. I would add that given the chances of catching and keeping reader attention in the steady stream of competing content, bloggers should follow the rules all advertising copy and PR writers learn early on:
PUT YOUR KEY MESSAGE UP FRONT – followed by the next most important point, and then on down to the backup details. Your readers should get the crux of what you’re trying to convey within the first few sentences:
1) Tagline (Headline)
2) Cutline (Sub-title)
3) Most important messages
4) Background details for those who keep reading
If you keep this in mind, you will naturally prevent yourself from rambling on… and on… and – ’nuff said. :-)
Tressa
February 20th, 2009 3:29 am
Thank you Isaac. Right now I am building a website http://www.creative-writing-help.com, and before I publish it to the world I am revising it over and over again. I want it to be perfect without spelling mistakes, grammar mistakes, and I’ve been revising now for the past week.
I’m not sure if there is ever a point where you are satisified or you just say enough is enough and publish the damn thing.
As always loving the tips!
Ben Roberts
February 26th, 2009 6:20 am
These are great guidelines for bloggers (or any writers). As a new trainer for my company on blogging, I am always trying to come up with concise examples of content and quality writing. Your’s, as always, has both.
Matthew Dryden
March 9th, 2009 5:09 am
When I write for my own journal – I often edit in my head and what I write down and post is usually the first draft. I do some quick proofreading for grammatical errors (and often miss them), then I hit publish.
It’s a bad habit and I seriously do not recommend it to anyone.
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