Written on March 27th, 2009 at 12:03 am by Darren Rowse
Six Very Official Ways to Improve Your Writing
Looking to improve your blog writing? Today Shannon Paul ( @shannonpaul) from Very Official Blog gives her very official tips on the topic.
I love blogs. Before I started blogging seriously, I read a lot of other blogs and was very engaged as a reader. I commented a lot and began honing my ability to craft a statement quickly in response the ideas presented in the post. I’m still very engaged with other blogs in this way. However, if I’m being totally honest, most blogs I encounter are downright unreadable.
Now, I’m not going to run down the usual list of rules and grammar, but rather a list of things I think make me a decent writer.
1. Stop Trying to Sound Intelligent
You already are smart so stop trying to sound smart. So many people craft elaborate sentences with bigger words than they would ever use in conversation. If you have to use a lot of flower language, jargon or adjectives, you’re trying too hard. Choose your big words wisely. Blogs are not publications, they are conversations. Good writing is simple, but it’s hardly simple to write simply. Unlike speech and other forms of non-verbal communication, writing is a wholly unnatural activity unnecessary to human development or evolution. Give yourself a break and know that good writing is a process that must be practiced to be mastered.
2. Give yourself permission to write garbage
Do what you need to do to get your thoughts out — lead with some insipid quote from Albert Einstein, use a definition or some other tired cliche to get the words flowing and then take great pleasure in hitting delete or crossing it out when the time is right. Learn to let go…
3. Be a Ruthless Editor
Even the best ideas don’t always serve the overarching goal of the piece — get it out of there and save it for later if it’s really that good. Nine times out of ten, words like that and which can be crossed out without altering the meaning of the sentence one bit. By hacking away the extra, you’re making it much easier on the reader. Stop thinking of writing as putting words down on a page… writing is editing.
4. Use MIGHTY verbs
My journalism teacher would scream and writhe in agony in the classroom when we used what he called, “plankton verbs”, also known as “bottom-of-the-food-chain verbs”. Plankton verbs include: is, was, are and were. He would go so far as to restrict us from ever using these in an article and I don’t recommend you take such drastic measures when you’re writing, but it’s definitely something to keep in mind. Writing that lacks strong verbs gets boring fast.
5. Read aloud before posting
Another easy trick is to read what you write out loud. Things may seem self-explanatory in our head, but these are your words. If you find yourself stumbling over the words you just wrote, chances are you’re demanding too much work from your readers. Pare your sentences down.
6. Do what works for you
Everyone has his or her own process. I know a lot has been written about writing killer headlines and choosing keywords, but good content is at the soul of any great blog. Killer headlines may get the click, but good content will get people to stay awhile and maybe even choose to come back without the assistance of future keyword shenanigans.
Your Turn
By sharing these tips I thought I could clarify some of my own writing process and help others along the way. Since writing remains at the core of generating content, how do you hone your skills in a way that helps you clarify your voice for an online audience?
Tags: Writing Content
145 Responses to “Six Very Official Ways to Improve Your Writing” - Add Yours
Nate
March 27th, 2009 12:10 am
I think that the most important way to write well is by proofreading. Even though it is my least favorite step, I force myself to proofread my posts at least once – even more than once if I am not too rushed (a.k.a. lazy).
Thanks,
Nate
Sonny Gill
March 27th, 2009 12:14 am
I think the biggest thing that I’ve learned that’s helped in my writing is to always take notes. I have thoughts that I come across in random points of my day and where sometimes I can’t actually write the post but is sitting up there in my head. Getting my ideas and thoughts down to paper, at the least, helps me in creation and makes writing the post at a later time much easier.
Great guest post, Shannon!
Mack Collier
March 27th, 2009 12:27 am
Great tips, Shannon. One tip I would add that’s greatly improved my writing is giving myself permission to NOT write. Some days I have no idea what to blog about, and I finally realized that it’s better for everyone if I just ‘live to blog another day’, than force myself to get a weak post up, just so my readers will have something new to read. Sometimes less is more.
Sunil Pathak
March 27th, 2009 12:27 am
In my very short blogging career i have learn one big lesson about writing content i.e Don’t Write a lot if you dont have lot to write.
don’t stuff unnecessary and irrelevant information just to make your post bigger and look detailed. Keep it short and to the point.
QOAS
March 27th, 2009 12:28 am
I like your tips it’s all practical based on truth and not fiction. No wonder you write well.:-)
Tumblemoose
March 27th, 2009 12:29 am
Pay attention to your voice and be faithful to it. Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead. Can you get your idea across? Perfect.
If you get a lot of feedback regarding the consideration of a nice career in the food service industry or whatnot then go the route of revamping your voice. There are a lot of folks on the internet who will have *zero* problem telling you if your grammar sucks. They’re also happy to let you know if they can’t figure out what in the wide-world-of-sports you were trying to say.
Cheers
George
Jeffrey
March 27th, 2009 12:31 am
These are very good points…especially about reading the post aloud. You can pick up simple grammar mistakes by doing that.
I just want to add one of my own:
Write only when you are inspired.
If that means you sit down and write 6 or 7 posts in a burst, do it. Empty the contents of your head when the ideas come to you. If you try to force good content, it will be apparent to your readers.
Latest Technology Gadgets
March 27th, 2009 12:36 am
I think no.1 is a perfect reminder.. Good writing should be simple and easy to understand.
Nicole Hamilton
March 27th, 2009 12:37 am
Some really great suggestions here. I think your first point is critical – it reminds of something my Dad always told me…”No matter how intelligent you are or how well you know the ins and outs of what you do – you will never be good at it unless you can put it in terms and/or everyday language that people can actually understand.”
I think it’s important to remember that while none of us want to sound dumb, we may come off that way if we are writing and talking in a language no one else can understand. Not only that – but all of that information is then useless to everyone else.
I know my biggest challenge is trying to avoid sounding like a book report – in a sense, I need to think less about what I am writing and just write. Thanks for the reminder and some great pointers!
Julie
March 27th, 2009 12:41 am
Excellent tips for all writing, not just blogging. Another tip I picked up in a seminar on writing news releases–if you have the tendency to use “very” a lot, substitute damn in its place. You will break the habit quickly.
Julie
MJ
March 27th, 2009 12:51 am
A writing tip I picked up from reading Stephen King’s only non-fiction work – “On Writing” emphasized tip #3 from above. He targeted reducing the text by something like 10%.
One thing I do is just do draft copies with a text editor. No formatting or pictures, etc. I won’t accidentally hit “Publish” and end up with having to go back and edit.
Good post!
MJ
Vishwas Narendra
March 27th, 2009 12:52 am
Excellent tips, Shannon. I’ve never quite been able to do #2 on your list, give myself permission to write garbage.
Another thing that works for me is to finish writing a post, review it after an hour and only then hit “Publish”.
Mr. I
March 27th, 2009 12:53 am
Great tips. I love the first one, not trying to sound intellegent. Most people do this and pose themselves as fools.
I agree with Jeffrey, whenever you feel inspired, you should write. There no use of writing as if it was a burden.
Jill Scott
March 27th, 2009 12:53 am
This was a good article. I’m pretty much doing all of these things already. Writing to me is mental vomiting, and I agree, the real work starts with the editing. I vomit it all out there, then go back and tweak it a lot.
Kayla
March 27th, 2009 12:54 am
Great post, I couldn’t agree more with you on #1. I had a friend that almost failed an English class [unrelated to blogging] because she tried to sound ’smart.’ Like you said it would, it was a problem with flow, run-on sentences, and way to many prepositions.
Through my experience for blogging and writing for the web in general, I can’t stress research/brainstorming enough. If I do that first, I can make sure I’ve covered all the topics I want to cover, and am still able to write in my own voice.
Tabitha
March 27th, 2009 12:54 am
I really appreciate all these points, and I agree completely…except this part: “Writing is a wholly unnatural activity unnecessary to human development or evolution…” While it may be scientifically accurate, I feel like writing is one of the most NATURAL things I do, and that it IS completely necessary to my development as a person.
But that’s just an aside. Thanks for sharing your tips!
shawn
March 27th, 2009 12:54 am
Number 2 is very important. You can’t know how to improve if you don’t know what you’re failing at.
Robin Cannon
March 27th, 2009 12:55 am
Combining points 2 and 3, I’d also suggest that you *not* edit until you’ve finished writing. This is a habit it took me forever to train into myself, but I think it led to a massive improvement in my content.
If you keep going back to fix a word or a sentence, or even a spelling mistake, then you’re interrupting the creative flow. Finish the article and then go back and edit it, and you’ll end up with a much stronger end product.
blog4movie
March 27th, 2009 12:55 am
English is not my first language, that’s why it’s very difficult for me to make a post. I need Ms. Word to fix my grammar, and I know I still make mistakes here and there. But at least I have tried to write something. I just think that it’s better if I make some mistakes, but I already take an action, than if I do nothing.
Julie M
March 27th, 2009 1:01 am
These are great tips! I never thought of significance of the verb usage. I think the best writing I have done is when I am not trying so hard and the thoughts are just racing to get out of my head. I love those days. Good writing comes in waves and when you can catch that great wave, I say ride it! now, if I could only get readers! :(
Thanks for this advice!
Leon Poole
March 27th, 2009 1:02 am
“writing is editing” – that’s deep! I like it and great post too :)
jan
March 27th, 2009 1:09 am
I love your terms “plankton verbs” and “bottom-of-the-food-chain-verbs.” Just lovely.
@Tumblemoose: To be told that I would have more productive use of my time in the food service industry is one of my greatest fears. But of course no one is stopping me to find ways to improve my writing. It’s entirely up to the individual.
Read more and write more is what I find effective in bettering one’s writing.
Emily Geizer
March 27th, 2009 1:15 am
Thanks for this! I just wrote a bold note saying “strong verbs” and posted it near my computer. Looking forward to working with it.
Blog Expert
March 27th, 2009 1:18 am
Like your ideas. I like the verb idea the best. Helpful for people wanting to improve their writing.
Annemieke
March 27th, 2009 1:21 am
Wow, great post. And after reading that “writing is a wholly unnatural activity unnecessary to human development or evolution” I am relieved.
That might explain the struggle to get my thoughts on paper!
LaDonna Coy
March 27th, 2009 1:26 am
This is great Shannon and you’ve given me some new thoughts to hone my writing practice – thank you. At a friends suggestion, I’ve recently started doing more writing which fits with your suggestion to “give permission to write garbage”. She says the more we write the better we get! So now I write every morning before my day gets away from me even if only for 15-20 minutes.
I also keep a journal with me pretty much all the time and when an idea strikes me for a blog post, I try to mindmap it which makes it easier to focus in on and pull out the key ideas and trim off the excess. Looking forward to integrating your advice and some of the ideas from others in the comments. Always more to learn.
Seth
March 27th, 2009 1:33 am
EDITING: There are very few great writers, but you can learn how to be a great editor.
Writing is not about being brilliant in your first draft but steadily working on improving your articles and posts until they are “high” quality and fit to post.
Thus, editing is by for the most important element of writing.
Luke
March 27th, 2009 1:36 am
Another really helpful article for people looking to improve their writing skills. I am always thinking about writing and how I can get better, I think one of the main important things to do is read out loud as mentioned here and to check everything thoroughly before posting…..not just for spelling mistakes but for grammar and punctuation too!
Also I always find myself rushing content with the mindset of changing it later changes are you won’t (I don’t seem to) so it’s worth taking a little bit longer to make sure everything is right first time.
Thanks Guys
Shelby Lynn
March 27th, 2009 1:41 am
Is it really bad to use definitions of words to begin a blog? I’ve done it… a couple times.
My favorite thing about being a ruthless editor is that lovely gray “delete” key.
Ski SUllivan
March 27th, 2009 1:42 am
Good tips.
Less is definitely more in most cases, and yet I find that instead of enforcing compression and clarity, most social media forums end up encouraging an “accepted” code of truncated spellings and odd abbreviations.
Strong language use is very compelling, so I teach that if one cares enough to share an idea, he/she better give it the deserved attention and care prior to publishing.
Rocket
March 27th, 2009 1:45 am
Your post is a a bit of a lesson in practical writing. Fine, But you suggest that somehow this will enable blogs to acquire readers.
Errr !
My blog MODERN TIMES IN MUDSHIRES at http://rocketspage.wordpress.com has some merit, but attracts next to no readers.
If you just took out any competent article from any of the best newspapers in the World and stuck such meritorious writing in a blog it wouldn’t attract readers either, so I am utterly failing to grasp this whole business of blogging at all.
Nukirk
March 27th, 2009 1:50 am
I think my biggest problem at times is that I don’t “read outloud” enough. Even when posting comments like this.
But I think one of the most important things is that you are always writing and editing when you’re on the Internet. So, I try to rethink how I write everyday.
Jennifer Blanchard
March 27th, 2009 1:51 am
Thanks for the great post! Shannon reflects the thought I tell my blog readers all the time: DO WHAT WORKS FOR YOU!
Writing is not about doing what works for everyone else. As a professional writer and budding fiction writer, I’ve learned this the hard way. For years I forced myself to do things “like everyone else” because I thought I was “supposed to.”
Now I’ve realized that I have to do things my way to keep my writing authentic and something I can feel proud of.
Ms. Liz
March 27th, 2009 1:53 am
“Good writing is a process that must be practised to be mastered”. Ain’t that the truth!
Thanks for the great insight. It will, no doubt, inspire many blog writers to become better at their craft and these are easy things to do. We often tend to make things harder than they really are, don’t we :-)
Mohammad Afaq
March 27th, 2009 1:55 am
I really liked the stop trying to be intelligent tip. Many bloggers try to prove themselves professionals and they often tell the people that they make thousands of dollars every month but this makes a bad impression because if they check your alexa ranking or anything else then you are doomed and you lose a reader for ever.
Mohammad Afaq
Free Website Traffic
Jacob Duchaine
March 27th, 2009 1:55 am
Writing is Editing. I like that.
Ilaria/Swimturtle
March 27th, 2009 1:56 am
Following the advice of Hendry Lee and Problogger and a few others, I have recently set up an editorial calendar. It’s all manual, pen and paper, and here’s how I did it: I bought a large wall calendar and hung it on the wall of my office, and then I bought two old fashioned masonite clipboards and hung them under the shelf above my desk. I have two blogs, so a clipboard for each blog. Each clipboard holds a sheaf of paper, two different colors. On the clipboards I write down every idea I have for a post, in random order, as it occurs to me. Then about once a week I stand in front of the calendar and I plan out the posts for the following week, leaving a couple of slots open to leave room for sudden inspiration. I find that this practice frees my mind up to think about what I am actually going to write. I look at the calendar at night, before I go to bed, and the ideas for the posts of the next day percolate in my brain while I sleep. When I wake up I can sit down and pound out the first draft without having to ponder much at all. Then of course I re-read it carefully and edit it, and I do try to be ruthless and remove ambiguity and unnecessary words. But getting the flow is important and with my new calendar I feel so much more powerful and in control! Thanks for your tips.
Melody Campbell, The Small Business Guru
March 27th, 2009 1:58 am
I was sitting here trying to pick just one of the items you listed as my fav – but I couldn’t make up my mind.
Okay to start with – YES on #1 – some blog posts are written so “smart” it’s like a college thesis rather than a conversation.
For #2 & #3 – I teach my clients to first turn of their inner English teacher and just let the words flow. Later come back and (#5) read the piece out loud and get rid of the difficult and awkward fluff that doesn’t flow.
Now, my fav #4 – Use Mighty Verbs – When a person writes too “smart” the tendency is to not to use enough mighty verbs.
I’m going to go back and look at how I’m writing to make sure that I am using verbs that go zing! pop! wow!
The important thing that I find is to write with a single ideal client in mind, like I’m having a conversation. When I focus on a person that I can visualize sitting across the table, individual readers tend to feel like I am writing to them.
Jared
March 27th, 2009 2:10 am
With all the stuff going on in my life editing has become the least of my worries. I’ve hit the wall, the always dreaded writers block. Everything was flowing wonderfully and then one day I went to post and…nothing. Guess I can use this time to back up and edit my old posts, make them fit together a bit more till I get out of the funk :(
Shannon Paul
March 27th, 2009 2:29 am
I really love the other tips people are offering here, too! Giving yourself permission NOT to write when you have nothing to say is important — it’s better to take a break than simply phone it in.
@Sunil – totally agree that bulking up posts is never a good idea. I prefer concise over bloated any day!
@blog4movie – I’m sure writing in a second language has a different set of challenges I can’t even fathom. I agree that your voice is important and adding your perspective — even if it contains grammatical errors — is better than not.
@Emily – I love that! Strong verbs also help us use fewer words to express the same thoughts. Good stuff!
@Shelby Lynn – Yes, using definitions is very cliche. Of course this is my opinion, but when I read, “according to Webster’s Dictionary…” or “Wikipedia defines __________ as…” I can’t help but roll my eyes. Unless your concept is truly obscure or foreign, assume your readers are intelligent enough to know the accepted definition, or just embed the definition in link-form.
@Jacob – Glad you like my mantra. :)
Manu
March 27th, 2009 2:29 am
Greats tips. I think that to blog isn’t as write a letter to a friends or write a piece for an internationl magazine. It is in the middle.
When I write i ever think about one thing: there is always someone that knows more than you. So, don’t write as a “messia”.
Bye! Manu
Roger Burnett
March 27th, 2009 2:29 am
True, true, true….
I have not yet started writing a blog, because, quite frankly, until I feel I have something to share, what’s the point? Providing commentary on other people’s content can be just as impactful.
WereBear
March 27th, 2009 2:33 am
Great tip about verbs. All too often writers don’t regard them with a recognition of their power.
To expand on what previous posters have said, I would add: Make your Mode Match your Mood.
If I have a lot of ideas, I generate a lot of drafts, even if they are only a sentence long. If I’m rolling, I write post after post. And if I’m editing, I work on several and schedule them.
It’s like setting up a factory to get your head in the right places. So don’t gear up just to make a few items.
Madhavi Sani
March 27th, 2009 2:34 am
Thanks Shannon, wrote my first blog today after lots and lots of hesitation.
http://mystudiobiz.wordpress.com/
alicia
March 27th, 2009 2:37 am
Great tips, and I strongly agree on this:
“Good writing is simple, but it’s hardly simple to write simply.”
Unoblogger
March 27th, 2009 2:43 am
very nice post…. as usual (you choosing)…. by the way I like the first one in particular…. most often than not people don’t like superior intelligence (acting intelligence). Count me among the people in that category.
Mike McMahon
March 27th, 2009 2:53 am
My first job in the late 70s required that I prepared an audit repoft for management. My writing was sparse and controlled as my internal editor was constantly stopping me. One summer my finance went on a sailing trip and was gone for three months. So I started to keep a journal of my daily routine. What I discovered is that the simple act of writing every day and a very low risk activity like a journal improved my writing for audit reports. In the beginning my journal entries were a few sentences for the prior day. By the end of the summer each entry was a page long. So if even you do not create a blog entry, at least journal. Another side benefit of journaling: you begin to notice patterns of when and how you create excited to write your blog post.
The Grape Crusader
March 27th, 2009 3:22 am
Great post. Geez, reading this causes me to cringe only because I know I’m guilty for doing a lot of these.
What are some of the things I do? If an extra set of eyes (fiancee) exists, I have her look over it quickly.
I like to refer to a thesaurus every once in awhile.
When I read something I like, whether it be for stimulating content or good writing, I take notes. I love learning from other writers.
That’s it. Thanks & Aloha!
Benjamin
March 27th, 2009 3:39 am
Thank you for these tips.
I have recently switched over my blog from Blogger to Wordpress and in the process I have lost all of my old url links. Search engine traffic has completely dropped off and I am essentially back at “square one”.
Anyway, since I am basically starting over one of my goals has been to make my writing more engauging entertaining. By implementing these tactics I hope that I will be successful!
usedtobeme
March 27th, 2009 3:54 am
One thing that really helped me was to remember who I am writing for. On my product blog, I am writing for others where on my personal blog I am writing for me.
larriecampbell
March 27th, 2009 4:03 am
I definitely agree about avoiding “plankton verbs.” I have an undergraduate degree in English, am pursuing my masters in Technical Writing and even with all of that expensive experience, the best writing tip for me: write frequently.
Sometimes, I’ll peruse over past blog entries I’ve written and continue to be amazed by how much my writing has evolved and, in my opinion, improved.
I try to blog at least 5 times a week. It’s my best writing exercise.
bugsy
March 27th, 2009 4:17 am
Shannon….
I’m happy to see you on Pro Blogger! What an awesome surprise to log in and see a familiar face!
Keep up the great work.
Nick Tasler
March 27th, 2009 4:17 am
Totally agree. Great post! The “Ruthless editor” is the single most important part of my process. First step is shaping the argument (every piece is an argument in some way). Step 2 is going back over to liven it up (MIGHTY verbs) and slash the unnecessary words. That can turn mediocre into magic.
Su Prieta
March 27th, 2009 4:27 am
I like to draft my posts in Word, but when I transfer the final post to my wordpress editing page, I will then take a final review on the preview functions. This way, the post appears as it will once it is published. I almost always have additional editing once I look at it in this view. I guess there’s a certain complancency with reviewing it in the Word document.
Also in response to those who have said that if they sit down to write and its not happening, they give up… since I write a new post everyday during the work week and haven’t mastered batch writing, I don’t feel like I have that luxury. At the same time, I’ve found that whenever I’m having one of those nights… I sit through it and get something out. I’ve found those to often be my more popular posts. Now, I don’t get discouraged when I am having an uninspired night… i’ll often stop to watch some TV, go else where on the net and eventually I’ll get a rhythm.
Shauna Nicholson
March 27th, 2009 4:56 am
Another great post, Shannon. I too often skip out on 5, but it’s almost a must-have! Also, a great reminder on choosing strong verbs!
Thank you!
Muse Creighton
March 27th, 2009 5:06 am
I always edit my posts. My posts are written at work in my breaks on a netbook, saved in a text editor, then I spend 10 minutes going through what I’ve written when I get home.
I also subscribe to the “allow yourself to write garbage” school of thinking. Not all my posts are about work, but it does give my readers something to…well…read!
Love japan
March 27th, 2009 5:12 am
These tips are useful for me and my new blog at the right time. I’ll keep them in mind while writing content of my blog. Thanks Darren! Nice 2 know you!
Aiko
Jim Poor
March 27th, 2009 5:15 am
AMEN! One of the biggest tip-offs of someone trying to sound more educated than they truly are is misuse of “whom.”
If you don’t know how to use it, don’t use it at all. Incorrect use of “who” is much more common and colloquial which makes it more acceptable than for example “All those whom wrote to me . . .” Yes, I really saw that.
Then, of course there is “better then” when it should be “better than.”
Oliver
March 27th, 2009 5:36 am
Hi Shannon,
thanks for the nice post! I actually am implementing the second suggestion more and more (permission to write garbage).
It first came to me when I read about the “sh*tty first draft” (from the author Anne Lamott). I then used that and even applied it to creating presentations (I call it “crappy first slides” :-) ) and wrote about it in my blog.
Thanks and cheers,
Oliver
Molly Buckley
March 27th, 2009 6:40 am
“Good writing is simple, but it’s hardly simple to write simply.” — AWESOME QUOTE.
I love your blog!
Morten Skogly
March 27th, 2009 7:03 am
Good stuff, it’s always good to get a reminder, especially for us techbloggers who spend more time one code and research than the writing.
My two cents:
1. Use Twitter, to fire off that flow of weirdness that might otherwise have become a half assed blog post. Dump it on Twitter, give it some time to brew, see if someone responds or expands, and THEN write a longer post with liberal quotes.
2. Install a random post plugin (if your platform allows it) and set that page to your start page. Press home once in a while and take a good hard look at your older posts, and kill that darling if it reeks. Those of us who have blogged a while have a huge amount of rather low quality weblog-style posts (1 link to something cool and blockquoted copypaste anyone?) that should eighter be deleted or enhanced. That process will also make it easier to “find your voice”. Do I want to be a copypaster, or a poster of original content? A rehasher of prevailing trends or a trendsetter? Or, like me, just a weirdo with strange interests :)
3. Links, audio, video! We’re bloggers, not newpaper journalists. Writing is important, but multimedia and crosslinking kicks writings ass!
Dan Long
March 27th, 2009 7:20 am
That was a very “OK” article. It was really boring. You definitely need someone to proofread your text.
1st paragraph “my ability to craft a statement quickly in response the ideas presented….”
It’s ironic that your giving tips about writing, and in the first paragraph you don’t even make sense. It’s a good thing that we know what you mean.
Several paragraphs down “Another easy trick is to read what you write out loud.” I think she actually meant “Read out loud what you write.” Has anyone ever written out loud?
She really did give herself permission to write garbage.
Corey Freeman
March 27th, 2009 8:42 am
I think that points number one and number six are the most important that you have mentioned here. Learning to work with what you have is very important for developing your writing skills.
Kate
March 27th, 2009 8:54 am
Haha, @Dan Long, bet you’re the type that writes moaning letters to the editor of newspapers too, aren’t you? Settle down!
ShoeBeat
March 27th, 2009 9:03 am
Great points! I especially love the one about reading aloud before posting. Blogs are just blogs but that doesn’t mean errors are OK.
Dan Long
March 27th, 2009 9:27 am
@ Kate.
No, I do not write letters to the editor, and I am calm. I am simply pointing out that if someone is going to write an article about how to be a good writer, then they should… well… be a good writer.
Would you take advice about how to get rich from a bum living under a bridge? No, I don’t think you would.
Rick Vaughn
March 27th, 2009 10:39 am
Good Stuff! I think reading your post aloud to yourself is the most underrated editing tools their is. I can not tell you how many times I have written something that makes perfect sense until I read it aloud. Then I’m like “what the hell” was I thinking?
Lee Ka Hoong
March 27th, 2009 10:49 am
Good tips Shannon! I agree with this “Stop Trying to Sound Intelligent”, I hate people who do this. It makes me feel that the blogger unfriendly..
Regards,
Lee
Su Prieta
March 27th, 2009 11:06 am
@Dan – and if you want to be the one who criticizes others for not writing articles well at least make sure you are following all of the rules of grammar yourself… I think you meant “you’re giving tips” not “your giving tips.”
DeeGee
March 27th, 2009 12:37 pm
Thank you for good tips. I can proofread what I’ve written on my computer screen repeatedly and still miss something. The best way for me to proofread my writing is to print it out and read the hard copy. I mark up my changes on paper then go back and make the corrections on the computer. I do this for all my writing, including my blog.
Parth
March 27th, 2009 12:39 pm
Write with passion, and don’t forget to proofread.
Lynn
March 27th, 2009 12:51 pm
Great article. All your tips are good, but the one that intrigues me is No. 4. I am definitely going to challenge myself to use strong and mighty verbs, as well as notice if those bloggers that I like most use mighty verbs. :D
heartburn solutions
March 27th, 2009 12:56 pm
thanks for writing tips…..I also get some useful tips to write good in dailyblogtips
Leanne Boyd
March 27th, 2009 1:30 pm
My goodness, Shannon, what a long, wonderful read this was! If ever there is a good sign that a writing was indeed GOOD or GREAT… it has to be a scroll of feedback such as this. In fact, there was intense and funny info in your posting, with some things I’ve never even thought of, for writing experience of over two decades!
But this long line of backup tips? I just love it and found this 20 minute trek at Problogger a true keeper. I am going to save this for quick reference!! Much better than bookmarking and then it goes into the Labyrinth of other ‘portant stuff that you never lay enes on again!
Thank you! I now am heading over to your Very Official Blog, and continue this journey :-)
@JoshHurlock
March 27th, 2009 4:02 pm
Shannon,
Thanks for the tips. I definitely like the point of stop trying to act smart. Be yourself. People will be attracted to your writing and content if you are authentic in what you are saying.
William
March 27th, 2009 4:04 pm
Pare your sentences down.
…and don’t end a sentence with a preposition :-)
Carla
March 27th, 2009 4:07 pm
Reading posts out loud helps me a great deal. If I don’t read out loud before hitting “publish”, I am sure to miss an error that I would pick up if I had just read silently. Its even more powerful if I read it out loud in preview, not just in the editor. Its more real when you view your post in the preview setting.
Team Nirvana
March 27th, 2009 4:18 pm
I, at times, take a short gap of 3-7 days to post on my blog as I assume that I do not want my readers and subscribers to be bombarded with so much info that, in the end, they get bored when they get my feed or mail.
I post in such a manner where my posts are a bit lengthy(yeah, I agree that) because I provide so many contexts and related information links in the post that would, in the end, appeal to my readers that they have come to a right place where they can get to know the topic in depth, but, what is required.
watzabatza
March 27th, 2009 4:28 pm
Thanks for this tips. Such nice idea.
Mainak
March 27th, 2009 7:55 pm
Very interesting points have been brought to the fore. However, I think the term ‘MIGHTY verbs’ needs some elaboration. Could we have some specific examples?
Obed Ward
March 27th, 2009 9:56 pm
Wow! Amazing article, I’m definitely checking out your blog, Shannon!
These tips are so simple but oh so very true. I’m going to follow them as best as I can.
I’ll also make a link to this page in my blog when I get the chance, my readers just gotta check this out.
Once again, thank you Shannon.
Becky
March 27th, 2009 10:23 pm
YES! I’m especially a fan of those first two bits of advice. It seems like the posts that I just hammer out without really thinking too hard are the ones that get the most love. Maybe it’s because those are the ones that come from the heart?
Susan/Second Income Business
March 27th, 2009 11:08 pm
I like the idea of giving yourself to write gabage and then edit.
Barbsawyers
March 27th, 2009 11:19 pm
Great tips in the post and the feedback. Let me add two:
1. If you are more comfortable talking than writing, talk your blog first, using a professional to take down your words and edit them or recording, transcribing and editing yourself. That can help eliminate the barrier between brain and screen and ensure your blog has a conversational tone.
2. When you’re editing, check for errors that make your writing look unprofessional and more difficult to understand. The most common mistake is to confuse it’s (contraction of it is) with its (possessive of its). Rule of thumb: if a word sounds like another word (i.e. there and their) or involves an apostrophe, make sure you are using it correctly
roentarre
March 27th, 2009 11:27 pm
You have just described what I like to read in a blog!
Agent SEO
March 27th, 2009 11:32 pm
Great article Shannon. Some of us bloggers, while we may know what we’re talking about, are still working to become for effective writers.
Conveying the thoughts in my head isn’t always easy, but this makes it seem simple.
Thanks
Doug McMillan
March 27th, 2009 11:36 pm
Interesting article Shannon with a mixed reception. Can you please clear something up for me. Item number four, the subject matter being ‘Use Mighty Verbs.’ You didn’t give us any examples of what you would consider to be a mighty or even great verb, which is a pity because I could understand your point concerning ‘plankton verbs.’ If you could point me to some examples I would greatly appreciate it, thanks . . Doug.
MJ Doyle
March 27th, 2009 11:37 pm
Although I have a blog, I enjoy writing fiction as well. I’m glad you mentioned the plankton verbs. I would like to add that as writers we should try and avoid adjectives and adverbs as much as possible. The nouns and verbs we use should be strong enough to stand on their own without extra support.
Thanks, I enjoyed your article.
Christopher Holdheide
March 27th, 2009 11:43 pm
One thing I’ve done is hired an editor. In fact I think it has brought my blog to a new level. Sometimes just having proper grammer gives the impression that you are an expert.
William
March 27th, 2009 11:45 pm
proper grammer
Starts on Monday, eh?
Ralph
March 27th, 2009 11:46 pm
Love the post, though , writing from the soul.. often results in garbage..
tim
March 27th, 2009 11:47 pm
#1 is good advice (the rest are good, too). I ALMOST have to make an outline, record myself using the outline giving the speech, and write what I said word for word.
Dustin@BeatingtheGrind.net
March 27th, 2009 11:49 pm
Reading aloud can be very helpful in improving your writing. Sometimes I am shocked (and horrified) to hear how something I wrote sounds aloud. Thanks for a very unique and valuable post.
Jim Landis
March 28th, 2009 12:07 am
Thanks Shannon for the great article! I am relatively new to blogging in terms of the age of the world, and I have had ‘voices inside my head’ wanting to get out and on paper. I have found blogging to be a fun way to express myself. But it bothered me that even though I aced written communications classes in college, I still have a hard time with what’s in my head and how I should put it in a blog. To me this is a “freedom” article. I guess it’s time to just be myself.
Shannon Paul
March 28th, 2009 12:13 am
@Doug while there could be a definite scale of mightiness with respect to verbs, it’s really any action word that rises above a state of being. Examples include: give, state, see, smile, scowl, grab, show, clutch, provide, hunt, look… I could go on. Sometimes getting rid of a “plankton” verb requires juggling the elements of the sentence around a bit, but I wouldn’t worry too much about this. Stronger verbs simply help punch up an article and make it more concise.
@William A lot of people write about grammar. I’m of the heretical belief that hard-line rules of grammar are a bit, um, provincial — bourgeois even. If the point is communication, the rules are guidelines… except for the rule about one space after a period. I’m a stickler for that, but it’s a bit of a personal quirk.
gdenarayana
March 28th, 2009 12:41 am
i loved your final tips on do what works for you, it’s good being our self when writing a post within soul and minds.
not pretending to be and become like other blogger.
ed
March 28th, 2009 12:52 am
These are good practice. I catch a lot of mistakes reading aloud and need to remember to do it every time. Thanks!
Mattb4rd
March 28th, 2009 1:03 am
Good stuff! 1, 4, and 6 hit home for me.
A friend of mine advised me years ago to remove the word “but” from my vocabulary. My business prose has been improving ever since.
Internal documents written in business prose are unfortunately very dry unless the reader is actively involved in the subject matter. It can be a bit like reading the US tax code.
Having recently developed an interest in writing for a broader audience, I am trying to develop a style that focuses on the metre while utilizing sound literary economics to get my point made while sparing the fluff.
Work in progress….
hack
March 28th, 2009 1:41 am
great guest post, i have a lot of problems with writing , because english isn¨t my mother language. When I write posts often use google translate and various dictionary My writing is improving every day, but very slowly.
MJ Doyle
March 28th, 2009 1:42 am
@Doug McMillan
I hope you don’t mind me adding my 2-cents worth regarding power verbs.
For fiction writers:
“She was an extremely happy person.”
vs.
“She oozed happiness from every pore.”
(I eliminated the plankton verb “was” and stuffed “oozed” in there, rendering the adjective “extremely” unnecessary)
And from a blogger’s perspective:
In my blog http://www.sosyourlife.com, I edited my first (and sticky front page) post so it now jumps off the page as opposed to sitting idly by, hoping for the reader’s attention.
Here is the original introduction:
“Have you ever wondered why you’ve failed time and time again to reach your personal development goals? Or when you have reached one of your goals have you ever kicked yourself for letting the positive results you achieved fall to the wayside?”
Here is the edited version, using the verb techniques Shannon Paul mentions in this post:
“Stop wasting your time wondering why your attempts to reach your personal goals fail time and time again. Stop kicking yourself for letting the positive results you achieved in the past fall to the wayside.”
Not flowery, just more direct. It’s amazing how your mind opens doors you never knew existed when you avoid the easy way out in writing.
Hope this helps!
Blog Stats and Updates – IV
March 28th, 2009 2:06 am
I am a ruthless editor. But it takes a lot of time to edit as much time for me as to write the article itself!
Doug McMillan
March 28th, 2009 2:36 am
@Shannon
Thanks for your response, I’ve been exploring the subject of ‘power verbs’ etc. this afternoon, very interesting stuff! I tend to write in what I perceive as a very factual and ‘to the point’ style . . . most of the time, as you can see and with no waffle whatsoever, which is just as well when you think about it because . . . just messing!
My aim is to impart information accurately and to make people smile and/or question life.
@MJ Doyle
Thank you for your comments, very helpful indeed.
Frank
March 28th, 2009 3:07 am
I thought this was very helpful information and gave me a new perspective on how to approach my blog posts when I write. I do agree that when you write, it should be the writer getting your ideas out on the page!
David Stillwagon
March 28th, 2009 3:15 am
I find the best way to edit anything that I have written is to read it out loud and slowly.
Wendy Merritt
March 28th, 2009 4:34 am
Thanks for this great article.
#1 Sometimes I don’t type my articles at all. I speak them. I use a speech recognition software in an attempt to make my posts sound more conversational and less “smart.” It usually has a little more editing required but makes for a very smooth article.
#5 I always read my articles out loud. It helps me to get a feel for the flow of the paragraphs. Sometimes I also catch words that I accidentally left out and God forbid that dangling participle.
Don’t get caught up in the mechanics of it all. The best article is a thoughtful article that gets published. You can’t get readers without content and you can’t get content unless you publish it.
Blessings,
Wendy
Harsh Agrawal
March 28th, 2009 4:44 am
Very useful tips…
I have seen when people write about product they try to prove it to be best and never talk about the downside of the product..
I recommend write the pros and cons of anything and that will be very helpful…
Apart from re reading what you have written will be very useful….
Dan Long
March 28th, 2009 4:57 am
@ Su Prieta
Touche’!!!!
That is exactly why we need others to proofread for us!
Tak @RisingAbovetheNoiseBlog
March 28th, 2009 5:17 am
I can’t agree with you any more — especially #4.
Use mighty Verbs – yes, and keep the active voice format.
It makes a world of difference.
Dalton Hurd
March 28th, 2009 6:16 am
Hey! A blogger from Michigan, at last. :D
Earn Cash Online
March 28th, 2009 6:17 am
Great post. I always say getting to the point as simply as possible is the best way and people appreciate it.
Karen Chaffee
March 28th, 2009 6:43 am
Excellent advice, straight from the class room : ))
Alan Bradford
March 28th, 2009 6:54 am
Classic post. A must read for any blogger out there.
I have one more simple tip to help improve writing.
Join Twitter. Use it.
Read this post at Copyblogger if you need further convincing.
Robin
March 28th, 2009 8:56 am
It amazes me sometimes, how frequently I see obvious spelling problems, even in titles. That can’t be good for SEO…lol
Spell Checker takes a matter of seconds. It just doesn’t make sense not to use it.
Harry
March 28th, 2009 10:40 am
Number five!!!! I can live with meandering sentences in a book or magazine, but all electronic communication needs to be more like conversation. Short sentences. Power verbs. I always tell clients to take finished copy, stand in front of a mirror and hold a conversation. If it doesn’t sound natural, back to the keyboard.
Snugd
March 28th, 2009 12:07 pm
Very helpful tips…..
Vanessa
March 28th, 2009 1:37 pm
Fabulous tips! I think I’ll print the post and keep it when I expereince writer’s block.
Alison Kerr, Earthonaut
March 28th, 2009 1:44 pm
My tip – don’t hit the publish button when you are tired and just desperate to get the post completed and out there. A tired brain just doesn’t do a good job. And now I’m going to sign off before I make a hash of this comment by doing what I’m saying not to do…
VlogHog
March 28th, 2009 5:04 pm
Write less.
Be short and to the point.
Be yourself. If you’re not Dave Chappelle or John Stewart, don’t try to be.
Rahman Mehraby
March 29th, 2009 12:18 am
Fantastic tips! Thanks for sharing it with us.
Writing is always something there to think about. Your post makes one feel it’s not that huge a task to write.
Now, I’ve got the feeling that I don’t need to spend lots of time on writing elegantly although I prefer to write something that adds at least a point to the knowledge of my readers.
Ian Turnbull
March 29th, 2009 4:49 am
Very interesting reading !
My biggest problem is that whenever I write an article, I tend to stop halfway through and go back to edit! And then I do it again – And then again!! It’s kinda annoying!! I find I spend 3 hours in front of my screen, 1 and 1/2 of which is spent editing. I guess I need to be a littel more strict with myself !!
Stupid boy !!
Again, Shannon Paul – very inteersting & thanks!
Ian Turnbull
March 29th, 2009 4:52 am
I guess I did not edit that last comment – 2 spelling mistakes !
Yuk! Sorry folks !!!
Portland Dancesport
March 29th, 2009 8:06 am
Thank you for the great advice. I am always looking for ways to improve my writing and blogging. Good, usable suggestions.
Best,
Lerey
Jeremiah
March 29th, 2009 8:18 am
In the words of Albert Einstein… Just kidding, I did read your article.
I’ve found I should never publish an article in a rush. When the article is complete, it usually needs to be reworked about ten times before it’s right. When writing a new blog post, the preview key is my best friend!!
Thank you for these helpful tips. I will keep them in mind while writing my next post.
Drea
March 30th, 2009 1:17 am
Well put together!
I usually wait a day or two before publishing my blog in order for me to determine its relevance.
These tips are very usuful.
Thanks Bless
Drea
City Girl
March 30th, 2009 12:40 pm
I find writing honestly and candidly helps as the post sounds more genuine and personal rather than structured and boring. The best posts on my blog are those that I didn’t quite expect to bring in traffic at all.
matutu nyabange
March 31st, 2009 8:47 am
Writting skill is actually the back bone of your blog.if you dont have it,then better hire a freelance writter or just buy content from content site.and if your budget is low,then try and get free content from market places like websition.com were they offer free content for blog use.
http://www.frogblogger.com
Pinoy Dad
March 31st, 2009 12:21 pm
In teaching my children and friends who are a bit afraid to write, I tell them that writing just like any other correspondence need to be as conversational as possible. Writing follows the very simple rule of “KISS” to be effective. Keep it Short and Simple.
buy wow gold
March 31st, 2009 3:37 pm
I like you pointing out “Do what works for you” ‘coz most bloggers write articles that doesn’t interest them at all which I think is a no no. The best thing to do is to focus with the topic that you have knowledge and you have already tried.
Themes Closet
March 31st, 2009 6:47 pm
A very good read.
I admit that I had to google “strong verbs” to understand exactly what you had in mind :)
uk seo and web design
April 1st, 2009 1:34 am
I’m the worlds worst at typos! .. everytime I show someone my writing they pick out atlease one typo. I think it’s because I rush to say what I want to say and my proof reading leaves alot to be desired.
On saying that I noticed a type in your first paragraph.
” I commented a lot and began honing my ability to craft a statement quickly in response the ideas presented in the post. ”
Isn’t there a “to” missing there? hehe
Solomon
April 1st, 2009 4:00 am
Hi Shannon,
I liked reading this article, and the educative comments above. It takes few reading more to digest all the points you mentioned and those in the comments. But, one tip, I liked and implemented immediately is to ‘read loud’ – which has improved my post dramatically. I found this tip very very useful and recommend to all; even if it’s time taking, though!
BTW, I’m a copywriter and started blogging about my journey into writing, and invite you to visit my blog:http://creativesolomon.blogspot.com/
I can’t but thak Darren for this inspiring blog !
Thanks in advance!
Solomon
Nancy
April 1st, 2009 9:56 am
Besides reading outloud, I try to let my article/post sit overnight and then read it again. I’ve caught a lot that way too.
Anjuelle Floyd
April 1st, 2009 10:30 am
A fiction writer new to blogging in serious fashion, I find your comments extremely helpful. Yet again they mirror what we are taught as fiction writers. In short, serious blogging can do nothing but strengthen your skills whatever your genre.
I wonder will there ever be a genre of writing called–blogging?
Thanks for a re-working of the tips on writing.
Sue Miley
April 1st, 2009 12:15 pm
I don’t think I have ever seen so many responses to a blog post. You must be doing something right. I am not sure if someone already said it because I couldn’t read all of the comments, but the key thing I have learned is to not let grammar and professionalism drown out your personality. Blogs are personal. The point of difference in various blogs is YOU!
Tim Scullin
April 2nd, 2009 4:16 pm
I just write it all down as fast as I can then go back and read through. My main secret is to cut the the stuff that isn’t necessary. Less is definitely more
Rita M. Reali
April 3rd, 2009 2:54 pm
My first two rules of writing are these: Write how you speak; and avoid passive voice. (Or, to be playful about it, “the passive voice is to be avoided.”)
As for giving yourself permission to write garbage, I recommend Anne Lamott’s book, “Bird By Bird.” She has an entire chapter dedicated to “Sh***y First Drafts.” Of course, she geared her book toward authors of longer pieces than blogs; but the same rules still apply. Write, then rewrite.
Sumy
April 3rd, 2009 4:46 pm
Great tips, Shannon..I’ll try to implement it in my blog
oola
April 4th, 2009 3:08 am
Excellent tips, especially numbers 1 and 2.
I often think of my writing as “talking out my fingertips”…but in fact, talking to myself. Hee hee…I don’t often use stuffy language inside my head, but I do occasionally say “hee hee”.
Mindy Klement
April 4th, 2009 6:08 am
Thanks for sharing these tips! I’m new to blogging, and have struggled to remember to write like I speak. It’s not a term paper in college!
I also agree with Mack’s comment about allowing yourself a day off. When I talked to others about starting a blog, I got conflicting advice – some told me that I would need to blog every day to make sure there’s always something new and fresh for my readers. I disagree and think it’s better for my readers for me to have enjoyed writing the post than to just throw something up there.
ZK@WebTrafficROI.com
April 6th, 2009 12:45 am
So in nutshell you want to tell that follow your heart and write whatever your heart says.
But however I do feel that once in a week you can express your feelings but following such trend every time is not at all a genuine idea.
Remya
April 6th, 2009 4:46 pm
Thanks this is just what I needed…the tips you given are really helpful…
Inchirieri Masini
April 22nd, 2009 1:37 am
Like your ideas. I like the verb idea the best. Helpful for people wanting to improve their writing.
Mikes
April 25th, 2009 12:48 am
thanks very much for the input!~ for you to be good at it also, you need to know what you write about!
Cachando Chile
April 29th, 2009 11:50 pm
Number 1 is the Golden Rule of Good Writing! Be clear. The whole point of writing is communicating, and if people can’t understand what you’re saying because you’re trying to impress them with fancy vocabulary, then you simply aren’t communicating! Effort wasted…
Rita M. Reali
April 30th, 2009 9:33 pm
Cachando Chile, you make a good point. If your readers can’t understand what you’re writing, what’s the point? Years ago, when I worked as a news editor in the print media, my features editor and I used this catchphrase: “Eschew Obfuscation!”
Comments will be closed off on this post 90 days after it is published. Apologies to those this impacts but it's a regrettable and temporary measure to combat a growing comment spam problem. See our most recent posts where you can comment here.