Comments on: Six Very Official Ways to Improve Your Writing

By: Rita M. Reali

Rita M. Reali — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 11:33:37 +0000

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!”

By: Cachando Chile

Cachando Chile — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:50:45 +0000

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…

By: Mikes

Mikes — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 14:48:15 +0000

thanks very much for the input!~ for you to be good at it also, you need to know what you write about!

By: Inchirieri Masini

Inchirieri Masini — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 15:37:10 +0000

Like your ideas. I like the verb idea the best. Helpful for people wanting to improve their writing.

By: Remya

Remya — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 06:46:32 +0000

Thanks this is just what I needed…the tips you given are really helpful…

By: ZK@WebTrafficROI.com

ZK@WebTrafficROI.com — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 14:45:47 +0000

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.

By: Mindy Klement

Mindy Klement — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 20:08:36 +0000

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.

By: oola

oola — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 17:08:17 +0000

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”.

By: Sumy

Sumy — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 06:46:54 +0000

Great tips, Shannon..I’ll try to implement it in my blog

By: Rita M. Reali

Rita M. Reali — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 04:54:59 +0000

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.

By: Tim Scullin

Tim Scullin — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 06:16:18 +0000

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

By: Sue Miley

Sue Miley — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 02:15:00 +0000

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!

By: Anjuelle Floyd

Anjuelle Floyd — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:30:19 +0000

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.

By: Nancy

Nancy — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 23:56:47 +0000

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.

By: Solomon

Solomon — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 18:00:10 +0000

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

By: uk seo and web design

uk seo and web design — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 15:34:58 +0000

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

By: Themes Closet

Themes Closet — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 08:47:49 +0000

A very good read.
I admit that I had to google “strong verbs” to understand exactly what you had in mind :)

By: buy wow gold

buy wow gold — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 05:37:11 +0000

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.

By: Pinoy Dad

Pinoy Dad — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 02:21:08 +0000

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.

By: matutu nyabange

matutu nyabange — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 22:47:11 +0000

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.

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