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On Being a Writer

Want to be an effective writer? If you do, keep in mind that good writers are extremely careful to make every word count. Choosing their words with care, they try to be as 1 as possible, never using two words when one will do. They are more likely, for example, to say “now” instead of “at the present time” and “before” rather than “back in the past.”

Skillful writers are also careful about how they handle 2. If they use words like power, bravery, and dedication, they make sure to nail down those words with3 illustrations. They know that general ideas not anchored in specific details can prove confusing and lead to a communication breakdown between author and reader.

General statements not followed by specific explanations can also make readers suspicious. A writer who claims “our government has lost touch with the people” without offering specific illustrations of or reasons for that claim is likely to be considered overly 4 and perhaps untrustworthy.

In addition to directness and clarity, good writers also pay attention to 5, making sure they don't lull the reader to sleep by using only sentences that begin with subject and verb. They are also attentive to imagery. They try to use original 6 that help readers "see" the intended meaning more clearly. The emphasis here is on the word original: Writers who care about their work also avoid 7. They know they arouse the readers' mistrust if they use tired expressions like "avid reader," "dark and stormy night," and "full of sound and fury."

Writers who care about writing never plagiarize. Even if they offer only a 8 of someone's idea rather than quoting them 9, writers with experience acknowledge their sources. They know that writing is hard and refuse to take credit for words or ideas that are not their own.

Lastly, writers match their tone to their audience and purpose. If they are writing an encyclopedia entry, they are careful to remain somewhat formal and distant from the reader. But if they are writing a movie review for their neighborhood paper, they will readily switch to a more 10 and friendlier tone.

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