Writing Hacks: How to Write Right
Posted on Aug 01, 2017
Whether you’ve been writing for a while now or you’re just starting, getting tips from other writers makes a difficult task manageable. Thus, we’ve compiled a list of “writing hacks” to help you realize your dream of becoming the next best-selling author. Some of them we’ve learned over the years, others we picked from our favorite writers.
Here are 10 awesome tips from our favorite writers and from our own experiences.
- Read, read, read
- Scan your document and remove the words "very" and "really"
- For easier understanding, stick to the active voice
- Let your writing “bake”
- Make writing a routine
- If writing is hard, it’s because it is hard (William Zinsser)
- Designate writing days and follow through (J. K. Rowling)
- Never use jargon words (David Ogilvy)
- Don't use semicolons in creative writing (Kurt Vonnegut)
- Write drunk, edit sober (Ernest Hemingway)
Ask any writer. The first step to being able to enjoy writing is being able to enjoy reading. Reading is the best way to expand your vocabulary and to expose yourself to experiences without spending money or traveling long distances.
Filler words hurt your writing and your credibility. If you want to convey intensity, use the proper vocabulary.
The active voice is a simpler way of presenting ideas and getting your message across. However, the passive voice offers a certain effect to your writing and provides variety to your writing tone.
Avoid editing right after you finish writing. The words will still be fresh in your mind, and you might miss errors. Better yet, have your work checked by a third-party proofreader.
Writing is a skill, and skills must constantly be polished. Make a writing routine for yourself to keep your writing skills sharp. Take at least 15 minutes from your day to write down your thoughts on a journal or to try and come up with scenes for a story.
Many people assume that writing is an easy-enough job; however, it takes a toll on a person. The speaking process is different from the writing process because we conjure and use words differently.
Much like having a routine, it’s best to have at least one day a week solely dedicated to writing. The Potter author insists not to schedule anything that could take you off focus on a designated writing day.
The father of advertising calls the use of jargon words “pretentious,” which is not far from the truth. Jargon terms are words that are used in specific industries. If you’re writing for the public, using jargon words will effectively alienate your audience.
Semicolons are a confusing punctuation mark. The poet claims that the use of a semicolon implies nothing except that you graduated from college, so you know what it’s used for. He simply means that writers need not impress their audience with their writing knowledge.
Hemingway has some pretty good writing advice, but this is one that should be taken with a grain of salt. One should write as if they were drunk, in the sense that one shouldn’t overthink writing and instead do it and get lost in it. Editing, on the other hand, is a task that requires laser focus and precision.
These are only some of the writing tips we’ve collected from our favorite writers. At the end of the day, writing is a personal process: we all do what works for us.
Do you have a writing tip you’d like to share? Feel free to send us a message! Watch out for more writing hacks!
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