The 6 habits that are guaranteed to make you a better writer today

Become simple

Becoming an exceptional writer is becoming a simpler writer.

Many writers are afraid to express their thoughts clearly and simply.

Still, there's a beauty in simplicity.

When you start writing simply, you feel more honest about your perspective and how you transcribe it.

Using direct language is the way to start.

You can become a better writer and feel better, more complete, in the process.

Today you'll learn a practical framework for effective writing.

1. Use direct language

Short words carry more weight and sound less pretentious.

They are more common.

They'll connect you to your reader faster.

They engage their senses for quick reactions.

Consider the impact of "rape" versus "sexual assault" or "sexual misconduct".

The latter 2 expressions attempt to soften the sensation.

Use "he was unfaithful", rather than "he had an adventure".

I'm not using these examples to shock you.

I am vouching against euphemism.

Euphemistic language is depersonifying, it is confusing and it is used to reduce responsibility.

You don't need to use hyperboles, only avoid euphemisms.

They weaken your writing and your character.

2. Utilize Dense Words

What is a dense word?

Dense words convey significant meaning in fewer terms.

The first example of this article uses a dense word.

Here are a few other examples : Death, Disease, Famine, War, Joy, Peace, Paradise, Beauty, Perfection.

Most public speeches use dense words as they focus you.

They help to repeat the main idea without boring you.

Replace expressions by their corresponding dense word.

For instance, "once a week" can be expressed as "weekly," and "something new" is "novel."

3. Favor Familiar Words

Choose words that your audience easily recognizes.

If you use a term that may be unfamiliar, make sure to explain it.

However, it's often best to avoid complex terminology altogether.

When using unfamiliar words do it for one purpose : worldbuilding.

Use specific unfamiliar world to present a new setting populated by unusual creatures.

4. Prefer Active Verbs

Active verbs make your writing dynamic.

For instance, instead of saying, "The city was brimming with sounds, and the streets were always crowded," try, "The city hummed, and the streets bustled".

Overall, use personification : treat your environments as characters.

When writing descriptions or poetry, you want to balance active and passive.

If you are a beginner, I propose that you use 2/3 of active verbs and 1/3 of passive ones.

Be deliberate when it comes to perspective.

The characters who use passive verbs will appear as passive, so choose them to display their personality and goals through passivity.

5. Use Striking Verbs

Verbs are the core of your sentences.

If you are in marketing and publicity, you know that the verb is everything.

It is the call.

It is the action.

Remove most adverbs : they indicate uncertainty and hesitation.

Instead of using, "walk nervously," use "shivered."

Instead of "she ate gluttonously," consider "she engulfed her breakfast."

6. Choose Specific Nouns

Specific nouns provide clarity and detail.

They provide atmosphere.

Compare "a large house" to "a mansion" or "a big dog" to "a Rottweiler."

See, how you get from a simple tour to horror by specifying.

Think about a bird.

You can feel that the Cygnus is associated to drama, the Dove to adventure and the Crow to horror.

Specific words capitalize on connotations.

They capitalize on symbolism.

The more precise your nouns, the easier it is for your readers to visualize.

Become a better writer today

Apply these principles by writing a poem or a short story.

Then, publish it and comment the link under this article.

You can enhance your writing and connect with your audience.

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