Writing is hard
It's possible to prepare, give yourself
plenty of time, and still wind up miserable. Frustration is usually
part of the process.
Revision is the closest thing to a magic formula for
comfort and success
It's not punishment. It is an opportunity
used the most by the best writers. A lot of bad writing is the result
of ignoring it.
Writers need honest feedback
It's difficult--almost impossible--to
produce solid writing without constructive criticism from other people.
Audience and purpose should dictate all choices
"Good" and "bad" writing are relative
concepts determined by whether an audience and purpose have been
effectively met.
Preparation can ease discomfort
A plan, even if it's just some scribbles
about the main points you want to cover, gives you a focus--something
to aim at--instead of forcing yourself to beat around the idea pinata.
Show | Illustrate | Illuminate
Vivid, concrete details can transform
boring or average writing into stuff that's engaging, clear, and
effective.
Simplify
Avoid unjustifiably complex sentences.
Clarify
Use precise, specific words.
Tighten
Omit all needless words.
Smooth
Connect all sentences, paragraphs, and sections with fluid
transitions.
Trust your own voice
Don't affect a voice that's insincere or
unfamiliar. It's always possible to be yourself within the conventions
required by your audience and purpose.
Experiment as much as possible
Test out as many ideas as you need to (or
at least as many as you have time for).
Hard work does not ensure success
Honest effort is seldom pointless, but
sometimes hard work only guarantees more hard work.
Completion is most often a myth
This is especially true in academic
writing--if you strive for perfection you'll always be disappointed.
But aim toward the most effective possible writing in the available
time, and you just might find satisfaction.
Lots of good writers produce cruddy
writing
Yes: some people simply see and understand
writing more skillfully than others. But even those people must plan,
experiment, and revise (a lot) in order to produce "good"
writing.
You'll always look back and be
embarrassed; you'll always have more to learn
That's a cyclical life process--if you
keep learning, you'll never know as much in the present as you will in
the future.
Length and word count are most often
irrelevant
How do you
know when a piece of writing is long enough? When it adequately,
clearly conveys its message and reaches its audience.