Are you perplexed with creative writing? Do you feel the constant need to use smart words and excessive jargon to sound smarter? Well, according to a study published in Applied Cognitive psychology, you really don’t need to fret about using big words since they don’t make you sound smarter.
In reality, the use of complex words and terminologies makes you sound shallow and superficial. It is totally possible to sound smart and informed by using simple words.
One of the many great tips that often comes in handy for creative writers is that you can’t force yourself to be smart; to sound smart you must stop trying to sound smart. The real excellence in writing comes from using simple language and delivering your point effectively and directly.
To help you write better here are 8 tips that will help you in your writing process:
1. Have a clear subject to speak on
Having something to talk about makes the writing much easier and faster, when you aimlessly write words and hope them make sense on their own, you’re not going to achieve much. Instead, you must have a clear topic, a subject that will give substance to your writing.
One great way to be clear about your writing is to read widely. This cannot be stressed enough, to make your writing smoother and meaningful read as much as you can.
2. Be Clear and Specific
Being clear and specific is the backbone of creative writing. It helps you connect your reader with the passage. Consider the following sentences:
• I have books in my library.
• I have a variety of books in my library that range in different genres including crime, mystery, romance, classics, and fiction.
Which sentence kept you engaged? What makes my library more appealing to you?
3. Avoid Complex Language
Aspiring writers need to understand that the use of complex language isn’t the defining quality of good writing. Rather, a good piece of writing uses simple words to communicate with its readers. Write use instead of utilizing, start instead of initiate, and help instead of assistance.
The simpler the better!
4. Avoid Rambling
Many writers tend to ramble. Compared to other issues this doesn’t seem as big but it tends to suck the life out of your writing. Avoid over-explaining everything and getting into the specifics of every single thing. Rambling can bore your readers and make them shut the book without even getting to the end of a page.
5. Avoid redundancy
Also, refrain from repeating the same thing over and over. To put it another way, rather than saying something multiple times, say it once. Because your readers will get weary if you keep repeating yourself or writing the same thing.
6. Keep your sentences short
Keeping your sentences makes it easier for you to deliver your message effectively. If you’re caught explaining a single detail in a 3 lined sentence, then you really need to reevaluate the entire idea.
Each sentence should express a single thought without any invitation to confusion.
7. Employ Active Voice
It is highly recommended that you use the active voice in your writings since passive sentences tend to bore people.
We understand that you can’t always use the active voice but it is highly advisable.
8. Editing is key
Anything that does not add to the meaning should be shortened, deleted, or rewritten. It’s fine to write in a conversational tone, but don’t use unnecessary words unless there’s a compelling reason to do so.
Good luck on your next writing adventure, we hope these tips come in handy when you’re writing your next piece.
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