10 Tricks to Avoid Writing

Something

Dedicated to All True Righters

By Darin L. Hammond | www.ZipMiniis.com

STUPID

We write to communicate information through language.

We compromise our communication

when we make

MISTAKES

Errors can be relatively harmless, but they make you

look silly and undermine your

authority.

Hint: It’s in the dedication.

Did you catch my error

on the title slide?

We all look sillysometimes.

Yes, that’s me looking stupid.

Translation: “I don't care about my readers.”

ER

RO

RS

However, accidents and stupidity can be avoided,

using caution and resources.

Perfecting the details of your language illustrates you value your readers.

Try these techniques:

1Don't be stupid: Above all, don't do intentionally dumb things like plagiarizing or whipping out a post in five minutes. Don't post potentially embarrassing information or images. Don't lie, but be real with your readers.

2Start writing early: By this, I mean that you should begin writing a post with ample time to do it right. You need to follow the writing process, which takes time: prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing. Time pressure leads to many mistakes that you would not make if you had more time.

3Follow the writing process in a nonlinear way: So, the writing process listed above is a valuable source of protection and prevention. Scholars designed the model to efficiently produce the best writing possible. However, some believe you just start at prewriting and work straight through to editing.

4Read and reread: You usually know when your done with a post when you get sick of reading through it so many times. Rereading is important though, and it's easy to get careless. Mistakes slip through. Try reading your post a paragraph at a time from BACK to FRONT.

5Recruit readers: Oftentimes spouses and friends are the best tools to help you catch silly mistakes. Having other readers go through your post before you publish will help you avoid things like spelling, grammar, wording, and sentence errors.

6Read aloud: Reading your writing aloud makes you more objective and able to catch problems because it engages more (and different) parts of your brain. It is not the same as reading silently. Hearing your words makes you more critical of your language. It's best to read the post aloud to another person.

7Eliminate or reduce distractions: Our minds are not great at multi-tasking, contrary to what some believe. Quit doing multiple things at a time, and focus on the post at hand. Also, you need a quiet, comfortable place to write. You can write anywhere, but make it distraction free.

8Research your topic: I am surprised by how many bloggers obviously do not research the topic they are writing on. Authors have shared important information about your topic, almost guaranteed. Use the research to inform your writing, provide examples, include stories, and learn, making sure to cite your sources, even if you aren't quoting word for word.

9Talk out your ideas: Chat with fellow bloggers and friends about your topic and approach. See what they think. Sometimes they are reluctant to offer advice, but I find that if you ask them specific questions, they do a better job at giving feedback.

10Use resources to improve your writing: Whether you find them on the web or in traditional books, a mass of advice on how to improve your writing is available.

With the right kind of hard work, your writing will be polished round and perfect.