Intro
Every writer wants to build more interesting focus and readable styles for a growing readership. If you are a beginning writer, published or unpublished, this if for you.
Working with many writers and a few college-bound students, I searched for quick tips that work. As a beginning writer, you may fit into one of the categories listed below. If you do, try the tips, beginning with "starting points."
Do you fit these three categories? 1. You are a beginning writer wondering how to move forward. 2. You have things to say that you can think through and put into the written word. 3. You want to improve your writing and gain a wider, more interested audience.
If those descriptions fit you, then using the following "14/3" approach can work for you. As you put them into practice, they become more natural to you and serve your writing well. Three starting points:1. Write the purpose/mission of every new article in 14 words or less. 2. Write down at least three genres(categories) that fit with the work. For example: non-fiction/children/creative ideas 3. Write a brief description of your target reading audience. For example: children ages 7-9; parents of children aged 7-9 Outline:
Create a brief descriptive outline that you can follow easily. Prepare an otline wih at least three sections: 1. A good and interesting beginning with a strong, appealing first sentence,
2. A middle that informs or entertains with text that includes some examples or quotes,
3. An ending that ties the beginning and end together realistically and genuinely.
In other words, make the ending reinforce the entertaining, interesting, or useful parts of the article.
Paragraphs and sentences:
1. Keep your paragraphs no more than three sentences long.
2. Keep your sentences no longer than 14 words.
3. Spell-check and grammar-check every paragraph.
Conclusion:
Make sure that all the parts agree with each other. Make sure that you achieve the mission you set out to achieve for the target readers in the genre you identified. Make it interesting with quotes and examples.
If you follow these simple 14/3 ideas, your will gain more focus and control over your writing. Writing improves with clearer focus and more careful word selection. Start now using the 14/3 approach if your writing needs a boost!
(c)2008 Jane Bullard
|
