Writing Tips

Some tips on becoming a better writer (and this is based on research, we didn't make this up)

• READ and WRITE. A lot. At least 15 minutes a day.
• Use grammar books--there are lots on the market, and they can be a big help. One of our favorites is A Writer's Reference by Diana Hacker.
• Commas should be used before the last item before "and" in a series. If you have trouble with commas, read your work out loud. Often (but not always), where you pause may be a good place for a comma, unless you're a particularly breathy reader.
• Semicolons are great tools to show readers how ideas are related--use them! They are your friends.
• Use active voice when it's important for the reader to know who or what completed the action; use passive when it's not important. "I blew up the lab" (I'm accepting responsibility") versus "The lab blew up" (It wasn't me and I don't know who did it).
• Contrary to popular usage, a colon shouldn't be used after "include" or before a list unless the sentence preceding the list is a clause. Not "The list includes: geese, mice, and lice," but "The list includes geese, mice, and lice."
• And speaking of reading--don't just read that stuff you have to read for work. Branch out--read books, magazines, and newspapers. If you read mostly non-fiction, read fiction. Try it, you'll like it.
• Write, write, write! At least 15 minutes a day. About anything--doesn't matter. Who knows? You may end up liking it, but even if you don't, your writing will improve. This is the truth.