Lazy guy who wants to become rich

While reading some magazines that I borrowed from our neighbor, I found an article on Girlfriend Magazine June 2007 edition located on Page 55 entitled How to write like a pro by Gina Abuyuan. This is somehow related to blogging that you may find helpful especially for a new blogger like me. I just summarized the description so it start like this.

Having impeccable grammar and a great “concept” isn’t enough; there are irrevocable rules in writing one must follow if you’re considering making a career of it. Here are the 16.

1.Cut the clutter.
Simplify. Can any thought be expressed with more economy? Are you hanging onto something because you think it’s beautiful? Some writers like to hold onto certain words or sentences because it sounds “so original” or they’ve fallen in love with their own work. Be objective. Learn to edit yourself

2.Be yourself when you write.
Strip down work before building up again, this way you can develop your own style. Do not attempt to consciously garnish your prose. Don’t say things in writing that you wouldn’t comfortably say in conversation.

3.Care for words.
Learn to arrange words so that they sound melodious and rhythmical. Readers not only read with their eyes, they hear the words in their inner ear.

4.Know correct usage.
know the difference between reference and allusion, connive and conspire, compare with and compare to. Be careful when using faddish words.

5.Write About what you know.
It’s easiest to write about something you’re an expert on. If you’re not, gather as much material on it as you can. And whether or not you’re writing about something you know or something you’re researching about, remember it comes in to steps: you perceive (use your senses and give details), and inquire(research, interview, self-inquire).

6.Use picture words.
Don’t say “We lived a long way off from town.” Rather, say: “We had to ride two jeepneys, walk past a school and a church for 20 minutes, and crossed a small stream before reaching the town.” Always try to put an image in the mind of your reader.

7.Watch the load of your sentence more than the length.
Don’t overwhelm the reader with too much info. Don’t make the reader feel like he or she is drowning in imagery or thought. Use short sentences to deliver impact

8.Avoid new words and expressions
Unless your audience calls for it. Example, “jologs,” “chillin.” be clear with your writing and what you want to say.

9.Avoid Idioms.
Especially you’re not native to them, like “woke up on the wrong side of the bed,” “dead from the neck up.” They sound clumsy and unreal.

10.Be careful with comparisons and analogies.
Some writers like to sound really intellectual and interesting. They use metaphors that only they can understand. They think they’re impressive, it only serve to alienate the reader. Use familiar ones but not clichés.

11.Punctuate simply.
If you yourself are confused by what you’re trying to say, then there’s something wrong with it. Read it again and edit.

12.Don’t leave room for misconception.
Write what you mean to say. Have a well-articulated purpose for your writing. What do you want your reader to know?

13.Avoid having to translate; don’t “double quote”.
For example, “He was livid with rage. ‘I’m burning with anger,’ he said.”

14.Good writing has musicality
Does it sound right to your inner ear? It has a rhythm and cadence. This comes automatically to more sophisticated writers.

15.Have fun with the creative process.
If you’re not having fun, maybe you should find a different game. And don’t worry if you think your process isn’t “right.”

16.Always remember the three characteristics of good writing:
It must be clear, visual and uses language logically
–Gina Abuyuan

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