Tip sheet

A collection of tips on how to improve your writing.

1. Don't write about man; write about a man.
2. Don't write that it's raining. Write about who gets wet.
3. Edit your work by going through it and crossing out all the parts the reader will skip over.
4. Write to express, not to impress.
5. When in doubt, leave it out.
6. Don't write in paragraphs; write in scenes.
7. Show me; don't tell me.
8. Make it a labor of love; it may not turn out to be anything more.
9. Write as if you're telling your story to someone sitting in the easy chair across from you. Envision a fireplace between you if that helps.
10. The two best ways to improve your writing are to read and to write.