50 tips for writers
This is terrific: an eclectic mix of fifty ‘writing tools’ (PDF link). Written by Roy Peter Clark of the Poynter Institute, as you’d expect it’s aimed at journalists. Much of the advice fits for other types of writing too, and where there are quirks or specifically-journalism-related tips, they’re either challenging or inspiring.
It’s hard to pick favourites from so many gems, but try:
40. Draft a mission statement for your work.
To sharpen your learning, write about your writing.
…self-reflection being a useful tool in many circumstances, but I also think this applies on a smaller scale. Even for ultra-short two-minute factual films, the scripts I write typically include a block of information pertinent to the shoot but not vocalised in the film. One of those elements is a summary — a ready answer to questions like “What is this film about?” and “Why are we telling this story?”.
It’s ridiculously easy to forget what it is you’re doing, or (worse?) aim for something, miss, and never notice.
Here’s another gem:
8. Establish a pattern, then give it a twist.
Build parallel constructions, but cut across the grain.
…which echoes the way the writing team on How2 used to challenge each other, and my absolute favourite:
37. In short pieces of writing, don’t waste a syllable.
Shape shorter works with wit and polish.
…because the explanatory line is simply delightful.
It’s tremendously challenging for some of the academics with whom we work to rediscover their voice as a writer. Research publishing labours under a smothering weight of received style, which must be thrown off to truly engage a reader; advice like this helps remind people that the third-person passive voice is not the only way of structuring a story.
(A tip of the hat to SciCast-alumnus-turned-New-Scientist journo Jamie Condliffe for the link to this. He got it from Richard Fisher, also of NS, who… etc.)