In all my years of writing, I’ve realized one thing. If your readers don’t understand what you’re saying it doesn’t matter how beautiful your prose. Straightforward and short sentences are a wonderful way to convey a clear, crisp story. Writing this way not only makes your work a pleasure to read but also makes the writing process more fun. This is true for any type of writing, whether it is storytelling or communicating in corporate or academic writing.
You may start writing with free writing, in essence, a brain dump on the page, but once you have the bigger picture of your story in sight, you can begin cutting and clarifying your words. This approach has made my writing more than just filling pages but about making sure that every word counts. The goal is always to write in a way that makes the reader want to keep reading and to make sure that the most important ideas stand out. This approach takes practice, but trust me, in time, it will become second nature to focus on your message. It is worth it.
Cut Out Adverbs
It’s tempting to sprinkle adverbs to emphasize the words and actions of your characters, but too many can lead to writing that feels repetitive and lazy. Instead, experiment with the way you lay out your sentences. Let strong verbs deliver crisp and clear imagery. Use nouns and adjectives to paint your scenes. It’s about finding that balance—using adverbs occasionally to ensure that your writing remains sharp and your descriptions remain clear.
Renowned writers Steven King and Chuck Palahniuk suggest that by reducing your reliance on adverbs, you’ll be pushed toward a more creative use of language. This leads to writing that’s not only richer but also more engaging for the reader. While the challenge lies in choosing words that convey action and emotion, this helps bring our writing to life in a way that adverbs simply cannot match.
Say It Out Loud
Say it out loud—into a recorder, to someone else in your women writers network, or even to your pet. This practice isn’t just for feedback; it’s a valuable tool for refining your writing. When you vocalize your words, you engage with your text in a new way.
Sentences that seemed fine on paper might suddenly feel clunky as they come out of your mouth. You’ll spot areas to simply trim. Phrases that sound awkward when spoken might benefit from restructuring for better flow.
This method of speaking your words shifts your perspective, helping you to write sentences that communicate a clear idea, but also resonate with the natural rhythm of speech.
Write Quickly and Then Take a Break
Write quickly, then step away. Time can be an editor’s best ally, as the break is not only a pause but a vital part of the editing process. Often, in the rush of creation, our thoughts spill out onto the page in a flow that can become tangled. By allowing your writing to rest, you gain the distance needed to straighten it out and clarify.
When you give the text a chance to rest, your mind resets. This pause in the process sharpens your critical eye, allowing you to spot excesses and inconsistencies with renewed sharpness. When you come back to your work, you’ll find passages that once seemed essential might be redundant or unclear. With this new perspective, you’re better equipped to refine your draft into a piece that conveys a clear message to your readers.
Avoid Passive Voice
While writing, avoiding the use of passive voice adds clarity and strength to your work. Using passive voice is a common pitfall when you first start writing, but it can make sentences unnecessarily clunky and weak, diluting the point of the writing.
Passive voice confuses readers, sometimes leaving them puzzled about where the action lies in your sentence. You force readers to work harder to understand your message. Why not use direct language instead? Active voice creates stronger, more straightforward sentences, leading to more efficient writing that’s easier to read.
Active voice also lends strength to your arguments. It conveys your points with immediacy and clarity. Choose an active voice when you want to engage your readers.
Save passive voice for the few times you want your writing to force readers to slow down and pay extra close attention so they can understand.
Use Direct Verbs
Direct verbs infuse your writing with energy and precision. There is no need to introduce a verb by saying your character was “starting to get angry” or “thinking about going.” Instead, find a word that says exactly what you mean. If your character is angry, let their actions or words show it. When they decide to go somewhere, let them go. This approach not only sharpens your writing but also allows readers to see, feel, and experience the story alongside the characters.
In dialogue, this becomes even more powerful. The character doesn’t just “think about refusing,” they say “no.” This technique enriches the narrative, creating a connection between the reader and the characters’ immediate reactions. This fosters a more intimate and engaging reading experience, where each sentence is a clear window into the story’s world. Directness in verb usage builds a brisk, lively pace that maintains the reader’s interest and keeps the pages turning.
Writing with clarity and strength is a skill that grows with practice and support. Each word you choose is a step towards becoming a more compelling storyteller and communicator. We encourage you to write with purpose and passion. And remember, you’re not alone on this journey. If you find yourself in need of guidance or a nudge in the right direction from a women writers network, remember that creative writing mentorship programs like the Inspired Writer Community are here for you.
Together, we’ll refine your skills, sharpen your focus, and help you achieve the writing life you aspire to create. Don’t hesitate to reach out and become part of a collective journey toward literary excellence. So why wait? Let’s write, let’s thrive, let’s create the uncreated!
Click here for a complete guide to building your ideal writing life.
