I. Good Writing Begins With Good Reporting!
- Without the proper use of participant accounts,
personal observation, and detail, the best writers’ stories land with
a thud.
- Writing that is brimming with detail reflects
a notebook that is brimming with detail.
- Notebooks should contain the result of reporting
with all your senses. Surpass general description.
"The slickest writing can’t disguise
shallow reporting."
- Tips for sharing an experience through vivid
writing:
- Use good quotes in addition to sights, smells,
and sounds.
- Write as you think --- don’t try to be
clever at your computer.
- Avoid temptations to overwrite.
- Remember to use impressionable anecdotes.
- Write for the ear.
- Elements of Good Writing
- Good writing has five characteristics: precision,
clarity, solidity, sensory appeal, and use of figures of speech.
- Precision – words should mean exactly what
you intend them to mean.
- Avoid biased language.
- Avoid carelessness in word choice.
- Be precise when using numbers.
- Clarity
- Simplicity – short sentences and one
idea per sentence.
- Use correct grammar and punctuation.
- Be coherent. Coherence is the logical connection
of ideas. Transitions provide linkages. Parallelism provides structure.
- Solidity
1. must have the facts and be specific
- Sensory Appeal – We can describe something
as colorful or we can paint the colors!
- Figures of Speech
- metaphor – says one thing is another
- simile – shows similarity by using "like"
or "as"
"We should all attempt to bring quality writing,
wit, and knowledge to our work. If we succeed, our work will be not only informative,
but also entertaining; and not only bought, but also read."