Strengthen Your Writing

Weak writing is like weak coffee.  What's the point of drinking it at all if it packs no punch?  Writing that packs no punch lacks purpose.  It's just words on a page.  Purpose is everything in writing and purpose is conveyed through strong writing that is concrete and focused.  There are several tools you can employ to strengthen your writing and lift it from mediocre prose to clear, purposeful messaging:

• Diction:  Diction is your choice of words and it's important to choose words carefully.  This involves keeping your purpose at the forefront and choosing words that will convey your purpose most effectively.  For example, if your purpose is to influence readers to react with outrage, then you will choose words that will inflame and arouse them.  If your purpose is to inspire readers, then you will choose words that are magnanimous and uplifting.  Molding your words to your purpose through effective diction will strengthen your writing and advance your purpose.

• Syntax:  Syntax is how you order your words.  This creates rhythm, momentum and artistry in your writing.  For example, if you want to emphasize certain points or scenes, short, terse sentences create that emphasis.  If you want to draw out an analogy or scene, longer, more fluid sentences create that smoothness and encourage closer examination by readers.  The way you order your words is also the way your express your creativity as an artist and develop your own unique voice and style.  Using syntax to express your purpose will strengthen your writing and enhance its creative impact on readers.

• Details:  Details are both factual and sensory.  They are the specific bits of evidence you provide to readers to express your purpose.  Details should be concrete and easily visualized.  For example, if you want readers to really see an object in their mind's eye, you will provide ample specific detail to help them see it, such as color, shape, texture, etc.  If you want readers to imagine a setting, you will provide fewer details that are more general in nature, such as temperature, lighting, weather elements, etc., and let the readers fill in the details through their own experiences.  Using detail effectively will strengthen your writing and help your readers to be active participants in the word pictures you paint.

• Tone:  Tone is the attitude beneath the surface of your writing and it's essential to achieving your purpose.  Tone is achieved through the other elements discussed above.  The words you choose, the way you put them together and the number and type of details you provide all dictate your tone.  For example, if you want to engender a sense of discontent or protest in your readers, you will choose words that provoke their sensibilities.  You will provide shorter, tenser sentences that convey your message's urgency, and you will provide specific, concrete details that help build your case.  All of these elements work together to convey your purpose and strengthen your writing by expressing its underlying meaning.

• Grammar:  This is the necessary evil that all good writing requires.  Grammatical errors can weaken even the strongest images and ideas.  Readers may not be grammar experts, but they know when errors happen and it undermines your credibility as a writer.  It's important to refresh your grammar skills regularly and utilize all the readily available resources you can to help you write clearly and effectively.  This will strengthen your writing and improve your success.  There is no shortcut when it comes to grammar.  Your job as a writer is to study and master it.

Strong writing is essential to a writer's success.  It expresses purpose, attitude and meaning.  Through clear, concrete word choice, creative sentence construction, carefully selected details, and good grammar, your writing can be strong, effective and purposeful.  It can pack a powerful punch that will have a lasting impact on readers, and like that second cup of coffee, keep them coming back for more.