Writing Recipe

     Beginning writers often lack supporting details for the lead. They also write in generalities rather than specifics. Yet with the following ingredients, you can improve your writing.

  1. Use simple sentences

  2. Achieve rhythm (by varying sentence length)

  3. Use simple and correct words

  4. Write with conviction

  5. Use quotes to strengthen your story

  6. Show (describe smell, feel, taste and sight), then tell the reader

  7. Provide specifics

  8. Use appropriate style for the event

  9. Listen to your words

  10. Avoid errors (muddy thinking=mistakes)

  11. Use balance and fairness

  12. Use integrity

  13. Be complete

  14. Be dependable

  15. Persevere in reporting

  16. Be skeptical, curious

  17. Verify sources and quotes

  18. Write clearly

  19. Write correctly

  20. Use creativity and ingenuity

Say extraordinary things by using ordinary words. Schopenhauer

Thanks! Susan Siler contributed to this page.

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İRonald W. Sitton 2004
Revised 200409002 — http://www.uamont.edu/FacultyWeb/sitton/crz/ntro/ritnrcp.html