10 Writing Tips from the Masters

Written by Editor in Chief, Pick The Brain - 172 Comments
Categories: popular, writing tips

william wordsworth

As the world becomes increasingly digital, writing becomes more important. This is especially true for non-writers. If you work in an office, the majority of your communications are made with text by email or IM.Whether you like it or not, your ability to exchange ideas, collaborate with others, and ultimately succeed, hinges on the ability to write effectively.Earlier this week, K. Stone laid out a process to help you write faster, better, and easier. To follow up, here are 10 timeless tips to help you improve style and substance, straight from the pens of humanity’s finest authors.

Writing Tips

1. Cut the boring parts

I try to leave out the parts that people skip. ~Elmore Leonard

Unless you’re writing for personal reasons alone, you need to consider the attention of your readers. There’s no point is publishing content that isn’t useful, interesting, or both.2. Eliminate unnecessary words

Substitute “damn” every time you’re inclined to write “very;” your editor will delete it and the writing will be just as it should be. ~Mark Twain

I used to feel that using words like “really”, “actually”, or “extremely” made writing more forceful. It doesn’t. They only get in the way. Cut them and never look back.3. Write with passion

Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart. ~William Wordsworth

It’s not hard to realize that unless you’re excited about your writing no one else will be.4. Paint a picture

Don’t tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass. ~Anton Chekhov

Simply stating something is fine, but when you need to capture attention, using similes, metaphors, and vivid imagery to paint a picture creates a powerful emotional response.5. Keep it simple

Vigorous writing is concise. ~William Strunk Jr.

Maybe it was all those late nights, struggling to fill out mandatory 10 page papers, but many people seem to think that worthwhile writing is long and drawn out. It’s more difficult (and effective) to express yourself in the simplest possible manner.6. Do it for love

Write without pay until somebody offers to pay. ~Mark Twain

When you’re just starting out it’s hard to decide where to begin. So don’t. Just start writing. A blog is a good place to start. The most valuable benefit is the feedback.7. Learn to thrive on criticism

You have to know how to accept rejection and reject acceptance. ~Ray Bradbury

Writing means putting yourself at the mercy of anonymous hecklers and shameless sycophants. Learn to make the most of the insults and distrust the praise.8. Write all the time

Quantity produces quality. If you only write a few things, you’re doomed. ~Ray BradburyThe way you define yourself as a writer is that you write every time you have a free minute. If you didn’t behave that way you would never do anything. ~John Irving

9. Write what you know … or what you want to know

If any man wish to write in a clear style, let him be first clear in his thoughts; and if any would write in a noble style, let him first possess a noble soul. ~Johann Wolfgang von GoetheLearn as much by writing as by reading. ~Lord Acton

Successful writing is all about trust and authority. It makes sense to write about your area of expertise. If you don’t have an expertise, reading and writing is the best way to develop one and put it on display.10. Be unique and unpredictable

I owe my success to having listened respectfully to the very best advice, and then going away and doing the exact opposite. ~G.K. ChestertonConsistency is the last refuge of the unimaginative. ~Oscar WildeZest. Gusto. How rarely one hears these words used. How rarely do we see people living, or for that matter, creating by them. Yet if I were asked to name the most important items in a writer’s make-up, the things that shape his material and rush him along the road to where he wants to go, I could only warn him to look to his zest, see to his gusto. ~Ray Bradbury

Following what works will only get you so far. Experiment with new styles, even if it means taking criticism. Without moving forward, you’ll be left behind.

  • http://dweezeljazzart.com/blog/ DweezelJazz

    At the risk of offering you praise :) Great article, thanks. I enjoy your blog and your guest writers too.

    cheers

  • http://www.pickthebrain.com John Wesley

    Ha thanks. I completely agree that the guest writers have been doing a great job.

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  • http://blog.potterzot.com The Decision Strategist

    I really like the Eliminating unnecessary words one. It makes such a difference and the writing sounds so much clearer, but it’s always very tempting to include those words. Since they don’t really convey anything, they should be dropped.

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  • http://www.reddeerblog.com Truthteller

    Following this format, I should throw out 95% of the books I’ve read?
    Wait, that’s a damn good idea! (ok, delete the word damn if you must)

  • http://myeasymoney.mybargaincity.info/ Cruz Ramirez

    That was some great practical advice on writing. I am glad I was able to read it. Keep up the good work!

  • http://www.itsacryingshame.com William Lumbert

    Thanks for the tips.. Since I am in process of trying to write a novel it gives me a lot to think about. I shall print it out and save it for future reference.

  • vin diesel

    “Maybe it was all those late nights, struggling to fill out mandatory 10 page papers, but many people seem to think that worthwhile writing is long and drawn out. It’s more difficult (and effective) to express yourself in the simplest possible manner.”

    This is superb advice for writing memos and task-oriented email. It’s decent advice for writing instruction manuals. It’s downright dreadful advice for writing fiction, or even for journal-type blogging. (Unless you’re blogging with the intent of becoming better at writing memos.)

    In fact, it’s not even a good idea for textbooks. This example is getting worn out, but try taking a double-sided Physics 101 cheat sheet–you can buy these in most college bookstores–and learning physics from it. If you succeed, followup by learning Physics 102 from the actual textbook (which is “long and drawn out,” compared to the cheat sheet). Then tell me which is more effective at conveying ideas.

    The cheat sheet is preferable if you only need to be reminded of that which you already know well; not if you’re trying to grasp something new.

    Succinct is often good, but the idea that shorter is automatically better, is poison to clear communication.

  • http://www.lisadale.blogspot.com Lisa Dale

    I’m a newly pubbed novelist and the assistant editor of The Literary Review. This compilation is FANTASTIC! I’d love to use it in my classes. Thank you so much for putting this together.

    Best,

    Lisa Dale

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  • http://duanesway.com Duane

    I felt the article was excellent. Too often, I find myself being redundant and using the usually unnecessary words “very” and “really”.
    To Vin Diesel (above comment). You may have missed the point. From what John wrote, I didn’t get the idea he was talking about omitting essential points or explanations. Give enough information to completely cover a given subject and make it understandable, then – shut up. His article, in fact, was not extremely short. Justlong enough to completely get the point and all it’s elements across, and no more.

    Duane

  • http://www.psych101online.com Helen

    Excellent list. I always wonder why some people like their articles long even if it is not necessary. It will only bring more boredom to the readers.

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  • http://www.pickthebrain.com John Wesley

    Vin Diesel — I agree with you that shorter isn’t necessarily better. The point was that simpler is better, as long as it contains the same information content, as Duane already pointed out.

    Lisa Dale — Thank you! You’re more than welcome to use the article in your classes.

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  • http://www.best-of-time-management.com/values.htm Pamela

    Great reminders. We know that long articles are boring, especially if most of the things written are redundant. But some are still not happy with a simple article. As long as it’s complete and clear, I always settle for simple.

  • http://secretofunlimitedprosperity.com James – Visualized.Feel.Abundance

    Just what I needed to improve on my writing. Thank You :)

  • http://www.blogspoke.com Jesse S. Somer

    Oh writing…Did Van Gogh ask for advice when painting a picture? Is writing not another artform? Some of the advice above was to throw out or do the opposite of what you are taught/told…I wonder if the famous writers above had read these tips on blogs in their lifetime…would they have written as they did? Why did Jackson Pollock decide to throw the paint at the canvas? Why did Hemingway decide to write in monosyllabic words and miniscule sentences?

    It’s nice to get advice
    People write for different reasons
    Mix some sugar with some spice
    For any of the seasons
    Help me on my path
    But please don’t hold my hand
    When you take a bath,
    Alone, or in a band?

  • http://redcatco.com/blog/ Benjamin

    Brilliant tips in a brilliant list. I have written it in my diary so that I re-read it in a month, every month, until I follow them!

  • http://iwishicouldtellyou.com rob gruber

    Thank you for this! It was the “literal” affrimation I was looking for.

    rob gruber

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  • http://www.tfswriting.com Heather Levin

    Wonderful, concise article. Thank you for posting it!

  • http://www.pickthebrain.com John Wesley

    Thanks, Heather. I really just tried to stay out of the way and let the quotes speak for themselves.

  • Contrapulator

    I can’t decide whether The Decision Strategist was being ironic or not when he wrote, “I [really] like the Eliminating unnecessary words one. It makes [such] a difference and the writing sounds [so much] clearer, but it’s always [very] tempting to include those words. Since they don’t [really] convey anything, they should be dropped.”

    Square brackets added for emphasis.

  • http://daringfireball.org JG

    I don’t have to take writing lessons. I’m Daring Fireball.

  • http://www.pickthebrain.com John Wesley

    Contrapulator — Interesting observation. ;)

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  • Johnald

    Another good quote:

    “If you don’t have the time to read then you lack the time and the tools to write.”
    -Stephen King

  • http://duanesbrain.blogspot.com Duane M

    Just heard another Ray Bradbury gem for writers today, as a matter of fact: “Every writer has a million bad words in them, your job is to keep writing until you’ve gotten them all out of your system.”

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  • http://www.projectrasso.org/blog/ rasso

    This article really help me. Thanks for sharing.

    :)

  • http://technopedia.info/tech Abhinav Kaiser

    I am a professional writer. I find these points relevant and accurate.

    I want to add one more point for writing on the web. Make your paragraphs smaller. They are easier to read.

    Your thoughts John?

  • http://www.pickthebrain.com John Wesley

    Abhinav,

    I totally agree, although that’s more of a usability factor. Long, unbroken paragraphs are tough to read on a screen, especially for people who would like to scan the content.

  • http://ArbiterOfCommonSense.blogspot.com Trubador

    Ray Bradbury has an excellent little book on the writing process called “Zen in the Art of Writing: Releasing the Creative Genius Within you”. There’s also another great book by Ralph Keyes entitled, “The Courage to Write: How Writers Transcend Fear”. I highly recommend both.

  • http://www.pickthebrain.com John Wesley

    That Ray Bradbury book sounds awesome. Thanks for the suggestions.

  • nosha

    that
    that is a great article it really helps me and everyone who is involved in the act of writing . thanks alot

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  • http://ouch.kiev.ua Vlad

    Super. Short & Nice. And I glad to see Anton Checkov in this list. It’s one of my favorites publicist (after Mark Twain, of course ;-)
    and add your blog to my favorite…

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  • Divya

    From a long time i wanted to do something only that i dindnt know what it was? after reading all of this i know what chords to strike!!
    i just love to write and i am sure soon i’ll write my heart out.

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  • July
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    Another Quote By :John Dewey: Learn by Doing>

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  • Alexander M. Jeffers

    Great selection. The answers to “Vin Deisel” showed that he had a point, but that it wasn’t in real conflict with the list.
    So, a related tip nominee? Einstein’s “Everything should be made as simple as possible, but no simpler.”
    Granted, according to Wikiquote, this is a variant of something he said about making theories; but it looks like good writing advice.

  • nepal

    Good tips are availed. Thanks.

  • Kelsie

    Thank you! That was truly amazing…I believe i will apply this not only to my writting, but to my speaking as well.

    Kelsie

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  • gigi

    didn’t help me one bit! I know all those things! how can one post an article that is so completely “duh” that it makes the reader feel stupid. Thanks for stating the obvious, I’m gonna check out a website a little more interesting…

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  • athisiimoses

    it is a systematic and brief art with best pattern of learning how to write for the begginers as well as for the experts with so many to things write but not knowing how to put the thought to words. this piece of writing is very helpful.

  • http://www.shapeupamerica.com/2009/10/the-ultimate-guide-to-getting-rid-of-laziness-and-procrastination/ The Ultimate Guide to Getting Rid of Laziness and Procrastination! | Shape Up America!!

    [...] 10 Tips from the Masters of Writing [...]

  • http://google June

    I love to write fiction. I’ve taken 2 courses, hoping to hone my skill. The instructor made clear that a structure was necessary as follows:
    Scene:
    goal
    conflict
    disaster
    Scenario:
    emotion
    thought
    decision
    action
    My question: Is this truly a universal structure? According to the instructor, all literature follows this. I would appreciate any feedback. Thanks.

  • http://www.onlinecollege.org/2009/11/17/words-of-wisdom-101-tips-from-the-worlds-most-famous-authors/ Words of Wisdom: 101 Tips from the World’s Most Famous Authors | Online College Tips – Online Colleges

    [...] Mark Twain. Substitute "damn" every time you want to use the word "very." Twain’s thought was that your editor would delete the "damn," and leave the writing as it should be. The short version: eliminate using the word "very." [...]

  • http://www.vibbit.com/blog/?p=81 50 Free Resources That Will Improve Your Writing Skills « Vibbit Social Networking and Website Design for Under 89.00

    [...] 10 Writing Tips from the Masters [...]

  • http://mywiredlens.com/?p=1974 5 Insider Secrets For Writing With Confidence | My Eyes Wired to My Lens | %tag%

    [...] 10 Tips From The Masters [...]

  • jacqueline sun

    I have two boys aged 6 and 8, they love to write and read,the 10 tips of writing is just what I want to tell them about how to write.Thank you!

  • Justin

    Like he said, “I owe my success to having listened respectfully to the very best advice, and then going away and doing the exact opposite. ~G.K. Chesterton” He’s probably right about that being the structure, but you don’t have to follow it. Just make sure that if you don’t, your story is good.

  • jg

    god these are damn good

  • http://thecontentannex.com/ San Francisco article writers

    Wow. Cool collection of various writing tips. That’s really great work. Congrats. I learned something new here. :)

  • http://planb-publishing.com/AuthorsBlog/category/quotes-to-live-by Ben

    “Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart.” What a cool quote. I imagine he’s referring to poetry mostly, being a great English poet. But I can see how following that quote would enhance all styles of writing. There’s nothing quite as fun as writing. You have some very good tips here. I think the most helpful for me was Ray Bradbury’s quote to reject acceptance.

  • Lindsay

    “I really like the Eliminating unnecessary words one. It makes such a difference and the writing sounds so much clearer, but it’s always very tempting to include those words. Since they don’t really convey anything, they should be dropped”

    I find it funny that you used “really” in this comment.

  • http://pinnaclepov.wordpress.com/2010/03/15/some-great-writing-tips-from-the-masters/ Some Great Writing Tips from the Masters « The Pinnacle P.O.V.

    [...] you would like some tips on how to improve your own writing skills, check out this great article on 10 Writing Tips from the Masters at [...]

  • http://speakyourdesign.wordpress.com/2010/04/12/10-writing-tips-from-the-masters/ 10 Writing Tips from the Masters « Speak Your Design

    [...] article can be found at: http://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/art-of-writing/ Possibly related posts: (automatically generated)Regarding “The Innocents Abroad”, Part [...]

  • http://ruthtamari.wordpress.com/2010/04/25/the-fear-of-putting-yourself-out-there/ The Fear of Putting Yourself Out There « Life Changes
  • http://lesbianauthors.wordpress.com/2010/05/17/places-to-go/ Places to Go « Women and Words

    [...] Pick the Brain [...]

  • http://www.joycebrister.com Joyce

    Great tip and I am always looking for for writing tips to keep me motivated and producing on my internet marketing blog.

  • http://www.mypromdresses.co.uk/ prom gowns

    my writing is bad,thx for your advice!

  • twilighthero

    Impressive. I already knew numbers 1, 2 and 5. You can express all three in two words: be concise. Lol. Seriously though, this is a superb article for anyone wanting to improve their writing skills…like me XD

  • http://www.dressespro.com prom gowns

    thx for your advice! I think it can help me.:)

  • yemisi

    This is rich stuff, thanks.

  • http://authorsphere.wordpress.com/2010/10/12/10-writing-tips-from-the-masters/ 10 Writing Tips from the Masters | authorSPHERE

    [...] to Pick the Brain! Source: http://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/art-of-writing/) This entry was posted in Uncategorized. Bookmark the permalink. ← Welcome To [...]

  • http://earthianne.wordpress.com/2010/10/20/unzipped-2/ Unzipped « Earthianne

    [...] reads: Writing (by Paulo Coelho) Art of Writing Writing [...]

  • Dr.Nishant

    i am planning to start writing about current affairs. hope it works.

  • http://cbinseoul.wordpress.com/2010/10/25/for-all-students-words-of-wisdom-101-tips-from-the-world%e2%80%99s-most-famous-authors/ FOR ALL STUDENTS – Words of Wisdom: 101 Tips from the World’s Most Famous Authors « Craig's ESL Blog

    [...] Mark Twain. Substitute “damn” every time you want to use the word “very.” Twain’s thought was that your editor would delete the “damn,” and leave the writing as it should be. The short version: eliminate using the word “very.” [...]

  • http://singletitles.com/?p=5259 Single Titles » Single Titles Guest Blog: Writing Short Stories and Novellas or Did We Walk Before We Crawled? By Rebecca J. Vickery
  • http://chappondappond.com/2010/12/21/50-free-resources-that-will-improve-your-writing-skills/ 50 Free Resources That Will Improve Your Writing Skills | chappondappond.com

    [...] 10 Writing Tips from the Masters45 [...]

  • http://www.whyamithisway.com Robert Durland

    Many reasons prevail our respectable ability, only after writing a 458 page non-fiction book, called “Why Am I This Way”, has a different effect on others, for everyone who reads my book never speaks to me again. Although, some do say they recognize the book is written from my heart, and that my desire is to help others from following the erratic footsteps of a sex addict.

  • shiv

    This blog pretty much impresses me not for the reason that i m a novice to blogging but each word of this blog was well researched

    if ever u’ve got time do leave ur acclaimed & worthy comments shiv4u.wordpress.com

  • http://nigeriandreamjobs.com Nigerian dream Jobs

    This is a nice blog, it’s very helpful, thanks.

  • http://dorothysantos.wordpress.com/2011/02/04/art-writing-art-criticism-tomato-tomatoe-whatever-part-i/ Art Writing, Art Criticism, Tomato, Tomatoe, whatever – Part I « Extero/InteroCeptive

    [...] fun, I googled “art writing” and the third result piqued my interest – 10 Writing Tips from the Masters (insert link to website here). However, to spare you some time, they are listed [...]

  • http://writersblockphilippines.com/2011/02/10/writing-tip-of-the-day-13/ Writing Tip of the Day | Writer's Block Philippines

    [...] Source: 10 Writing Tips from the Masters [...]

  • http://www.curbstonejustice.com Bill Leahy

    Once the reader knows the stories unfolding in front of them are indeed unusual, you have them.
    Bring your audience into the conversation and just talk to them. Making them smile now and then doesn’t hurt either.
    I’m still shocked at how quickly this first order has melted away and the positive feedback I’m getting from the toughest of critics: Cops!

  • MY

    I lost my writing skills when I joined the military some years back. Somehow, the urge to retrieve it back became strong lately. I am now writing a book about my life. This article no doubt have rekindled my hope of being a good writer once again. Thank U. Much to write about in my country, Nigeria.

  • http://www.gmail.com joel aphane

    is almost five years now writing a motivational book. So i am struggling with a name and i am making it specifically for teenagers in grade 11 and 12 and youth in universities and colleges. And again how do i get it to be published. I need your advice and help.

  • http://weiswriting.com/posts/is-this-a-blog Is this a blog? | WeisWriting

    [...] who’ve thought a lot about writing- and have written a lot, too.  I  found these at  http://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/art-of-writing. [...]

  • http://foolishnotions.net @carolynmejia

    love this post… esp. mark twain’s quote,

    “Substitute ‘damn’ every time you’re inclined to write ‘very;’ your editor will delete it and the writing will be just as it should be.”

    lol… so d— true!

    signed,
    serial over-abuser of the words ‘very’ and ‘really’.

  • http://www.undrelas.com Shadow

    Hello there! Nice blog. Come see mine: Writing. Art. Inspiration.

    Thanks!

  • http://andimarquette.wordpress.com/2011/03/28/monday-writing-tips/ Monday writing tips « Andi's Land

    [...] Hi, folks. Howsabout these greats from the greats? [...]

  • Dr Jack

    I’m really touched.

  • http://thecuriouswriters.wordpress.com/2011/04/13/more-extra-credit/ More extra credit! « The Curious Writers

    [...] Writing tips. Worth 5 points, RJ, FJ, or blog. Complete this one by responding to this post as a comment. Write a list of your top 5 writing tips (for anyone, or specifically for Writ 101 students). Write the tips out and then give a brief 2-3 sentence description of why it’s a good habit to have or practice to use–why these tips work for you. Touch on your course work in these explanations (ex. “When writing my Op-Ed I learned it was important to…” etc.) See these examples: here, and here, and over here. [...]

  • Jade

    Thank u so much!I’ve have learned how to use this one.

  • http://carriewriter.blogspot.com/ carrie

    this was great and inspiring, please check out my blog and leave me any tips, thanks.

  • http://onlineradiofree.wordpress.com/ Alexander Stirman

    Can I simply say what a relief to find someone who actually knows what theyre speaking about on the internet. You undoubtedly know the way to carry an issue to gentle and make it important. Extra people must read this and understand this side of the story. I cant consider youre no more in style since you definitely have the gift.

  • http://web.tommystanker.org/?p=64874 Skrive og skrivelyst : Tommy`s Tanker

    [...] av situasjonen. Skrivelyst er viktig og det er da ikke alltid jeg har like mye inspirasjon til å skrive om alt mulig [...]

  • C

    That helped me a lot! I also have a blog that is ALL about writing and reading!
    It is: wfanatic.blogspot.com
    Become a follower please! :)

  • Muhammad Ali

    Indeed a nice post and so helpful – I picked up a couple of tips and consequently acquired certain techniques out of these excellent tips. Thanks a lot.

  • http://blogirature.com/ Nonoy

    Very interesting and helpful article. I want to add Robert Louis Stevenson’s, “The difficulty about literature is not to write, but write what you mean; not to affect your readers, but to affect them precisely as you wish.”

  • http://pedrohs.com/?p=25 Pedro Santos » COMO ESCREVER CONTEÚDO PARA INTERNET – 8 DICAS FUNDAMENTAIS

    [...] 10 Writing Tips from the Masters http://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/art-of-writing/ [...]

  • http://mailguru.wordpress.com/2011/07/15/two-months-later/ Two Months Later | Direct Mail Guru

    [...] I was surfing for blogging inspiration I ran across … 10 Writing Tips from the Masters  a short, sweet and inspirational [...]

  • http://www.editmefast.com Matt

    Thank you for gathering some of the best quotes that have enlightened the public’s approach for writing. As an editor and proofreader, I’m often asked about how my customers can improve their writing, but it’s generally best to leave it to the timeless advice found in quotes like these. I was a decent writer in high school, and my scores reflected this, but I can’t begin to describe the improvement I achieved through a college news writing course in which I was first exposed to the insights listed in your posting.

  • Golden Chicken Chicken

    Its  funnier that he used “such” and  ”very” too :)

  • http://www.livrosepessoas.com/2011/09/16/10-dicas-para-escrever-melhor/ 10 dicas para escrever melhor | Livros só mudam pessoas

    [...] O blog Pick The Brain trouxe uma lista com 10 dicas dos mestres para escrever melhor. [...]

  • http://www.onerdescritor.com.br/2011/09/10-dicas-para-escrever-melhor/ 10 dicas para escrever melhor | Notícias | O Nerd Escritor

    [...] O blog Pick The Brain trouxe uma lista com 10 dicas dos mestres para escrever melhor. [...]

  • http://armazemcultura.com.br/2011/09/10-dicas-para-escrever-melhor/ 10 dicas para escrever melhor | Armazém da Cultura

    [...] O blog Pick The Brain trouxe uma lista com 10 dicas dos mestres para escrever melhor. [...]

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Ganesh-Dutt/100001061710206 Ganesh Dutt

    whenever i see a person or meet a new person, no matter who he/she is i always think theres a story , a story which nobody else can understand, a story which is way better than anyone else’s and thats what made me feel like writing about it.
    after reading these 10 tips i m so glad i decided to write because now i know what i write will really mean something to someone.

    thank you. :)

  • http://freshinkwritingservices.wordpress.com/2011/09/21/writing-tips-101/ Writing Tips 101 « Fresh Ink Writing Services

    [...] 10 Writing Tips from the Masters -Written by Editor in Chief, Pick The Brain [...]

  • http://www.marketingnewstip.com/4_top_content_writing_tips 4 Top Content Writing Tips

    [...] Find out how you can publish amazing articles at blinding speed with one Simple Article Formula! The first of my content writing tips is a very important one because it determines the entire succes…I'm not saying that your writing has to be 100% perfect (let's face it, there are always things you [...]

  • http://www.oficinadelivros.com.br/blog/?p=2488 Oficina de Livros | Blog » 10 dicas dos mestres para escrever melhor

    [...] O blog Pick The Brain trouxe uma lista com 10 dicas dos mestres para escrever melhor. [...]

  • http://www.editoraschoba.com.br/blog/2011/dicas/10-dicas-dos-mestres/ 10 dicas dos mestres « Blog da Schoba

    [...] deram todas essas dicas recomendoveementemente com grande ênfase e entusiasmo a visita ao artigo The Art of Writing: 10 Tips from the Masters. 0 [...]

  • http://www.oqueeisso.blog.br/?p=10055 O QUE É ISSO ? » Blog Archive » 10 dicas para escrever melhor

    [...] Se você quer mesmo saber quem foram os escritores que deram todas essas dicas recomendo o artigo The Art of Writing: 10 Tips from the Masters. [...]

  • Chetaru

    Thanks for sharing this information and resources its really
    help full for me with the  help of this
    we can improve our web and blog contant data

    Web Design Company India</

  • http://novelwritingmonth.wordpress.com/2011/10/02/hello-world/ Hello Novel Writing! « The Novel Writing Month

    [...] Find new ideas. Inspire yourself from the tips of the masters like this. [...]

  • http://www.dianatheteacher.info/writing-lessons-how-to-prepare-to-teach-kindergarten/ » Blog Archive » Writing Lessons : How to Prepare to Teach Kindergarten

    [...] and heard from Alaska to Tennessee. Filmmaker: Todd GreenDuration : 0:1:49[youtube gNfcpz3Ak9M] Teaching kindergarten is fun and interesting, but it is exhausting and requires a good night's sleep…xpert: Laura Turner Bio: Laura Turner received her B.A. in English from the University of the South [...]

  • http://jdogwhitney.wordpress.com/ Justin

    Good stuff.
     

  • http://onetwistedwriter.com/2011/11/16/contrast-and-conflict-writing-personality-part-2/ Contrast and Conflict, Writing Personality Part 2 | Make Your Words Live

    [...] The Art Of Writing http://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/art-of-writing/ [...]

  • http://inkjam.blogspot.com/ Sandipan

    Great tips for bloggers like us who haven’t had a formal training in writing skills.

  • Anonymous

    Thank you for this nice article!

  • http://twitter.com/NazHina Hina Naz

    Hi thanks 

  • http://twitter.com/NazHina Hina Naz

    Digital Content Writers Hub is the platform for Authors, Writers, Bloggers, Content Managers, Editors, Ghost writers and associated publishing professionals to connect with potential employers who are looking for required services for their projects and organizations.http://goo.gl/2Nt6bWe recommend employers to use our digital hub for professional screening and also encourage professionals to showcase their skills and expertise to connect with desire employers..Its a total Social networking channel that facilitate professionals across boundaries to induct in a pool of communication and get connect with the world of professionals.

  • http://twitter.com/NazHina Hina Naz
  • Yasirgondal

    Stunning stuff…same should be applied in life……

  • http://sustainability.inthekoots.com/2011/some-writing-tips-for-everyone/ Some Writing Tips For Everyone | Sustainability in the Kootenays

    [...] Sources: http://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/art-of-writing/ Quotable Quotes on Writers and Writing. www.logicalcreativity.com/jon/quotes.html [...]

  • Yshura

    I actually disagree with eliminating words. Anyone who read 1984 by Orwell knows that ‘word destruction’ is convenient and gets the point across… however, that doesn’t make it more appealing to read. I love deep descriptions as often as possible when I read. I understand repeating words to an extent should be eliminated, but its easy to mix in some similes or to rephrase; it is not necessary to ‘destroy’ the word.
    Good is not the same as ‘very good’ and bad is not the same as ‘really bad’. These words are efficient and essential to convey meaning past the general jist of things. I do believe that its more appealing to use words such as ‘excellent’ instead of ‘very good’, but to completely eliminate would change the whole meaning. In instances with dialogue, for example, it would be unnatural to avoid these words continuously.
    I do have to admit, after taking journalism throughout highschool, that when it comes to news and small articles, word elimination is important; you expect your reader to skim over what is important to them and continue on.
    This rule, to me, does not seem to go along with novels or longer written works where the reader is deeply involved and not looking to simply move on.
    Besides, as an avid reader, I am never bothered by such words. I enjoy the emphasis on points that need the extra umph.

  • http://autolinkjuice.com/simple-tricks-for-making-up-with-searing-blog-post-topics-today/ Simple Tricks For Making Up With Searing Blog Post Topics Today | Auto Link Juice

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  • http://www.dailymayo.com/?p=1626 Daily Mayo » Pick The Brain

    [...] the Brain? They offer all kinds of cool information and facts about all kinds of topics, including 10 Writing Tips from the Masters. Number 1 is my favorite. I hate boring sections of [...]

  • Masterwriterreading

    Choking rigth now writing    …  http://thepsychicfreereading.com