Writing

Every writer experiences invisible repetition in writing because it’s subtle and structural. It’s easy to spot repeated vocabulary or tic words during a quick edit using a simple “Find” search. However, at a deeper level, repetition can occur in your use of sentence structures or grammatical patterns, which are not as easy to find. If…

Are you using words by habit in your writing? If the answer is yes, you’re in good company, and you’re being honest. Almost every writer does it. I’m guilty of the crime and often catch myself using the word often way too often. I sometimes remember, but frequently forget to change or remove my pesky…

It’s more important than ever to make your writing stand out, with so much AI slop being published. Writing has always been a challenge for attention, but never before has automation been the main competitor. While it might still be true that cream rises to the top, the top of the mountain is much higher…

You might believe that using flowery, complicated, or pretentious words in writing makes you look smarter. But in many cases, the reverse is true because they can make your writing seem amateurish. Readers often notice words that seem forced, unnecessary, or awkwardly placed. It can also slow down your pacing, or even make readers doubt…

You’ve got just a few short seconds to hook a new reader and grab their attention, so make your first words really count. The first 30 seconds are critical and will make or break whether someone continues reading or clicks away. Every word, every sentence, and every choice you make matters in your first few…

Do you struggle when you try to describe things you can’t see or touch in your writing? It’s always easier with objects, things, and people you can see because you can use descriptive adjectives to paint a picture. But when it’s a feeling, an emotion, or an intangible abstract idea, your normal describing tools don’t…

If you are wondering whether it’s possible to write a book on your phone, the answer is yes, it’s technically possible. However, it’s far from being the most practical way of writing a book. The biggest challenge is, of course, the keyboard. Yes, some people are adept at using it, but even the best will…

Every author reaches that moment when the words dry up, ideas disappear, and it seems impossible to finish writing your book. If you’ve wondered how to finish your book when you hit this wall, it’s not only you. Don’t feel alone, because it’s a wall every author hits. But it’s a frustrating experience, especially if…

If you find yourself wanting to avoid using “I” to start a sentence, don’t worry, because it’s a common issue. It doesn’t matter if you are writing emails, reports, letters, social media posts, or even books; you need more variety. When too many of your sentences start with “I,” your writing can seem repetitive, flat,…

Using the same linking words in writing over and over will make for a boring read, as will any form of repetition. It’s almost a reflex to reach for but, so, or, and when you’re writing quickly. Yet, it doesn’t have to be that way. Like any part of your writing, variety is essential for…