Writing Tips Webinar

Getting Started

Write what you know

Research

Work the details

Sensory details bring a scene clearly to mind. Most of us rely on sight, so visual details are most common in writing. But use other senses, too. Psychologists tell us the most evocative sense is smell.

Give evidence for your point of view. Anecdotes, quotes from reputable sources, statistics – all add credibility.

Use specific names for things.

Work the Details

Show, don’t tell

Telling: Small business is the engine of economic growth.

Showing: Last year we served 100 businesses; they created 127 jobs.

Good Writing is ActiveUse active voiceActive - The boy hit the ball.Passive - The ball was hit by the boy.

Avoid starting a sentence with ‘There’

There are five employees in this business.

Good Writing is ActiveUse strong verbs Avoid the verb to be (am, is, are, was, were)Ex/ He was waiting waited for four hours.Use one verb:

I am helping to try to set up a meeting. I am setting up a meeting.

Good Writing is ActiveUse strong verbs (cont’d)Avoid Lazy VerbsHave – We have a contract for three ovens.Get – We get three ovens.Make – They make pies

Good Writing is ActiveUse descriptive nouns

Be wary of adverbs and adjectivesThe boy ran to the store. The tall, tanned boy ran quickly to the store. The surfer raced to the store.

Lazy words: very and really

Grammar Tips

Use parallel structureKeep reading, accept these tips, use them, andbecome a stronger writer

Grammar TipsExample

Micro-businesses are everywhere in California - the organic tomato farmer at the Saturday market, the childcare center at work, the technology service guy, your favorite neighborhood restaurant, or the new sophisticated ice cream truck.

Cut, cut, cut• Avoid ‘There’ construction– There was a grant made to our

organization.– A grant was made to our organization.

(passive)– Our organization received a grant.

(active)

• Avoid to be and -ing• Avoid just, only, ever

Always ProofreadUse correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar• Resources: google - "Strunk and White"

Print out a hard copy

Read your work aloud• ‘Form’ vs ‘from’ mistake• Awkward places or unclear references  Find an editor