This is considered the best writing guide for writers. The Elements of Style by William Strunk and E.B. White
Learn from good writers. Examine the writing in novels, picture books, nonfiction, newspapers, and magazines. What do you like about it? What makes it good?
Here are some ideas for good writing.
1. Have a clear idea of what you want to write-- your goal and who you are writing to (can to be yourself)
2. Write a rough draft -- don't worry or fuss -- just write
(usually best to do at one time without stopping; just get in the mood and go!)
3. Revise, Revise, Revise!
Do you like the beginning? Does it catch attention and create interest?
Do you like the order? Do you want to change anything around?
Do you want to add anything, or leave something out?
Are your ideas, characters, settings, and actions clear? Do you need to add more details?
Could you add better descriptive or action words? Are there words to take out or words you want to add? Are you using the same few words (said, said, said)? Do you need more word variety?
Have you used an active voice? (leave out words like "there were" or "could be heard" Examples
There were a great number of dead leaves lying on the ground. BETTER; Dead leaves covered the ground.
The sound of a siren could be heard by everyone.
We heard a siren. This is better because it is clear and active. )
Have you broken the writing into thought groups (paragraphs)?
Do you have a new paragraph each time you make a change (time, place, person talking, idea)?
Are your paragraphs connected? Does one thought flow smoothly into the next?
Do you need to connect some sentences? Would some sentences be better if there were divided into two or more sentences? Do you have a variety of lengths and form of sentences (start with subject or start with a phrase)? Does your language sound like you, or do you sound like your just using fancy words to impress? Does the language fit your characters?
Do you like your ending? Does it really feel finished? Is it satisfying?
4. When you have the beginning, order, ending, paragraphs, sentences, and words how you want them, then check for grammar.
Spell Check
Do you like the order? Do you want to change anything around?
Do you want to add anything, or leave something out?
Are your ideas, characters, settings, and actions clear? Do you need to add more details?
Could you add better descriptive or action words? Are there words to take out or words you want to add? Are you using the same few words (said, said, said)? Do you need more word variety?
Have you used an active voice? (leave out words like "there were" or "could be heard" Examples
There were a great number of dead leaves lying on the ground. BETTER; Dead leaves covered the ground.
The sound of a siren could be heard by everyone.
We heard a siren. This is better because it is clear and active. )
Have you broken the writing into thought groups (paragraphs)?
Do you have a new paragraph each time you make a change (time, place, person talking, idea)?
Are your paragraphs connected? Does one thought flow smoothly into the next?
Do you need to connect some sentences? Would some sentences be better if there were divided into two or more sentences? Do you have a variety of lengths and form of sentences (start with subject or start with a phrase)? Does your language sound like you, or do you sound like your just using fancy words to impress? Does the language fit your characters?
Do you like your ending? Does it really feel finished? Is it satisfying?
4. When you have the beginning, order, ending, paragraphs, sentences, and words how you want them, then check for grammar.
Spell Check
Punctuation -- especially periods where needed (not run on sentences) and commas before conjunctions (before connecting words such as ,but ,and ,then )
Does your subject and verbs match ( I am. He is. They are.)?
Have you kept in the same verb tense (past, present, future)?
Is it clear who you are talking about when you use a pronoun?
Is it clear who is talking when you use dialog? Did you put the quotes and commas in the right place? example -
He shouted, "Come in!"
5. Do you like what you wrote? Does it feel right? Then publish it.
