Welcome Tech 114 Students from Surrey, BC

I learned this morning that NowPublic has been invaded--by a group of students from the Tech 114 class at Simon Fraser Universities Surrey campus. dashDarling gave us the news, and has been active in commenting on other students' stories.

Here's some tricks of the trade to make your writing sizzle and draw in readers. The first one is elementary, my dear Watson. Just like Sherlock Holmes used small clues to put together the big pieces of a mystery, you, as a writer, will use building blocks to achieve your goal, too.

 Strunk and White's The Elements of Style is the single best quick-start guide to good writing.  Don't automatically disregard it because it was first published in 1918. This pithy, pragmatic guide lays out some of the most basic principles of good writing.

Even though slang has  changed, Strunk and White's advice is still solid.  One of the most valuable sections is the quick guide to misused expressions. Ever get confused about the difference between affect and effect? Strunk and White's Words and Expressions Commonly Misused will answer that question, and many more.

The next trick is the equivalent of the magician's skill in using his hands.  Guide your readers and tell your story with verbs. Use strong, active verbs. You don't need comic book capital letters or exclamations to get your story told if you choose the right verbs.

By avoiding the passive voice and using verbs, you've not only made your prose more palatable and understandable, you've also committed yourself to the essence of your story. Ever notice that politicians and PR (public relations) people often talk in long sentences that don't seem to go anywhere?

"As I'm sure you're aware, our committe has been fully apprised of this situation and together we have been evaluating the data, reviewing various policies and procedures, efforting response modes and considering the options for a forward-looking solution," Senator X said.

Whew. What did Senator X just tell you? Nothing. What did Senator X just tell you that she (or he) is going to do about whatever-it-is you're concerned about? Nothing. 

Avoid the passive "has been" type of construction. Imagine Senator Y, who, instead of saying "our committee has been fully apprised of this situation" d said: "As chair of the committee, I directed our top researcher to prepare a report on xyz. That report is on today's agenda." Wow! Our senator took an action ("directed") and told you what it was. Then our senator told you the follow-through on that action.

Back to Senator X, who's fully using the multiple "ing" solution, which is no solution at all if you genuinely want to share information.  While he's evaluating, efforting and considering, Senator Y is busy, too: "I reviewed the report and I will question the money spent to buy hula hoops, instead of better meals, for students."

At this point, we know that Senator Y will take action, and that Senator X will pontificate. My vote goes to Senator Y.

Like Senator Y, a writer must be clear on her (his) goal. If you're writing a news story, remember who, what, where, why, why, and sometimes how. The NowPublic Newsroom presents a useful J-tips guide.

When you write, don't try to sound erudite. Relax. Many people think that writing requires using a lofty tone, or long sentences. Speak clearly, with strong verbs.

On the other hand, don't write in street slang or without a structure and goal. Let's face it, most of our casual conversations with friends are pretty disjointed. "'sup?" "Nothing." "Wanna go to the movies?" "Dunno." That's life. But when you write to the world, make sure that the world can understand your message. Make it clear and interesting. 

No matter what you write, remember that your goal is to communicate, whether it be information, a fiction story, or a feeling. To communicate well, use good, simple tools. Sharpen them by practice, practice, practice.

One more essential trick of the trade: edit yourself. Let's take a look at something that I wrote, above: "Just like Sherlock Holmes used small clues to put together the big
pieces of a mystery, you, as a writer, will use building blocks to
achieve your goal, too." Now let's edit that sentence.

"Just as Sherlock Holmes used small clues to solve big mysteries, an astute writer uses small elements to write big stories."  See the difference with just one quick edit? If you're not really sure about a sentence, read it out loud to yourself. You'll hear where you can improve it.

Never be afraid to take your story apart, rebuild it, and throw some things away. Your passion, your energy (or your desire to pass your class!), may pour out in the first draft. But the following  edits will shape your message in a way that entices the reader.

As A. Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes told us "Life is infinitely stranger than anything which the mind of man
could invent."

Given that, you will never lack writing topics.  If you learn to be nimble, you will never lack readers.

I hope you enjoy your time at NowPublic.

Note: NowPublic Guest Editor PEP has taught writing at colleges, and developed writing classes. She's also presented in various venues, including UC at Berkeley. Poetry from her book was also featured during an on-campus poetry event.