Author shows 8 ways to improve writing instantly

Released on = April 21, 2005, 7:59 am

Press Release Author = Rix Quinn

Industry = Small Business

Press Release Summary = Former editor offers 8 tips for quick writing improvement

Press Release Body = Is it possible to improve your writing instantly? The answer,says Rix Quinn, is “yes.”

While researching a book on famous speeches and essays, Quinn found eight easily correctable mistakes writers often make. Here they are…and how to correct them instantly.

1. UNFOCUSED SUBJECT – Focus on a single theme only. Every sentence and paragraph should reinforce that topic.

2. TOO LONG – Abraham Lincoln crafted his Gettysburg Address in less than 300 words. "Unless I’m specifically asked to do otherwise," Quinn notes, "I try to condense my work to one double-spaced single page (about 250 words)."

3. WEAK PREMISE – Can you state the major focus of your message in 20 words or less?

4. NO ATTENTION-GRABBER – The first sentence or two must quickly attract the reader. Two ways to do this: (a) ask a question or (b) reveal a discovery.

5. UNLINKED PARAGRAPHS – Each paragraph should logically lead to the next. One way some writers do this: (a) quickly write several paragraphs on a subject; ((b) prioritize them; (c) present them in descending order from most important to least
important; (d) conclude by restating the two or three most important points.

6. PASSIVE VERBS – Passive verbs like is, am, was, and were simply exist. Action verbs run, jump, excite, and motivate.

7. BORE FACTOR – Some research says the average adult attention span is only eight seconds. So it’s important to make your points convincingly, and end your paper powerfully.

8. WEAK ENDING – "Exit your report like an experienced stage performer…leave your audience wanting more," Quinn emphasizes. Two ways to do this: (a) use a famous quote to reinforce your conclusion, or (b) give details showing the reader where to get more information on the subject. (Examples: your phone, fax, e-mail, etc.)

For more information, Rix Quinn’s book Words That Stick is available from your local bookstore, or from Amazon.com. He can be reached by phone at 817-920-7999.

Web Site = http://www.rixquinn.com

Contact Details = Rix Quinn Communications, LLC, 4212 Inwood Road, Fort Worth, TX 76109. Phone 817-920-7999, fax 817-887-2918, e-mail rixquinn@charter.net.