Eight things that good writers do

What is a good writer? That's a good question. However, a more apt question is this: What do good writers do?

1) Good writers conform to language conventions as they pertain to writing. (Spoken language offers more flexibility.)

2) Good writers use grammatically accurate language.

3) Good writers combine words, phrases, and clauses in ways that contribute to expression, intelligibility, and creative character. One creatively uses language to communicate effectively. However, this is not the same as being creative in such ways as using adjectives and adverb phrases to be expressive, for example.

4) Good writers use the right word at the right time and do not purposely use words to try to impress their readers. One should not purposely try to use "big words", for the most part, though one may be taken up in thought from time to time trying to find the right word.

5) Good writers produce a text that is in agreement with their purpose. One's purpose in writing defines the character and image of one's writing. Some writing deals with more serious subject matter, and some writing deals with less serious subject matter.

6) Good writers don't write too much and don't write too little.

7) Good writers focus on creativity to the extent that it is practical for the purpose of the writing. For example, business writing such as reports, grant requests, technical writing, and replies to customer inquiries are not meant to highlight one's creativity. When writing a short story, for example, creativity tends to take center stage along with the story itself, or the message. Sometimes writing can be technical in nature, yet the author may have somewhat of a flair for creativity at the same time, as in the book "The Language Instinct", by Steven Pinker.

8) Good writers don't think too much about what they have to say, and they don't think too little about what they have to say. Good writers are thougthful and considerate communicators to the extent that it is necessary. This adds up to communication that is effective and efficient.


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