|  | Using the right tools in your writing When you are ready to write, get all your tools together and keep them at hand... you don't want to be standing up from your chair everytime you need to look for something. Here is a list of the tools I use when I sit down on my computer to write. Dictionary. Believe it or not you will use it a lot. A dictionary is one of the simplest yet most overlooked tools for writers... when you need to find the right word it will always come handy to know exactly what it means before putting it down on your script. Thesaurus. This too sounds obvious... but it's not. Most people are in the belief that a thesaurus is used to make their writing more "intellectual" and change simple words into complex ones. Wrong! Use the thesaurus to make your writing simple and direct... if you have a long word, hunt down a shorter one. Find short words to say what you mean... if you use long words, people will trip over them. Here is a rule of thumb.- "If you don't use the word in normal conversation, don't use it in your writing" (Said another way, if you haven't heard the word at the bust stop, don't use it!). Clichés, sayings, quotes and phrases. Readers want to see quotation marks on your writings. They want dialogue because dialogue brings text to life. Using quotes is one way to get dialogue (or what looks like dialogue in your writing). People adore quotes. Why? Because quotes are short, usually wise, often witty or funny and they are many times said by someone they already know (their favorite author or a big name - like Einstein or Kennedy). Now, let's get something clear... I've been talking about quotes, but sayings, clichés and phrases fit in the same category in your writing. They can all make your writing shine with radiant light! "The pen is mightier than the sword" That quote pulls your eyes to it doesn't it? Quotes add spice to your writing. Glance at any book and if there is a quote in the text, your eyes will spot it instantly. Quotes add aliveness too, because they are perceived as living. This is why people associate anything in quotations with dialogue. Bookstores everywhere have tons of quote books. These are great reference material... get a few of them, they are sure to spark some great copywriting ideas. Back to section 2 |