Search
Related Links

 

 

Informative Articles

Creative Website Copywriting - Why It Impresses Both Customers and Search Engines
The copy is correct, the spelling is spot-on, the grammar good, the punctuation perfect, and the keywords are all where they should be. That's all you could ask for in web site copywriting, isn't it? Not necessarily. You see, as well as being...

Do The Unfamiliar To Keep Your Writing Going
One of the best ways to blow someone's winning streak during a tennis game is to comment on how great they are doing. Your comment will kick in their left brain's inner critic which will zap their flow and change their focus. In tennis, this is an...

Jumpstart Your Writing Career
** Jumpstart Your Career by Asking "Why?" ** by Laura Backes, Publisher of Children's Book Insider, the Newsletter for Children's Writers When developing a story or article, writers learn to incorporate the "who," "when," "where," and "how." But...

Script Mechanics—Suggestions for Writing Effective Voiceover Copy
As with any of the performing arts, an effective voiceover begins with a well-crafted script. You don’t have to have many years of writing experience to create copy that is both effective and a pleasure for the voice actor to perform. Here are...

Writing a book - tips from an author #4
Style is one of the most important considerations when writing a bestseller, and as we mentioned in previous articles, they key is consistency. It's almost a hallmark of a top 10 best seller to have a strong, consistent style. Therefore, hit on a...

 
Writing Without Style


Conditions of use: Editor: The following article is offered for free use in your ezine, print publication, or on your web site, as long as the content is not altered, and the copyright and author credit box at the end are also included. Notification of use would be appreciated.

WRITING WITHOUT STYLE

Style manuals are all well and good, and in fact, highly desirable for newspapers. The average reading level of newspaper readers is the sixth grade. Over the years it became imperative that newspaper writing be simple, consistent, and use basic punctuation, even when that violated some elementary rules. The end result has been that borderline idiots may now understand today's papers.

I feel that these manuals should not be taken as carved in stone for fiction writers. Imagine, if you will, someone dictating to Picasso, Dali, or the French impressionists which colors of paint they may use, which strokes, which perspective, etc. Unthinkable, yet there are many people who insist that fiction writers must abide by the (sometimes) arbitrary grammar and style rules in the popular style manuals.

There are certain rudimentary dictates we must all follow, otherwise our writing would be chaotic. However, fiction writers should, more than any other writers, be allowed enough freedom of expression to create a style that is special to them. In other words, a style that is peculiar (in the correct meaning of that word.) In the editing process of my book, TALES FROM THE WRECKTORY, I had an incident with the editor (He won, I lost.) over the use of the word, "tenebraephobic." (Tenebrae is the service used during Christian Holy Week, and the Latin word, "tenebrae" means shadows, hence darkness.) I wanted to use it to convey a particular kind of fear of the dark. Now, there is more than one word for this condition: nyctophobia and lygophobia, to name two. The individual I was writing about was afraid to be alone in an old, multistory, rambling house in the dead of night. I ask you, which word conveys the impression I wanted to create: one of the two clinical names I mention, or the one which speaks of fear of shadows?

The editor objected to my "tenebraephobic" because he said there was no such word, that I had made it up, and, of course, he was right. There wasn't and I had. Damn it all, if a fiction writer is not allowed to coin a word, who is? Political speech writers? Computer nerds? Or, as we see happen every day, the intelligentsia who, through ignorance or sloppiness, take a perfectly good word or phrase, misuse it, and give it a whole new meaning. Others follow the bad example and it suddenly jumps up the ranks in today's parlance. "Impact" is a perfect example of that.

The same editor then pointed out that most people would not know the meaning of the word, "tenebrae." My answer to that was: "Then, let them look it up. If they want simple words that won't strain their poor brains, they should stick to newspapers (or television) for their entertainment. Fiction should do more than entertain; it should also broaden the mind."

Another editor (I quickly changed this one) tried to correct my grammar and spelling in dialogues. Now, to me, dialogue is sacrosanct. Apart from obvious typos, no one fools around with it. Words in dialogue are, after all, not my words, not the editor's words. They belong to the character speaking. You wouldn't say, "Just between you and I" but one of your characters certainly would. You'd die rather than say, "Me and my friend did..." Would one of your characters? You betcha.

Years ago, I was responsible for training several would-be writers for an international corporation. It was hoped that what they wrote would convince those who read it to buy our products and services. These young writers soon became sick of hearing me say, "We don't write the way we speak, any more than we speak the way we write. Writing is a visual medium; speaking is an audible medium." I


convinced them (I think) to throw away the style manuals (or at least leave them on the shelf most of the time), and concentrate on what was important: getting a message across, a message that was brief, succinct, and easy to read.

When it comes to the final showdown, who wins, editors or you, the writer? That's an easy one. Editors. Certainly you have the right to take your work elsewhere. My rule on this is quite simple. If I have any doubt whatsoever of the suitability of what I wrote, I don't mind giving in, especially to an editor who is usually cooperative. Such an editor deserves my cooperation. On the other hand, if I believe I could not go on living with myself by abandoning my precious words, I'll insist it stay as written and accept the consequences. Quod scripsi, scripsi.

The test of fiction writing is not whether it conforms to any style manual, but whether or not it works for you, the writer. Unless your words move you to laugh or cry (preferably both), it isn't likely to affect anyone else. How do you make your words work? The formula is simple, although not easy. You must make your words flow as though they were about to run off the page. The nonfiction writer must be careful that all facts are correct, make sure the writing conforms to the publication for which it is written, and for the intended audience. You, as a fiction writer must do the very same, but only as a starting point. You must go on become a poet, a word-painter, a strummer on people's emotions. The person who originally said one picture is worth a thousand words had it all backwards. A thousand words can conjure up as many pictures, as many emotions as there are people who read them.

As a writer of fiction, you need only keep one eye on your style, and only an occasional eye on the rules set down, but you must at all times keep both eyes wide open and directed towards that which you hope to pursue, and by that I mean pursue that noblest of trades: the writer who leads others to far-off lands in this world and in other worlds; the trade of Dickens or Tolstoy; of Bradbury or Poe, of Cartland or Hemingway; and above all, the trade of ________(please insert your name here.)

copyright 2003 Joseph E. Wright

Joseph E. Wright is the author of Tales from the Wrecktory (http://www.metropolisink.com}, The Bodies Out Back and The Remigrants (both published by http://www.booksunbound.com). His writing has appeared in Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine.

Joseph E. Wright was born and wemt to school in New England and later moved to Philadelphia. He considers Philly his home town.

Joe grew up addicted to the British cozies of Christie and Sayres and the American counterparts of Queen and Stout. He was a fan of the film noir of Hammett and Chandler.

His first published novel, Memorandum of a Murder (Manor Books) confirmed his determination to become a writer. A short story of his appeared in Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine.

While writing, Joe had to make a living, which he did in many ways. One period of his life, he lived in a dark, rambling, nineteenth century rectory in downtown Philadelphia. It inspired his Tales from the Wrecktory (MetropolisInk) which appeared last year.

Somewhat different from the whodunit style of novel, Joe's The Remigrants, the story of those who return from the dead, is currently in the editorial stage.

The Bodies Out Back is the first in a completed trilogy starring Pat Montgomary and Phillis Toner. The next two, The Maris Cove Murders and Aisle of the Dead should be published this coming year.

Joe and his life partner spend most of the year in sunny Florida.

glpjew@excite.com


 

Guide to Academic Writing Article - Management - University of ...
University of Canterbury-- Te Whare Wananga o Waitaha. UC Home | Courses | Departments | Library | Teaching | Research | Students | Contacts | Search ...
www.mang.canterbury.ac.nz
 
Writing the Empirical Journal Article
File Format: PDF/Adobe Acrobat - View as HTML
Your browser may not have a PDF reader available. Google recommends visiting our text version of this document.
 
Writing article about audio systems and need enthusiasts to ...
Yahoo! Autos Custom Forums - Writing article about audio systems and need enthusiasts to interview - I'm looking for enthusiasts willing to be interv.
forums.custom.autos.yahoo.com
 
Writing article about audio systems and need enthusiasts to ...
Yahoo! Autos Custom Forums - Writing article about audio systems and need enthusiasts to interview - hey buddy i got a premmie system in my car i have a.
forums.custom.autos.yahoo.com
 
Writing Article About G2 - Seeking Input | Gallery
Writing Article About G2 - Seeking Input. steveohm. Joined: 2005-10-28 Posts: 2. Posted: Mon, 2006-01-16 08:16. Hey there,. I'm writing a how-to article for ...
gallery.menalto.com
 
(5.30) Not a directory writing article file -- throttling
(5.30) Not a directory writing article file -- throttling. This typically means that in the spool there is a directory in the spool that thinks it is a file ...
www.faqs.org
 
(7.25) Server throttled No space left on device writing article file
(7.25) Server throttled No space left on device writing article file. If df still shows you plenty of space then look if you have enough inodes free. ...
www.faqs.org
 
10 Ideas for Writing Article/Blog Online - lifehack.org
10 Ideas for Writing Article/Blog Online. Ever wrote some articles online and they have hundreds of people bookmarking and linking, on the other hand others ...
www.lifehack.org
 
Writing article reviews
Writing article reviews. What is an article review? Reading and noting; Writing the first draft; Revising and redrafting; Using feedback ...
www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au
 
"The 'Mane' Event" (Shotgun Writing - Article #3) by Barbra L ...
try your own tag:. "The 'Mane' Event" (Shotgun Writing - Article #3) ... Shotgun Writing (Article #3) (11.22-28.06). Palominos. . . golden-colored horses ...
www.gather.com
 
Muslim Man Kicked Out Of Mosque For Writing Article Criticizing Al ...
Muslim Man Kicked Out Of Mosque For Writing Article Criticizing Al Qaeda ... Muslim Man Kicked Out Of Mosque For Writing Article Criticizing Al Qaeda ...
tailrank.com
 
Muslim Man Kicked Out Of Mosque For Writing Article Criticizing Al ...
Hat tip to Atlas Shrugs . Yes, you read that correctly. He criticized Al Qaeda, so he got kicked out of his Mosque. And, this is no small Mosque.
tailrank.com
 
Articles About Freelance Writing Index
Freelance Writing Article Index. Getting Started · How To, Tips & Samples · Getting the Writing Done · Rewriting & Editing · Your Writing as a Business ...
www.aboutfreelancewriting.com
 
Todays-Woman - Short Story Writing: Article 1 - Introduction
Short Story Writing: Article 1 - Introduction Date: Tuesday, September 26 @ 22:01:33 CDT Topic: Writing Advice. Author:Ian Mackean ...
www.todays-woman.net
 
SEL: Presentation + Writing Article for SMS
Presentation + Writing Article for SMS. I have a presentation to prepare for, plus I'm writing an article for the Search Marketing Standard. ...
www.searchenginelowdown.com
 
Writing article introductions HOWTO (English) - ArchWiki
Writing article overviews HOWTO (English). Writing article introductions HOWTO (English). Effective use of headers HOWTO (English). Related articles ...
wiki.archlinux.org
 
Writing article overviews HOWTO (English) - ArchWiki
Writing article overviews HOWTO (English). From ArchWiki. This article discusses article overview writing techniques. Article overviews are short textual ...
wiki.archlinux.org
 
Seeking a guide to the quality of web writing : Article : Nature
Nature is the international weekly journal of science: a magazine style journal that publishes full-length research papers in all disciplines of science, ...
www.nature.com
 
Resume Writing Article - Resume Falsification
Resume Writing Article - Resume falsification: Would you lie on your resume?
www.resume-resource.com
 
Resume Writing Article - Now What? How to Ensure Your Resume ...
Resume writing article: How to ensure you resume produces top results.
www.resume-resource.com
 
 

 

Content Menu
  • 10 tips for writing exotic articles about where you live

  • 10 tips for writing powerful articles

  • 10 ways writing articles can improve your business

  • 11 tender writing sins part one

  • 12 copywriting tips to make your advertising more profitable

  • 12 point checklist for writing feature articles

  • 12 tips for writing articles on the internet

  • 15 key questions about writing your own tips booklet

  • 20 ways to keep your writing inspiration and creativity high

  • 25 ways to promote your writing business

  • 2 ways to really connect with your customer in your copywriting

  • 3 quick tips to becoming an instant copywriting genius

  • 3 tips for writing articles

  • 3 tips for writing better headlines

  • 3 ways you can profit from giving your writing away

  • 4 major mistakes to avoid when writing an article

  • 5 ideas for writing effective sales letters

  • 5 key reasons why great copywriting will always be your most important business skill

  • 5 secrets of successful copywriting

  • 7 devistating writing mistakes and how to avoid them

  • 7 formulas for writing articles that get read

  • 7 powerful sales copy writing techniques

  • 7 reasons you should be writing articles

  • 7 steps to writing articles that can explode your business

  • 7 steps you must take before writing a word of copy

  • 8 advantages to writing a book as an entrepreneur

  • 8 tell tale signs that forecast writing success

  • 9 essential items your website copywriter must know about your business before writing a word

  • advertising copywriting the top ten cliches and why you should avoid them

  • ad copywriting building brand equity one word at a time

  • analysis of a topic writing essays and term papers

  • an article writing philosophy do you have one

  • an seo copywriting makeover turning not into hot part 1 of 2

  • an seo copywriting makeover turning not into hot part 2 of 2

  • are you achieving your writing goals

  • are you writing for a change

  • article writing and article marketing what do they want to read

  • article writing and clients when things do not work out

  • article writing a great way to get free traffic to your website

  • article writing a great way to promote your website

  • article writing dos and donts

  • article writing errors

  • article writing for fame and fortune

  • article writing the art of attracting website visitors

  • article writing why bother

  • a beginners guide to writing a novel

  • a competitive and cutthroat look at writing

  • a few keys to writing effective dialogue

  • a few thoughts on writing international english

  • a scriptural how to for writing

  • baby steps to writing success

  • back to the copywriting basics

  • basic writing tips some controversial all correct

  • benefits of journal writing

  • blast your writing blocks

  • blocked stumped and stuck 12 prompts to get you writing

  • blogs like all forms of writing are an art form that takes knowledge and practice to do well

  • boost your b to b marketing copy 3 major copywriting blunders and how to correct them

  • business writing checklist

  • business writing skills ii a web writing primer

  • business writing skills i what do you want to say

  • business writing skills part iii avoiding sexist language

  • business writing when not to be professional

  • can you really sell your writing output on radio

  • checklist for writing articles that get read

  • copywriting businesses how can i get started

  • copywriting faqs

  • copywriting for seo

  • copywriting for the non english speaking audience

  • copywriting makeover know where your customers are in the buying process part 2 of 2

  • copywriting makeover making an emotional connection part 2 of 2

  • copywriting makeover search engine friendly can also mean visitor friendly

  • copywriting secrets of the indian mystics

  • copywriting successes and failures a comparison of the good and bad

  • copywriting that sells

  • creative website copywriting why it impresses both customers and search engines

  • creative writing tips does the name you chose suit your character

  • creative writing tips have you established your main character at the start

  • creative writing where to find fresh ideas

  • crime writing beckons

  • custom writing services market overview

  • discover freelance writing

  • dont miss these 10 must know facts about promoting your website with article writing

  • do the unfamiliar to keep your writing going

  • do you make this big mistake writing your articles

  • dreading the writing assignment outlines to the rescue

  • drive free traffic to your website by writing articles

  • earn money from freelance writing

  • earn while you burn travel writing tips

  • eliminate redundancies for fat free writing

  • energize your writing and increase your output

  • entering and winning writing contests

  • essential elements of a writing course proposal

  • everything i needed to know about article writing i learned from my english teacher

  • e book writing formats how to make the words flow

  • finding ebook writing topics on ebay

  • finding the book writing resources tips and help you need

  • five benefits of article writing

  • five steps to online copywriting success

  • four things every writer needs to do to make a full time living from their writing

  • framing your story writing tips for online marketing

  • freelance article writing on the net

  • freelance writing markets poetry markets highly paid v unpaid

  • freelance writing markets poetry markets highly paid v unpaid by askprofessors com

  • freelance writing on the internet

  • generating innovative ideas for writing

  • getting started in column writing

  • get an attitude about your writing

  • ghostwriting making money by being invisible

  • golden rules for writing

  • good writing

  • have you plotted your story before writing it

  • heres how writing articles can vastly improve your online business

  • hold that article or 5 techniques to effective re writing

  • home business writing made simple

  • hotel internet marketing and the secret of copywriting

  • how ghost writing articles and booklets can earn you big money

  • how to break into writing for newspapers

  • how to catch the writing bug

  • how to choose the best directories for your article writing campaign

  • how to evaluate writing contests six starter questions

  • how to find a copywriting school

  • how to find freelance copywriting jobs

  • how to find freelance jobs writing about food

  • how to get started on writing killer articles

  • how to get started with a career in copywriting

  • how to give your business writing a twist of the nose

  • how to have an effective writing group

  • how to improve your writing without writing a word

  • how to make your writing meaningful

  • how to multiply your freelance writing work

  • how to negotiate rates with a freelance copywriting expert

  • how to overcome the lyric writing hurdles that are keeping you behind

  • how to stay fit while writing

  • how to take your freelance writing chances

  • how to use this unique writing site to make money from your writing

  • how to write to win what are the secrets of writing success

  • how you can find freelance childrens writing positions that will last

  • improve your trade show results by writing articles

  • index

  • is there a difference when writing for the internet

  • i have nothing to say overcoming the fear of writing

  • i just quit my last paying writing gig and you should too

  • jumpstart your writing career

  • keeping your readers interested when writing non fiction

  • keyword article writing the key to your success

  • knowing copywriting basics how to get ahead in your copy writing business

  • letting your writing simmer

  • listen up and improve your writing

  • lots of extra money waiting to be made from writing 5 articles

  • make money writing fillers

  • make your writing sing with structure

  • marketing for writers when writing just isnt enough

  • new to article writing start here

  • new years writing resolutions steps to success

  • online writing and beyond writers will lead the content revolution

  • platform development tip 1 switch writing hats

  • power writing 101 tips and tricks to get you taken seriously

  • promise crafting the heart of copywriting

  • quick strategies for writing your essay under pressure

  • remember writing for pleasure

  • revving up your writing productivity

  • rotator

  • sales headline copywriting two quick steps to success

  • script mechanicssuggestions for writing effective voiceover copy

  • search engine optimisation copywriting the top ten pitfalls and how to avoid them

  • search engine optimization copywriting a genuine way to achieve the higher

  • seecrets on writing free requotable quotes for internet writers

  • self editing your writing

  • seo copywriting in the wake of the florida update

  • seo copywriting makeover good rankings but no sales part 1 of 2

  • seo copywriting makeover good rankings but no sales part 2 of 2

  • sharing some writing tips a simple recipe for writing success updated

  • sharing your writing is scary

  • simple writing for super sales

  • six tips for your writing journey

  • six whys of writing

  • some helpful hints in writing articles for the web twenty five tips

  • some helpful hints in writing articles for the web twenty five tips part two

  • some tips in writing articles as an internet marketing strategy

  • so you want to go into ghostwriting

  • starting a freelance writing career or how i sifted through the muck and found my way

  • starting a freelance writing career or thoughts about taking the plunge

  • starting a writing career or how i sifted through the muck and found my way

  • start and make cash from your online writing you must draw blood first

  • strategic copywriting so much more than text optimization

  • succeeding in the business of freelance writing

  • supply side freelance writing

  • take baby steps in your writing to yield a book

  • technical writing in india

  • ten rules of writing good

  • the beginners guide to freelance writing

  • the benefits of writing articles on the internet

  • the bible the source of all copywriting secrets

  • the forum phantasm method of writing

  • the idea way to grow your writing business

  • the myths of writing have you bought into these

  • the myth of the writing fairy

  • the online writing business requires constant and regular writing

  • the only thing you need to know about writing articles

  • the power of your ego in writing online copy

  • the secrets to writing your very own profit pulling ebook

  • the secret ingredient to your writing

  • the secret to good writing

  • the story of the hypnotic writing monkey

  • the three cs of writing an excellent all purpose headline

  • the top 7 rules of power copywriting

  • the top five writing mistakes professionals make

  • the world of writing according to authors dave and lillian brummet

  • the write habit how to strengthen your writing muscle

  • the writing club

  • the writing is in the rewriting seven steps to getting it right

  • time saving skills to get more from your writing

  • tips for good business writing

  • tips for writing an attention grabbing

  • tips for writing an informative article

  • tips for writing articles online

  • top 3 rules for writing effective copy

  • top seven tips for writing articles on the internet

  • top seven ways writing articles can explode your online business

  • transform your home page to pull sales with passion copywriting

  • travel writing

  • twenty five tips in writing articles for the web

  • understanding that online writing is business writing will make you a fortune

  • using and writing press releases

  • using power words when writing articles

  • voice in narrative and dialogue a contrast of writing styles

  • ways to increase traffic by writing articles

  • ways to promote your business when your passion is writing

  • web copywriting for international markets

  • web writings evolution the web content market for writers

  • web writing create writing flow with four uncommon connectors

  • weeding out your writing

  • what is persuasive copywriting and how can it help your business

  • what is writing style and how do you develop it

  • what seo copywriting is and isnt

  • what topics should your article writing campaign cover

  • what you absolutely must know about writing headlines

  • where can you find the best resources for technical writing

  • where to find writing jobs online

  • why arent you writing ezine articles

  • why article writing can be good for your business and for you

  • why good copywriting matters

  • why should i bother with optimised online copywriting

  • word frequency analysis as a means to improve writing quality

  • work at home and make money writing for profit

  • write smart how to create terrific writing goals and achieve them

  • writing about writing

  • writing and walking beating writers block

  • writing an e book needs software free is best

  • writing articles

  • writing articles advice for the do it yourself webmaster

  • writing articles as an affordable internet marketing method

  • writing articles for the search engines

  • writing articles pinpoint accuracy

  • writing articles to promote your website or business

  • writing articles to start internet business

  • writing article important tips

  • writing as a gift

  • writing a book tips from an author 2

  • writing a book tips from an author 3

  • writing a book tips from an author 4

  • writing a book tips from an author 5

  • writing a book tips from an author tip 1

  • writing a short article can be as easy as 1 2 3

  • writing benefit driven web copy 4 steps to more sales

  • writing copy for online catalogs

  • writing fiction literature and large blocks of text for the internet

  • writing for dollars how to get started

  • writing for free when when not to do it

  • writing for publicity and profit on the www

  • writing for public relations

  • writing for sex markets

  • writing for teen magazines

  • writing for the web

  • writing for the web more places to get ideas

  • writing for the web where to get article ideas

  • writing for yourself

  • writing from an amateur perspective

  • writing getting started

  • writing great articles im no expert but

  • writing help

  • writing in exchange for bread on the table

  • writing it right

  • writing narrative vs writing dialogue

  • writing newsletters tricks of the trade

  • writing personal statements top tips

  • writing reading speaking talking

  • writing s that get noticed

  • writing the civil war researching the causes

  • writing the civil war the why and how it was fought

  • writing the recipe

  • writing tips for novice authors

  • writing to excel

  • writing web copy that sells how it compares with offline copy

  • writing well 6 steps to being your own best editor

  • writing without style

  • writing with power 5 snappy rules for success

  • writing your articles an organized framework for success

  • writing your writing job description

  • your writing anxiety 10 ways to bring relief

  • zany ideas that increase writing productivity and quality