See how the text opens up and moves along?
Sail the High Cs
There are four C words you need to know when writing for the Web.
* Concise
Write tight. Keep it short. Eliminate unnecessary words.
* Clear
Use precise words. Get specific and avoid generalizations.
* Clean
Avoid excessive clutter in your writing. Pick up the litter of too many -ly words and put them in the wastebasket. Empty "that" into the dumpster unless you have to keep it. Then keep only what you need.
* Credible
Write with honesty and integrity. Nothing is wrong with marketing but readers recognize slick, manipulative tactics. Write from your heart, even in advertising, and you will reach readers.
K.I.S.S.
Keep It Simple Sweetheart! The last "S" was changed intentionally to a term ala Humphrey Bogart. Because you should never, ever insult your readers' intelligence. But at the same time, write in easy-to-understand terms and your readers will love you for it. And they will keep reading what you write. Every writer needs a good vocabulary but that doesn't mean it should be used to make readers feel unlearned or uneducated.
The bottom line? Keep it simple, encourage and inform your readers with short, clear, crisp writing. Then you will enjoy success as a great web writer!
Copyright © 2002 Glenn White
About The Author
Glenn White is a freelance writer, editor and content manager at his web site for Inspirational and Christian writers at: http://www.WriteToInspire.com
MORE RESOURCES:
Sick of the Traditional Publishing Path?
A book coaching client recently emailed me that she was getting sick of traditional publishing because of so many costly requirements and so little payoff. Do you feel the same way?Fifteen years ago, I worked hard on a 60-page proposal for a top agent and after a year got "approval" to be his client.
7 Journaling Tips
Set your journal or diary where you will see it everyday, i.e.
How to Build A Success Freelance Career (Part 1)
In the current job market, many editorial workers have turned to freelancing as a matter of survival. I receive many queries from applicants regarding how to go about freelancing.
Does The Title Reflect The Story?
Short Story Writing Tips -We all have different tastes in what we like to read. Some have a particular taste for horror, while others prefer romance or fantasy or crime stories, etc.
Overcoming Writers Block
Do you suffer from writer's block? Is there a pending project you are putting off because you lack the inspiration to even get it started? You certainly are not alone. At various times you will go through extended periods of energetic writing as well as lengthy dry spells.
Why Every Freelance Writer Needs A Website
What do you mean, you don't have a website yet? Websites these days aren't just for businesses and people who want to share their obsession with Buffy the Vampire Slayer with the world. These days, websites are one of the most important tools for writers.
Writing New Ideas
Someone once commented that there were no new ideas to write, that all that could be done was a recombination of the words and phrases for a deeper, more personal expression of meaning. They have completely missed the point and purpose to 'writing'.
Mexican Living: Pasatiempo
It occurred to me one day that I needed something to do with my time when I wasn't writing. You know--something to divert myself so more writing ideas could come to mind.
Frequently Asked Questions from Writers
1. What Is A Premise?A premise is the point you have to prove in your novel.
Writing Dialogue That Make Your Characters Come Alive
Characters in a good novel really carry the story along more than any other concept in writing. A problem I too often see in my clients' writing is stale dialogue; the kind that sounds like every character is the same person.
The Authors Life: 14 Hints on Creating a Career Plan
1. Remember publication is a business; writing is an art.
Friendly Critiques
When a writer is working on their next literary masterpiece the first opinions to be asked for are usually those of the writer's family and friends. But often when we ask for a friendly critique we get more than we anticipated.
Letter Writing Journaling
When you read a letter from someone, we are immediately transferred into their world, experience, and physical reality. You can capture the same feeling by writing letters to yourself or about other people in your journal.
7 Writing Muse Kickers to Fill Up That Blank Page
Nothing is more daunting for any writer than having to stare at a blank sheet of paper.When we stare at a blank sheet of paper, we often think, "What am I going to write?" A few minutes later, it becomes, "Oh my goodness, I can't think of anything to write!" And several minutes later, it turns into something like, "Write, dangnabit! Write! Write! WRITE!"Some writers call this writer's block.
Creating Great Business Correspondence
Obtaining the skills for writing good business correpondence is important; a job seeker needs to send customised job application letters. A secretary needs to send out an official invitation letter.
Self-examination vs Self-indulgence
Self-examination is brutally honest. Self-indulgence is brutally maudlin.
Ten Quick Tips for Inexperienced Writers
One of the biggest problems that inexperienced writers have is simply knowing how to get started. If you've unsure of your writing skills, then here are some quick tips to help you get started.
Apotheosis - the Seminal Insight of the Hero for Screenwriting
Every hero has a seminal insight - the apotheosis. Once you know what that insight will be, you can start building your story up to and beyond that point:In Casablanca, Rick's insight is that if you love someone, you sacrifice yourself for their happiness.
Have You Plotted Your Story Before Writing It?
Creative Writing Tips -The writer, who doesn't have the time to plot, always finds the time to rewrite.Sound familiar?I've been guilty of this too, back in the early days of my writing apprenticeship.
Inspiring the Poet in You!
Poems. Just the mention of them makes me smile.