Aesop, Abraham Lincoln, and You


May I tell you about a writing technique shared by Aesop and Abe Lincoln?

Let's look first at Aesop's timeless tale about the tortoise and the hare. It's the one that ends "slow and sure wins the race." The entire story is about 160 words long.

Now let's move forward in history about 2600 years.

Nearly 150 years ago President Abe Lincoln stood to address the crowd at a cemetery dedication ceremony. He spoke so briefly and left the podium so quickly, the photographer barely had time to snap a picture.

Yet the Gettysburg Address is considered one of humankind's greatest speeches. And it's only about 240 words. (That's even more impressive when you consider the average speech back then ran about 7200 to 15,000 words!)

Have you guessed what Aesop's tale and Lincoln's speech have in common? Yes?each is very short, well under 200 words.

Recent research presents convincing evidence that shorter, more succinct messages get read and remembered better than longer ones.

Next time you sit down to write a letter or report, remember Aesop. Remember Abe Lincoln. If they can write powerful documents in very few words, so can you.

You've got a great advantage over these two magnificent authors. They're not with us anymore. But tomorrow, you could create a classic.

Rix Quinn's new book "Words That Stick: A Guide to Short Writing with Big Impact" offers lots of writing ideas for both students and professionals. It's available from you local bookstore, or Ten Speed Press. http://www.tenspeed.com/catalog/all/item.html3?id=1661

MORE RESOURCES:
RELATED ARTICLES
How to Get Free Publicity in In-flight Magazines
If you're targeting an educated, more affluent audience with your message, and your topic is a good fit, in-flight magazines can be one of your best publicity tools.A quick look at the statistics should convince you:--Many of these magazines have high circulations.
COULD YOU (not) REPEAT THAT PLEASE?
I recently read a book where everything was akimbo.  Arms were akimbo, legs were akimbo.
How To Avoid Viewpoint Slips
Sit back, and imagine what it feels like to be you. Now that shouldn't be too hard - you've lived in your own skin for a long time.
Becoming A Successful Author: The Price!
So you want to be a successful author? You want to be up there with Brown, Archer, King, but what price are you prepared to pay? You might be lucky and your first book could be an overnight success but the chances are you'll be hacking it for years before success knocks.If you decided to become a lawyer, an accountant, a bricklayer, or even to start an 'ordinary' business then you would be prepared to make sacrifices, to invest in the future.
A Plan
All writers should use a plan whether written or reflected. This includes the initial idea, the content or main points, and the conclusion whether it is an article, a short story, a chapter, or a complete novel.
Break in with Fillers: The Best Market for New Writers
Interested in breaking into writing or breaking into a new area? You can't go past writing fillers. Fillers are one of the most overlooked opportunities in the freelance writing world and offer one of the best opportunities for new writers.
Be Your Own Literary Agent and Get Published
So you're one of 20 million Americans who want to write a book. If you've already written a manuscript, chances are you're looking for agent representation.
Journaling
How many of you take the time to really write down your thoughts?Do you know that journaling not only lets you "work" out problems but releases tension and gets the problem off your mind.I started journaling about 10 years ago right after I had my first son.
Discover the Writer Hiding Inside You
Has the thought run across you mind that you might want to write a column or two? Maybe you thought about writing your own material for your company newsletter. Maybe someone asked you to share your expertise with others by writing a how-to paper.
Top Seven Essential Hot-Selling Points To Implement Before Writing Chapter One
Every part of your book can be a sales tool. When you include the below tips, you will have a roadmap to follow to keep your writing organized and compelling, and you'll sell more books than you ever dreamed of! 1.
What Is The Single Worst Writing Mistake?
The following answer sounds simplistic?but think about it. The single worst writing mistake is "not starting.
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.
Rules for Getting the Story Down
1. Write it fast, fix it later.
The Myths Of Writing: Have You Bought Into These?
There is an image most people carry of the artist (think Van Gough's self-portrait, the one with his ear bandaged), working in solitude in a barren garret in a dark corner of the city. Everyday is a struggle.
Is Horror Dead?
I've noticed a big shift away from traditional horror recently, in books, shorts and in subs to E2M.What's happened to the werewolves, devils, demons, ghosts, vamps and other nasties?Some claim that the above has been done to death.
Passionate About Writing?
I'm a writing fool! 2 book proposals, 1 user's guide, a business technology analysis paper, and a FileMaker Pro 7 application! Can you say, "RedBull?" Actually, my preferred energy drink of choice is Monster. But I'll save my energy drinks discussion for another time.
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.
New Authors Publishing Options
All your publishing options are as follows:--Conventional publishing--Vanity or subsidy publishing--Print-on-demand publishing--Self-publish yourself--Get help with self-publishingLet's compare the publishing options.How to get in the publishing process and how long will it take to see your book printed?Conventional publishing optionIt is a very long and difficult process to get a publisher even if it is at all possible for a new author.
Top Ten Ways to Write Like a Pro Checklist
Sure you can write, but can you write crisp, compelling copy thatezine publishers, related Web sites, and book audiences willclamor for? To sell well, your articles, reports, books, and copywriting need to pass the checklist below: 1.___Make your book or article title or headlines grab your reader by the collar.
How To Build A Successful Freelance Editorial Career
In the current job market, many editorial freelancers have turned to freelance work as a matter of survival. I receive many queries from applicants regarding this part of the market.