It's raining here in North Carolina today. It's the kind of day that makes me want to read or watch TV instead of write. Oddly, bright sunny days have the same effect on me.
This kind of day calls for a writer's trick to get the job done quickly and easily. I recommend filling today's writing quota with lists. This trick works best for non-fiction writers, but it's a good enough trick that all writers should master it.
Ten reasons for a writer to make up a list:
1. Each item on the list is short and sweet.
2. The items on the list do not have to be closely related.
4. Most lists are composed of simple, declarative sentences.
5. Lists are easy for writers to write.
6. Lists are easy for readers to read.
7. A list looks authoritative when printed on a page.
8. Items on the list can serve as writing prompts for the paragraphs that follow.
9. A list allows a writer to fill a page with fewer words.
10. One good list deserves another.
Have you noticed how many titles are based on numbered lists (The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People or 9 Steps to Financial Freedom)? Now you know why.
Get busy writing lists.
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Thank you for quoting me - it's very flattering.
ReplyDeleteregards, Linda Edelstein, author of "The Writer's guide to Character Traits."