The Basic Characteristics of Effective Writing

The Basic Characteristics of Effective Writing Experiences in school leave some people with the impression that good writing simply means writing that contains no bad mistakes - that is, no errors of grammar, punctuation  or spelling. In fact, good writing is much more than just correct writing. Its writing that responds to the interests and needs of the readers and reflects  the writers personality and individuality. Basic Characteristics of Effective Writing Good writing has a clearly defined purpose.It makes a definite point.It supports that point with specific information.The information is clearly connected and arranged.The words are appropriate, and the sentences are concise, emphatic, and correct. Good writing is the result of a lot of practice and hard work. This fact should encourage you: it means that the ability to write well is not a gift that some people are born with, not a privilege extended to only a few. If youre willing to work, you can improve your writing. Most professional writers - those people who make writing look easy - will be the first ones to tell you that often its not easy at all: There is no rule on how to write. Sometimes it comes easily and perfectly: sometimes its like drilling rock and then blasting it out with charges.(Ernest Hemingway)If I have anything to say to young writers, its stop thinking of writing as art. Think of it as work. Its hard physical work. You keep saying, No, thats wrong, I can do it better.(Paddy Chayefsky, interviewed by John Brady in  The Craft of the Screenwriter. Simon Schuster, 1981)One is never happy. If a writer is too happy with his writing, something is wrong with him. A real writer always feels as if he hasnt done enough. This is the reason he has the ambition to  rewrite, to publish things, and so on. The bad writers are very happy with what they do. They always seem surprised about how good they are. I would say that a real writer sees that he missed a lot of opportunities.(Isaac Bashevis Singer, quoted by Valerie Wells in Isaac B. Singer on Writing, Life, Love and Death. [Miami]  Sun-Sentinel, August 4, 1991) Writing is just work - theres no secret. If you dictate or use a pen or type or write with your toes - its still just work.(Sinclair Lewis) Dont be discouraged by the thought that writing rarely comes easily to anyone. Instead, keep in mind that regular practice will make you a better writer. As you sharpen your skills, youll gain confidence and enjoy writing more than you did before.