Writing Strategies

"Here are some lessons that might apply to your on-the-job writing. The first six I reported to you in my 100th column. The last three have occurred to me since then.

Writing helps clarify your thinking;
You don't really know what you think until you write it

Writing on a regular basis makes you a better writer;
Like anything else, the more you practice, the better you get

Deadlines can be helpful;
They can give you the energy and concentration you need to write

Length limits are good for your style;
Eliminating wordiness improves your emphasis and impact

Good writing is edited writing;
You never outgrow your need for a good editor

Letting your first draft "rest," will help you edit it more effectively;
Certain problems become obvious if you allow time to pass between drafting and editing

Some stages of writing are inefficient and sloppy;
Accepting the imperfection of the first draft is a wonderful freedom

Making it fun keeps it fresh;
As with most things, a column on business writing doesn't need to be dry and boring

Writing counts;
Writing is a reflection of your personality and style, a statement of your professional standards. It counts as much as anything else you do