Here are 5 simple tips to improve one’s writing, I found in my archives.

Tip # 1 – Delete the word “that”

You believe that I’m sleeping, but I’m not.

Now, let’s try again without “that”.

You believe I’m sleeping, but I’m not.

Tip # 2 – Avoid words that end in “ing”

The food I am eating is usually very disappointing. What are you eating?

Now, let’s try it without the -ing.

The food I eat usually disappoints. What do you eat?

Tip # 3 – Remove the words “I think”

“I think, this computer is faster” becomes “this computer is faster.”

The words, “I think” add no real value to the sentence.

Tip # 4 – Short Sentences, Shorter Paragraphs

Write short sentences. Write shorter paragraphs.

This tip is from Ernest Hemingway. Most classics have long sentences, longer paragraphs. Not Hemingway. His style came from being a journalist from Kansas City Star.

His best example about short sentences and shorter paragraphs is this:

For sale: Baby shoes. Never worn.

A powerful six-word story.

Tip # 5 – Be positive, not negative

Another tip from Hemingway. Write what is, not what isn’t.

Instead of saying, this is painless, say, this is comfortable.

Instead of expensive, say economical.