Mark Twain’s Seven Writing Rules That’ll 10x Your Writing

Seven simple writing rules you can’t live without

Image from www.midjourney.com

Writing supports thinking.

The better you can write, the clearer you can think.

Here are seven rules from one of America’s greatest authors:

1. “Use the right word, not its second cousin.”

Word choice matters.

Select the right word to convey your message.

Copywriting example:

• Don’t settle for “good” skincare; choose “exceptional” skincare.

Good sounds good. Exceptional sounds great.

2. “As to the adjective: when in doubt, strike it out.”

Excess adjectives = verbose writing.

Choose precise verbs, and you don't need adjectives.

• Instead of: ‘The big, red and noisy car’
• Say: ‘The loud Ferrari’.

Specificity is clarity.

3. “You need not expect to get your book right the first time. Go to work and revamp or rewrite it.”