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Mastering the Craft: Pro Writing Tips, Best Practices, and Pitfalls to Avoid
Examples of time-proven writing techniques
Whether you’re an aspiring novelist, a seasoned copywriter, a technical communicator, or a casual blogger, the difference between mediocre writing and compelling content often lies in the application of timeless writing techniques.
Drawing from my 30-years of experience as a professional writer, here’s a blog-sized dose of wisdom, best practices, and actionable tips — complete with examples and essential DOs and DON’Ts — to help elevate your writing game today.
1. Write as You Speak — But Smarter
DO: Use clear, everyday language. Readers shouldn’t feel like they need a dictionary to get through your paragraphs.
Example:
- ❌ “He actuated the initiation button to activate the engine.”
- ✅ “He pushed the button to start the engine.”
DON’T: Mistake simplicity for sloppiness. Writing like you speak doesn’t mean abandoning structure or clarity. Think: natural, not lazy.
2. Be Specific or Be Forgotten
Readers connect with vivid, detailed writing — not vague generalizations. “Flowers” is forgettable. “A vase of drooping purple irises on the windowsill” paints a picture.
DO: Zoom in on the detail.
DON’T: Use placeholders like “a lot” or “things” unless absolutely necessary.
3. Write Fast, Edit Ruthlessly
Speed creates flow; editing creates polish. Get your first draft down quickly, then switch hats and become your own toughest editor.
DO: Write without censoring yourself.
DON’T: Edit while writing — that’s how you kill momentum.
Ernest Hemingway famously said, “The first draft of everything is s**t.” That’s permission to get messy. Perfection is for the second draft.
4. Repeat Your Main Idea (Yes, Really)
If you’re writing persuasive or instructional content, don’t be afraid to state your core message more than once.
DO: Mention your thesis multiple times — strategically and in different ways.
DON’T: Assume one mention is enough. Readers skim. Repetition ensures retention.
5. Use the “Hamburger” Structure
Great writing — especially nonfiction — follows a logical, layered format:
- Top bun: Introduce your topic clearly.
- Juicy middle: Serve the details, arguments, and examples.
- Bottom bun: Close with a concise, satisfying conclusion.
This structure isn’t just for essays. Emails, web pages, even social media posts benefit from a solid opening, meaty middle, and clean finish.
6. Know Your “Why” Before You Write
Forgive me but I have to stress this as the soul of good writing. That’s no hype.
Why are you writing this piece? What feeling, idea, or transformation do you want to spark?
DO: Get clear on your intention.
DON’T: Write just to fill space. Readers can spot filler from a mile away.
7. Honor Your Unique Voice
Trying to sound like “everyone else” is the quickest path to forgettable prose. Embrace your quirks. Your voice is your fingerprint.
DO: Write in a tone that feels authentic to you.
DON’T: Over-polish your writing until it sounds robotic. Passion connects; perfection alienates.
8. Common Pitfalls to Avoid (A Mini DOs & DON’Ts List)
- ❌ DON’T use “very” or lazy adverbs. Strong verbs do the heavy lifting.
- ✅ DO replace “ran very fast” with “sprinted” or “bolted.”
- ❌ DON’T overstuff sentences with fancy jargon or acronyms.
- ✅ DO explain things like you’re talking to a smart friend.
- ❌ DON’T assume your audience knows what you mean.
- ✅ DO provide context, transitions, and clarity.
- ❌ DON’T rely on clichés or tired expressions.
- ✅ DO craft fresh metaphors and original imagery.
Progress Over Perfection
If there’s one golden thread running through rules of good writing, it’s this: you don’t need to be perfect — you just need to keep writing. Write fast, write honestly, and revise with care. Every sentence you write is a step forward in your journey toward mastery.
So whether you’re crafting your next blog post, novel, email, or white paper, keep these time-tested practices within reach. Writing is a skill. Like any craft, it improves with intention, practice, and a touch of boldness.
For more examples and tons of time-proven writing gold, see 101 Pro Writing Techniques
