Hoodwinked? 4 Common myths that most Bloggers today buy into!

How many have you bought into?

Let’s face it: though fairy tales are for kids, we’ve all bought into a myth or two, even as adults.

You know: “the one size fits all” fallacy by today’s clothing designer.
The “I didn’t call because I lost your number” excuse by the cute guy that took your “digits” then later suffered from amnesia.
The “no need for umbrellas today” forecast provided by the a.m. weather man.

We want so badly to be able to trust.
Taking folks at face value gives them benefit of the doubt, helps us to believe in the goodness of humanity, and provides possibility for “happily ever after” for these fairy tales.

And most times, there’s no real harm done. The only draw back is feeling foolish when the real truth surfaces.
But, not when it comes to blogging. Not if you intend to pursue it professionally, or to make money through your site amid a sea of competition.

Buying into myths and misinformation can cost you time, money, and sometimes your online reputation.

With this in mind, let’s explore the most common myths associated with blogging for bucks, and how to overcome them:
 

The Myth:
If you want to be taken “seriously” as a blogger, you shouldn’t blog on a free platform like WordPress or Blogger.

The Reality:
Not true. Not always. As a “pro blogger” who has had a relatively successful site over the past few years, I can attest that your level of professionalism and “seriousness” will be based upon a number of factors. This includes: the quality of your writing, the quality of your guest posts, the quality of your links, and industry recognition.

“The proof is in the pudding.” My Blogger hosted blog has over 100,000 page views, hundreds of followers, paid advertisers, and has won various awards and recognition which includes the following:

• Chosen as a Top 10 Writing Blogs finalist at Write to Done
• Ranked # 64 at Lifehacked.com Top 100 Blogs for Modern Writers in 2013
• Received recognition through “60 of the Best Minds in the Blogosphere” by Possibility of Today
• Earned “Awesome Blog” designation at Writing-world.com

Additionally, some very noted and prolific “professional” authors are also hosted on free platforms.
Here are a few you might be familiar with:

C. Hope Clark---Creator of Funds for Writers (Blogs on Blogger)
Kelly James Enger---Author of Goodbye Bylines, Hello Big Bucks (Blogs on Blogger)
Wendy Burt--- Public Relations Expert and Author of Writer’s Digest Guide to Query Letters (Blogs on WordPress)

Hope Clark adds: “I adore Blogger, and while I moved my blog to my website to

www.chopeclark.com , I learned that so many people enjoy Blogger and basic Wordpress, that I kept the old site open as well. I have a duplicate blog because the average reader enjoys reading on the Blogger system. Serious bloggers don't care where they blog as long as they have a following. I don't think it matters one iota. However...that said...having a custom blog does open up your world to more widgets and decorative items, but I don't think it makes readers want to read you more. I'm all for the free sites. Writers have enough to worry about.”

Also worth mentioning, is that some blogs hosted on free platforms have even been selected for the prestigious Writers Digest annual “101 Best Websites for Writers,” like theBookshelfmuse.blogspot.com, for example.

The Fix:
To be taken seriously on a free platform, you have to “over compensate” in some ways.
In other words, the design of your site must be extremely professional and well constructed; not plastered with a lot of cheap, cartoon like images, bold colors, or foreign looking fonts. It also has to be free of typos, grammatical errors, and profanity. Substance is crucial. Easy navigation is also a must.

The Myth:
Blogging jobs pay peanuts, as compared to feature pieces, interviews, or other genres of writing.

The Reality:
There is no set pay for bloggers. Pay will be contingent upon the length of the post, the frequency, the industry, the client, and your related experience.

For example, as a “ghost blogger” I currently earn $150.00 a month for two brief hours of blog work for a CEO of a not-for-profit organization. And that’s just for one client. Far from peanuts, wouldn’t you agree?

The Fix:
Earning more pay for your say essentially requires two important strategies:

1. Seeking opportunities on higher paying job boards (Problogger.net, Bloggingpro.com, Womenonwriting.com) as opposed to Craigslist.

And
2. Honing your skills and landing quality guest posts at prestigious sites to show that you’ve got the blogging “chops” to earn better than average pay.
　
The Myth:
Blogging is so time consuming that it will take time away from your other important writing and marketing projects.

The Reality:
Don’t believe the hype. It’s all about time management and strategy. Done correctly, blogging can actually enhance your writing career, and allow you to work “smarter, not harder”. How? Blogging requires consistency and helps to develop good writing habits. It helps to build a “solid” platform and following for future book sales. It increases your Google Search Engine ranking.

The Fix:
Blogging should work in tandem with your other writing and marketing efforts, not be an either/ or proposition.

*Make sure you’re passionate about your subject matter. I’ve seen bloggers that blog about their pets, their personal lives, their books, and even their 9 to 5 jobs. For each person it’s different. The one common thread is that passion keeps you from becoming bored and prevents pre-mature burn-out. And passion helps to engage your audience and keep them coming back for more.

*Leverage guest posts to promote your projects, books, and your site-- through your article links and bios at hosting sites. This will allow you to kill two birds with one stone, in terms of marketing efforts.

*Don’t feel the need to create blog posts of epic proportions. Sometimes less is more. Opt for quality over quantity. For instance, I’ve done popular posts that consisted of a beautiful short poem or motivational quotes, accompanied by a lovely image and a thought provoking question. I’ve also penned brief book reviews on recommended resources for writers that were well received. And you can too.

 

The Myth:
People don’t really read blogs.

The Reality:
Studies and surveys suggest otherwise. The Pew Internet Project reports that an estimated 30 million Americans read blogs on a regular basis.

Here are some other noteworthy stats provided by HubSpot.com:

65% of Internet users read a blog.
Companies that blog have 97% more inbound links than those that don’t.
Companies that blog have 55% more website visits than those that don’t.
According to the “Science of Blogging” survey, 71% of respondents stated that blogs affected their purchasing decisions.
　

The Fix:
Don’t underestimate the power of blogging and its potential to connect with future clients and customers. Use your blog to help in your branding efforts. Design it so that it is a positive reflection on you and your business, and so that it provides real value in the blogosphere.
You can achieve this through an array of methods-- like surveys, contests, reviews, and online discussions.

If you want to expand your business in 2013, it’s time for a paradigm shift.
Don’t let common myths keep you from earning “real cash” and the prestige afforded today’s successful blogger.

Your turn.

Agree or disagree?

How many myths have you fallen for? Do tell.

Image: Freedigitalphotos.net

 

April is National Humor Month* Join me in Celebrating Here at Pen & Prosper...

Laughter. In a world sometimes filled with unspeakable pain and senseless tragedy, we sorely need it.
Laughter is like a healing balm that soothes the soul. The medical community has even embraced it as having therapeutic properties as well.
Which is why I'm glad to devote today's post to this worthy topic.

National Humor Month was actually established back in 1976, by humorist Larry Wilde.
Through an array of events and programs, it seeks to increase awareness of the many beneficial aspects of humor, through various applications.

I wanna' know...
What makes you laugh? Is it a child at play? The antics of your cat? Or your favorite comedian?
As a writer, how do you incorporate it in your creative pieces--whether in your approach, or style of expression?

Let's explore humor as a literary technique...

Why use humor? To enhance writing, silly. :-)
Humor is to writing what seasoning is to food. It adds flavor!
Humor evokes emotion.
Humor is smart. It shows creativity, reflection, and an understanding of the human condition and all its complexities.

On a personal note, one of the most memorable Blog compliments I’ve ever gotten, is when one reader chose my site as one of her "top 10 favorites" stating: “Pen and Prosper is where I go when I want to learn and laugh.”  How cool!

Here's the thing with humor, however...
Though effective, it can be tricky. Proceed with caution.

Consider the many stars, comedians, and politicians that have used it without good judgment and suffered dire consequences as a result.
Folks like Howard Stern, Michael Richards, and Don Imus, to name a few.

With this in mind, here’s how to make humor work for you, and serve the intended purpose.

1. Keep it tasteful.
"Did you hear the one about...?" Though humor is subjective, most would agree that poking fun at people's tragedies, physical challenges, or racial background, is not "p.c.", nor is it cool or kind. Be creative without being crass.

2. Keep it universal.
One of the reasons that comedian Chris Rock has been voted "Funniest man in America" is his universal appeal. I double-dog-dare anyone to watch his routines and not laugh out loud! Though some of it can be a bit raunchy, Chris is an extremely bright and introspective entertainer. Partly because he picks up on all the commonalities that unite us no matter what our race or region. Issues like family drama, money, marriage and kids. In your writing, seek to do the same.

3. Keep it relevant.
For example, a Blog devoted to writing might have quips and musings on computer glitches, rejections from editors, and existing on a Ramen Noodle diet in between publishers' pay.
I bet most of you can relate. :-)

4. Keep it in proper balance.
Too much can detract from your professionalism, while too little can cause your writing to come across as dull, lifeless and void of personality.

Keep these tips in mind, to make for Blog posts that add dimension and entertainment value to your readers!

Thoughts?
What shows make you laugh these days? Do you use humor in your writing? Do tell.

Image: Stock Photo

The Write Environment- How to Create a Home Office That Inspires Creativity and Productivity

Guest Post by: Kathryn Weber

Don't believe the hype.
If writing was easy, everyone would do it. It's not. It requires creativity, focus and concentration and discipline. But how do you create an office that nurtures those qualities and creates the image of a serious, professional writer?

It’s all about balance. Writers need the right environment to do their best work, and balancing that environment with a space that’s both stimulating and supportive is the key. Fortunately, it’s easier to set up a writing environment than writing the great American novel, but it might just help you write one.

Writers often find that they put their offices together from what they have around the house. If you’re just getting started, it might seem like a good idea, but try to avoid this. Writers are often discounted, especially in the beginning, by well-meaning friends and family. Too often no one believes we’re really going to become a professional or published writer.
Well, one way to convince them – and yourself – is to set up a professional looking office.

Once you decide that you’re going to take the plunge into writing, resist the urge to pull out the old card table from the basement or reuse your kids’ old school desk. Instead, why not try a local resale shop, such as Habitat for Humanity’s Restore outlet or an office furniture resale shop for quality office furniture. While not as inexpensive as Goodwill or other second hand store, office furniture resale stores have professional-grade furniture. This is so important when you’re working for hours in a seated position. Investing in a quality desk, keyboard tray and comfortable, supportive chair is paramount.

Creating that professional feeling when you’re a writer helps you be more focused and feel more professional. That can carry you when inspiration is waning and words are hard to come by. Look at setting your office up like that of any CEO and battle any impulse you have to push your beautiful new (even if it’s just new to you) desk against the wall.
Over and again, offices are set up for the convenience of the electrical gadgets that fill the office and not the people who occupy them. Too often, desks are turned to face the wall because that’s where the plugs are and it’s easier to hook up computers and printers when the plugs are less than two feet away. But today’s outlet strips now come with extra-long cords making this irrelevant. If cords are stretching across the floor to the desk, they can be covered by a rubber cord cover designed for just this purpose.

One of the reasons it’s so important for writers to turn their desks around is because writers need open space in front of them. When desks are turned around to face the wall, there’s no where to look except at a blank wall. Writer’s need inspiration. That’s why turning the desk around so that it’s out in the room or facing a window is so helpful. If that’s not reason enough, then chalk it up to feng shui. It’s a basic tenet of feng shui that desks are pulled away from the wall so that energy can circulate, and energy is key to creativity.

But don’t stop there. Really work at making your writing space into a professional office complete with accents, coordinated desk accessories and bookshelves. Be sure to add in accomplishments too.

Nothing can keep your motivation going like actual examples of your work. Create a collage of your clips on your wall, frame your book covers and newspaper clippings you’ve written or that are written about you. Visual validation of your efforts, like diplomas in your doctor’s office, speak to the writing professional you are or aspire to be.

Read more about décor and organization tips for the home and office in Kathryn Weber’s new eBook, Living Space: Simple Steps to Transform Your Home, now available on Amazon.com.


Thoughts?
How is your home office looking these days? What would you do differently? Do tell.
　

Poetry Sunday*National Poetry Month Tribute Continues at Pen & Prosper

"On Finding Your Self"

If you want
to find paradise
just sit still
and observe silence.

You do not need
to go anywhere else
in order to
discover your self.

The great spirit
dwells within you
and around you:
the guiding spirit
is a state of being.

It is a divine light
that breaks through
the clouds and rushes
through the trees
to visit you.

Look in the
mirror and take
time to smile
at your reflection.

Make your peace
with who you are
and laugh at the
absurdity of existence.

What is unknown
is your friend
and time is a waterfall:
falling, falling, falling
into our endless universe.

(Archan Mehta is a writer, consultant, teacher with a Ph.D. in Management and can be reached at archanm@hotmail.com).

DAY 130

 

You ask me

What do you want for a gift?

 

 

I reply

 

If you placed the moon

Along with the stars

In the palm of my hand

And then surrounded me

With rays from the sun

Without you I would still have nothing

 

Thank you for the gift of love--You

 

(C) P.W. McBeth

 

 

STILL HERE

I've been scarred and battered.
My hopes the wind done scattered.
Snow has friz me, sun has baked me.

Looks like between 'em
They done tried to make me
Stop laughin', stop lovin', stop livin'--
But I don't care!
I'm still here!

Langston Hughes 

 

Image: Freedigitalphotos.net

10 Things You Can do in 10 Minutes to Advance Your Writing Career Today!

---“A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.”

Many times we think that carving out a career in writing requires grandiose efforts, a great investment of time, or the equivalent of blood shed.

And for some creative pursuits, this may very well apply.

But, more often than not, it’s the small things, the cumulative efforts, the “light bulb” moments, the consistent habits, that squarely put us on the path to success and offer real results.

In fact, ask the average writer what challenges him the most, and you’re likely to hear that “there are not enough hours in the day to get everything done.”

Well, unfortunately, we can’t change the hours allocated to us.

But, we can alter our efforts and be more strategic in how we spend the time that we’ve got.

Best-selling author, L.J. Smith of the Vampire Diaries shares accordingly: “Try to write something everyday, even if it’s only a short entry in your diary.”

With this in mind, here are 10 things that writers of all levels and genres can do in 10 minutes to make inroads, make an impact, and advance their career. Little by little. So set your timers and get ready to count to ten.

CREATIVE “QUICKIES”

THE TASK:
“Tweet” a post or project.

THE TAKE-AWAY BENEFIT:
140 characters doesn’t provide parameters for a lot of meaningful expression. But used wisely, social media can put you on the map, allow you to network your way to your next freelance gig, and gain exposure to massive audiences. Tap into it to promote your upcoming novel, or as a call- to-action to support an important cause, or even to get folks to sign up for your free online classes. According to Hubspot.com, social media usage has increased by 356% in six years. The possibilities are endless!

THE TASK:
Comment on a blog post written by a fellow blogger.

THE TAKE-AWAY BENEFIT:
It’s a simple act that can have long-term results. Leaving a well placed, well thought out comment on the right blog can provide a “virtual paper trail” back to your site and cultivate new friends and followers. And I should know. It’s actually how I discovered new sites that I bookmarked, then ultimately followed and engaged with, after initial comments were made at my site. Sometimes “it takes so little to mean so much.”

THE TASK:
Add a signature line to your outgoing emails.

THE TAKE-AWAY BENEFIT:
How many emails would you say you send out in a day? A week even? 50? 100?
Or maybe you’re one of those folks that enjoys sending those funny chain mail jokes and prayers that require that the sender forward it to “10 other people to receive a special blessing by 10 p.m.”.
Each time you send an email message, there’s the potential of having your name, title and services appear before hundreds of potential clients or future blog readers.

Think of it as the law of return. And it’s free advertising.
Setting it up is relatively easy, too.
Simply sign in to your email account at Yahoo! Then click under “mail options”. From there select “signature”. Type in what you’d like yours to reflect, and remember to “save the changes”. In less than 10 minutes, it’s a done deal. Easy peasy.

THE TASK:
Beef up your Bio.

THE TAKE-AWAY BENEFIT:
Bios are similar in function to a resume. Written effectively, they can help to get you noticed, stand above the competition, and establish you as an expert in your niche area. And the good thing here, is most of us already have something written up. Now go one step beyond. Think brief, but substantive. Make sure to tweak it so it mentions any recent awards or noteworthy accomplishments. For bonus points, you should ideally create several--for different purposes. I keep one on file for blog jobs, another for ghostwriting gigs, and one for article directories as well.

THE TASK:
Work on a writing prompt.

THE TAKE-AWAY BENEFIT:
Writing prompts are great for getting the creative juices flowing. They can be developed into starting points for your next poem, contest entry, or personal essay. Here’s a neat site to try a few:
http://www.creativewritingprompts.com/
　
THE TASK:
Purge your Email inbox or clean your desk.

THE TAKE-AWAY BENEFIT:
Clutter clogs the brain and compromises your efficiency. It also has a tendency to create feelings of being overwhelmed and under the gun. In the spirit of spring cleaning, why not take a few minutes to trash spam messages, toss unwanted offers, and unsubscribe to those newsletters you no longer have the time or interest to read. It will help you to feel more organized and better equipped to tackle the other tasks on your “to do” list.   
　
THE TASK:
Place a “cold call”. Just one.

THE TAKE-AWAY BENEFIT:
The opportunity to drum up new business by making brief contact. (Be sure to have your “elevator pitch” ready.) About two years ago, I saw an ad on the back of our church bulletin from a local day care service. Believing I had nothing to lose, I contacted the owner the next week, ( after rehearsing at home) to find out if she had any marketing or freelance writing needs. After a 10 minute conversation, she asked me to give her a day to think about it. The next day she placed an order for business cards and blogging services. She remains an active client…still. You just never know until you try.

THE TASK:
Sign up for PayPal.

THE TAKE-AWAY BENEFIT:
PayPal is an online service that allows small business owners to accept online payments from across the globe, in addition to sending automated invoices and reminders to bill clients with less hassle. You won’t have to deal with “the check is in the mail,” at least theoretically speaking.

THE TASK:
Tap into the power of positive affirmations.

THE TAKE-AWAY BENEFIT:
Positive affirmations have been said to influence empowering thoughts. Champion boxer Muhammad Ali used to repeat, “I am the greatest” before stepping into the ring. Prepare yourself for daily “battle” by incorporating affirmations in your self-speak. “As a man thinketh, so it is.”

THE TASK:
Do some detective work. Find out what’s hot and what’s not by briefly browsing the magazine covers at the check-out stand at your local grocer. Make your waiting time count.

THE TAKE-AWAY BENEFIT:
This can bring a treasure trove of useful, marketable ideas. Like this morning, I went to a neighborhood store to pick up some cream cheese for a new recipe, and “picked up” some writing material as well. For example, a few magazines featured how to turn thrift store finds into attractive “vintage” items for your home. Summer fashions was another hot topic, and so was money management in today‘s tough economic times. Get the idea here?

　

As you can see, taking your career to new heights this year doesn’t require elaborate measures or a massive time commitment. Simply follow these leads…and count to ten!

Your turn.
Agree or disagree? Which one will you attempt within 24 hours?

Image: Freedigitalphotos.net

Think Pink! Five Fabulous Sites Written by or For Women You Should Read...

Okay, Pen and Prosper Peeps. Some of you may recall, that last month we took a look at some of the best books written by or for women, in honor of Women's History Month.
I also promised that, to round things out, we'd give tribute to some bodacious blogs with the same objective as well.

For this reason, I am posting two separate entries for today's session, and hope that you'll find something worthy of connecting and commenting.
Especially considering I have my Sunday dinner in the oven at 350 degrees right now, am working on creative projects, spring cleaning, and really demonstrating my multi-tasking skills this
weekend.  Oh my! :-)
Anyhow...back to the subject at hand.

I read a lot of blogs. Though my busy schedule doesn't allow me to visit my favorites as often as I would sometimes like, I try to check in as much as possible. There's no doubt about it: my Blog roster is very diverse, folks.
Book-marked sites include niches ranging from lifestyle, to creative writing, to cooking, business, and even education.

And yours should too. I firmly believe that a well-rounded reader makes for a better writer.
Wouldn't you agree?

With this being said, here are a few awesome sites that you'll want to discover and add to your weekly round-up, (if you haven't already).

1. Biz Chick Blogs
Though I don't typically like a site that has a slew of categories, this one is done well.
Tia touches base on everything from business, to travel, to food, to writing. It's fun, fierce and informative. And the design works. Seeing is believing. Visit her at Bizchickblogs.com and discover what the buzz is about.

2. Happy Momentum
To reach a more "Zen-like" state, for years I've tried to practice Yoga and meditation. I have yet to master it. Still a student in training, I find that reading about these disciplines can be enlightening as well. Which is why I'm a fan of this site.
Happy Momentum, is written by Caren Baginski, a Yoga instructor, who lives by the philosophy that "Everything is going to be okay". I love the simplicity here, as she shares strategies on how to focus on things that are important for a better quality of life. See if you agree.

3. Ina Mae Greene Foundation-For my Sisters
This organization seeks to empower women who have been victimized through domestic violence, by providing resources, educational programs, events, and literature. It's an important cause that merits awareness and support, as founder Darlene Greene gives women of all walks of life, renewed hope for a brighter path. Domestic violence touches the hearts and homes of so many--from Hollywood celebrities to working women. Even if it hasn't impacted you directly, chances are, you know someone for whom it has.

4. Kelley Highway
I always enjoy my journeys on Kelley Highway, because I never know what she'll explore.
First off, the design is cute and clever, and I'm loving those diva shoes displayed in the banner.
I also love the vibe, the recipes, the cute quotes, the approach. Need I say more? Stop by, say hi, and see what she's up to this week. I'm betting it'll be among your favorite blog stops in the future.

5. The Possibility of Today
The possibility of today was created by former attorney and Harvard graduate, Sybil Chavis. Chavis and her husband decided to engage in a simple act that had major impact. They vowed to give up complaining for 40 days. This ushered in a new way of thinking and a new way of life. Read how having a paradigm shift and a positive mental state can transform your relationships, your career, and your overall perspective. You'll find a lot of interesting topics, resources, and posts worth pondering here.  Imagine the possibilities!

Thoughts? Any sites you'd like to add?

Image: Freedigitalimages.net

Pen and Prosper Honors National Poetry Month

"How do I love thee...?"

Poets have enriched the arts and culture scene for centuries.
"Good ones" put into words the thoughts and emotions of everyday man with eloquence.
They evoke an array of emotions, whether they are reflecting the human condition, or addressing events of the day.

Who hasn't been touched by the words of Elizabeth Barrett-Browning? Or moved by Maya Angelou's depth?
Poetry feeds the mind and soul.

It also serves as the foundation and framework of our favorite songs--from hip-hop, to country tunes, to ballads.
Formerly confined to study in academic or literary settings, poetry has enjoyed tremendous popularity over the years, with "cross-over" appeal.
In many cities, you can hear poets read their works at local coffee houses, Jazz joints, churches, and an array of social gatherings, for people of all ages.

So significant in its impact, April marks National Poetry Month.
Established originally in 1996, by a proclamation from former President, Bill Clinton, National Poetry Month seeks to recognize the artistic contributions of poets and "spoken word" artists around the world.

Educational workshops, library readings, creative contests, and awareness activities will be sponsored throughout the month.
Accordingly, I will be sharing a few poetry selections and related posts here at Pen and Prosper in April.

If you're a poet, and would like to be featured, please feel free to shoot me an Email at Gemsjen@yahoo.com. Pen and Prosper affords you the opportunity to reach a broad, diverse audience of wonderful, receptive readers. And the "fan base" is growing. Currently, this blog has over 10,000 page views per month.

Not to mention, I love to connect with and learn about fellow artists.

With this in mind, I look forward to celebrating all the magic of my first "literary love" and hope you'll join me!

Your turn.
Who's your favorite poet?
Do you dabble? Do tell...

Image: Freedigitalphotos.net

Here's the "Skinny" on How to Trim the Fat From Your Writing...Post by Nick Thacker



Nick Thacker

There are a lot of great posts and articles out there on editing and reworking parts of your writing to make it better.
But one of the things that was pointed out to me recently about my writing was that it seemed “fat”—mainly that it was bulky, heavy, or just seemed too “full of words.”

Most of us have heard that we need to "trim the fat" from our writing, especially in fiction. To do this, the recommendation is to remove as many adverbs from our writing--or at least try not to use them when possible--and watch our use of dialogue tags other than "said."

But what exactly does it all mean? Sure, it's easy enough to not say, "the boy ran timidly, yet excitedly, toward the goal," and substitute in something that sounds less seventh-grade. We know that dialogue flows easier through our readers' minds when it's short and to the point, but how exactly do we use that advice?

I'm no expert (my background is actually in marketing and promotions), 

but I have done some writing. More importantly, I've done some serious editing on my own work, and I've seen the marked difference I've been able to attain with just some simple cutting and chopping here and there. Here is a list of the best things I've ever done to spruce up my writing:

Get rid of adverbs.

Not all of them, but some. See for yourself:

"John sat awkwardly in the chair, swiveling around strangely as he took in his surroundings.　Who were these people?　he thought, as the cosmetologist gently nipped and chopped at his hair. He began to stare intently at the man that was sitting nearest to him in the waiting area, trying to figure out where he'd seen him before."

See how strange it sounds? Admittedly (sorry to use another adverb...), the actual writing needs work too, but I can improve the paragraph quite a bit just by chopping out most of the adverbs and replacing them (if needed) with simple descriptions of the action:

"John swiveled in the chair, taking in his surroundings. Who were these people? he thought, as the cosmetologist nipped and chopped at his hair. He began to stare at the man that was sitting nearest to him in the waiting area, trying to figure out where he'd seen him before."

Already, it's looking better. It's more to-the-point, and it doesn't fall off the tongue (or our mind's tongue!) in chunks as we try to read it. But there's more: it's still lacking the bluntness of a well-written passage.

Get rid of gerunds and infinitives.

This one is a little trickier, and really depends on your own experience and preference. For me, running a search through my current novel manuscript finds no less than 453 instances of the word "began." That's insane. I write things like, "he began to walk away," and "she began to stand up." Why?

There's no reason for those "began + infinitive" expressions, especially when you can replace the expression with something as simple as the past participle (walked, stood). The above sentences in my manuscript become, "he walked away," and "she stood up." Already I'm making significant progress cutting the fat (and my word count).

"John swiveled in the chair and took in his surroundings. Who were these people? he thought, as the cosmetologist nipped and chopped at his hair. He stared at the man that was sitting nearest to him in the waiting area and tried to figure out where he'd seen him before."

Sound better? It is (at least in my opinion).

Run searches on words like "began," "that," (quite often, you don't even need it!) and adverbs like "really" and "very" and work out a way to exclude them from your writing. If you can't delete them completely, you can usually rework the sentence slightly and come out with a much crisper result.

Watch your pronouns!

I can sometimes get carried away with my pronouns ("he said, she said" stuff) and realize that my writing is hard to understand. If I can't understand it as the writer, there's no way　my readers can probably understand it. Try reworking the subjects and objects of the sentences so you're not only using the active voice ("he told him") instead of the passive voice ("he was told by him"), but also try to replace unclear pronouns ("he told him") with more specific ones ("he told the man"):

"John swiveled in the chair and took in his surroundings. Who were these people? he thought, as the cosmetologist nipped and chopped at John's hair. He stared at the man seated nearest to him in the waiting area. Where have I seen him before?"

By reworking some of the instances of "him" to say "John," we can clear up who's performing the action and who it's being performed upon. By scrapping the last half of the last sentence and replacing it with a more direct action (internal dialogue), we get to "see" John figure out his surroundings, instead of being "told" how he's figuring it out.

Make sense?

I understand this isn't the perfect example, and it's still subject to opinion--some writers don't like the Hemingway-esque short, choppy sentence structure, but I'm a thriller writer. I want action, and I want it fast! Scenes like John's aren't as "action-packed," yet still need to flow with the speed and clarity of the a-bullet-pierced-his-skull!-type scenes.

If you can't figure out how to make a paragraph concise and clear enough to be understood, it's probably not necessary to your plot!

What do you think?

Let me know in the comments what your thoughts are on this.
Specifically, what “rules” do you set for yourself so your writing remains lean and straight-to-the-point? Are there certain words or phrases you commonly find in your work that we should watch out for?

Leave a comment and let’s discuss!

Nick Thacker is a writer who runs the self-publishing blog　www.LiveHacked.com. He has recently started offering a free, 20-week course helping people　write their novels.