Be an Awesome WriterLike Hemingway (well, sort of)

Writing is hard.

Okay, writing is actually easy.

Effective writing. Emotional writing.

Writing that inspires people.Writing that convinces people.

Writing that makes us want to do something.

Yeah, that’s hard.

But it doesn’t have to be.

You just have to be smart

about it.

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www.thepursuitofsassiness.com

Hemingway was a great writer.

Economical. Pointed. Purposeful.

And you can be too!

How?

Hemingway followed 4 simple rulesthat he learned from his first writing job

at the Kansas City Star

#1. Use short sentences.(case in point)

Why?

Get to the point quickly (when that’s important)

#2. Use short opening first paragraphs.

Why?

Don’t waste people’s time.Tell them what they are going to read.

First.

#3. Use vigorous language.

Why?

Language is emotional.Words are powerful.

Example?Avoid passive voice.

(okay, cringing understandable)

#4. Be Positive, Not Negative

Why?

I think this one speaks for itself.

With that said...

Digital has changed everything.So many channels, so many different styles.

So many different purposes.

So I’ve distilled those 4 rules Hemingway followedinto something more for the digital world

#1. Control Language.

Language is visual. Adding a longer sentenceevery now and then breaks it up. Otherwise...

it’s boring.

#2. Be impactful.

Your first paragraph may need to be longerto set tone and to be emotional (that’s #4).

Your fifth paragraph may need to be short(to hammer home a point).

#3. Be impactful.

Gain attention quickly. That can be done in a lot of different ways. With evocative words orchallenging ideas. With short, crisp sentences.

With a question. With a statement.

In a house, with a mouse...

#4. Establish an emotional connection

Unless you are writing explanations of scientificdata, you need to create an emotional connection.

Language is emotional. Use it correctly by understanding your audience.

Now get out there and start writing.

Make Hemingway proud.