When it comes to writing, we often cling to tried-and-true guidelines as though they’re unbreakable laws. However, language is fluid, and rules are made to be adapted. In this post, we’ll explore five common writing guidelines that you can actually bend to enhance creativity and keep readers engaged. By understanding when and how to apply flexibility, you’ll master the craft of writing with an authentic voice.
The Myth of Avoiding Passive Voice
One of the most circulated pieces of writing advice is to avoid passive voice. But sometimes, passive voice is the perfect choice. For instance, if the action is more important than the actor, or you want to create an air of mystery, passive voice does the trick. Consider the difference: “The secret formula was stolen,” versus “Someone stole the secret formula.” The first sentence emphasizes the significance of the formula itself, leaving the thief shrouded in mystery.
The Flexibility of Sentence Structure
Monotony is the death knell of engaging writing. While traditional guides may admonish writers to maintain uniform sentence structure, breaking this rule can breathe life into your prose. Short, punchy sentences can increase tension or highlight important ideas: “He knocked. She froze.” Alternatively, longer, flowing sentences weave complex narratives and enrich descriptions: “With every step he took towards her, she could feel the web of her carefully constructed world beginning to unravel, thread by thread.”
“3” Adhering to Strict Word Counts
Word counts are often provided as a guide to keep narratives tight and on-topic, but there’s no one-size-fits-all rule for the ‘perfect’ length of a piece. When your content offers value, maintains relevance, and keeps the reader’s interest, it won’t matter if it’s slightly longer or shorter than a specified word count. For blogs, focus more on comprehensively covering the topic rather than hitting an arbitrary number.
“4” Sticking to a Formal Tone
In many writing scenarios, a conversational tone can foster a stronger connection with the audience than formal language. Whether it’s a friendly blog post, a lively article, or engaging web content, a conversational tone can be more relatable and digestible for readers. For example: “Let’s figure out this SEO enigma together,” rather than “One shall endeaveor to elucidate the intricacies of SEO.”
“5” Never Starting Sentences with Conjunctions
And now for a guideline you’ve definitely heard: never start a sentence with a conjunction. But here’s a secretdoing so can add punch and rhythm to your writing. For example: “But there’s more. Starting a sentence with ‘but’ or ‘and’ can rouse curiosity and keep people reading.”
“6” The Rule of Writing Every Day
If writing daily doesn’t fit into your schedule or creative process, don’t fret. Though consistency can help improve your skills, quality should always trump quantity. Writing when you feel inspired can lead to more passionate and effective prose. James Patterson didn’t become a best-selling author by adhering to stringent daily writing routines; he honed his craft by writing compelling stories that resonated with readers worldwide.
By recognizing when to stick to guidelines and when to adapt them, your writing will not only grow in technical skill but also in creativity and engagement. Apply these adjustable guidelines in your next written piece to craft content that leaves a lasting impression on your readers.
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