Jan 20, 2016 / Inspiration

Keep It Simple

Streamline your writing style by keeping your language simple and placing your story center stage.

One day I will find the right words, and they will be simple. — Jack Kerouac

As writers, words are our tools. The goal of any story, essay, or poem is to express something to the reader. If we choose words that are flimsy and vague, the story loses its potency. By cultivating a strong, sturdy vocabulary upon which we can build our tales, we make our voices that much more powerful.

Years ago, an English teacher of mine asked us to compare two sentences:

I’m thirsty.

I thirst.

Which, he asked, was more gripping for readers? The entire class agreed that I thirst carried with it a sense of urgency and desperation. I’m thirsty meant the same thing, but it didn’t draw such a clear picture. By removing filler words and flowery language — as much as I’m a lover of floral embellishments in my own writing — the meaning of each statement is expressed in a way that is that much more clear and precise to the reader.

For inspiration this week, simplify. Crack out the (virtual) red pen and remove any extraneous language from your post. With each sentence, ask yourself: what would make it stronger? Apply a philosophy of minimalism to your language, whether it’s in a poem, essay, or personal blog post. Cut away the overgrowth and show us the heart of your message.

How do you go about streamlining your sentences? Are there any fillers you especially try to avoid?What tips do you have for editing and cutting down on embellishments?

Show Comments

165 Comments

Comments are closed.

Close Comments

Comments

    2. I find I use a lot of unnecessary qualifiers and adverbs (actually, just, etc). Something that helps me is a self-imposed word limit. I write what I have to say, then check the word count. Almost always the edits necessary to meet the count improve the quality of the writing.

      Liked by 2 people

  5. Words are the best weapon that use anywhere without scare. sometimes it will be hurt than real weapons like gun or knife. at the same time words are the best and beautiful things in the world.using of words that happened when it using in different places. but I assure you words are the best and beautiful thing in the World. that spreads awesome spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings.

    thanks
    http://www.lomaxwood.co.uk/timber-windows/

    Liked by 2 people

  17. I’m in contradiction here. I live by minimalism, but love flowery embellishments on my texts. I’ll try to it and see what comes out of it. 🙂

    Have the best day ever,

    Nícia ❤

    Liked by 3 people

  23. i find it difficult to cut that stuff out period, to me it would sound like a long list of statements. I generally write how the thoughts floe through my head, i may cut out some stuff but a lot of what you would call flowery is still there.

    Liked by 2 people

  24. Totally agree words have it however, this only so if you have readers willing to read much before being distracted by something visual. Many are just too stressed about reading anything.

    Liked by 3 people

  26. I can use this! Sometimes I am just a giant run on sentence in person and in writing. Old habits die hard so it won’t happen overnight but at least I will be working on it.

    Liked by 2 people

  30. I’ve always tried to write short and to the point. Lately I’ve been taking a couple of writing workshops and now trying to find ways to ADD to my writing.
    For now I’m just writing the way I think. I re-read my posts and cut or add where it looks like it might need it to get the point across better.
    I’m hoping my blog will help me learn to write better.
    I could always use more help with that (comments).

    Liked by 3 people