Writing Tools 5 Entries

Entry 8: Use parallel structure then give it a twist. The tool says to build a pattern in your writing, but break the pattern to give a nice little twist, which will lend more emphasis to what the sentence is about.

Entry 9: Punctuation is meant to be used as tools not as rules. This chapter goes over the uses of punctuation--specifically the use of the comma, semi-colon, colon, dash and period.

Entry 10: Cut Big, then small. This tool teaches you to write concisely. It gives you guides on how to trim the fat from your work. It says to start wordy, but always plan for rewrites, which are used to cut. It says to cut adverbs that intensify rather than modify, prepositional phrases that repeat the obvious, phrases that grow on words, abstract nouns that hid active verbs, and restatements.

Tool 11: Prefer the Simple over the Technical. This tool teaches you to turn hard facts into simplified prose. It says that this can make complicated subjects artistic and easier for your readers to read. It says simplicity is a craft that a writer must develop as a craft.

Tool 12: Give Key Words their Space. This rule says writers should be mindful of the words they are using. They should try to avoid using key words repetitively. Clark says key words deserve their territory, and using key words too frequently dilutes the meaning of them.