Writing Habits Topic #5

Melissa Donovan gives very good advice in her article "12 Better Writing Habits." How good writing is for me varies depending on what type of writing it is. If I had to write a paper for a creative writing class, it would be better than a research paper I write for a history class. The tips that she gives to write better seems to depend on what type of writing you are striving to do. For example, if I am writing a research paper for a class a teacher may have a certain way on how she wants it written. If that is the case, experimenting with different forms is not going to help me, but in fact it just might hurt me. I do agree with reading. If you read more of what you are striving to write then you will gain a better understanding of what you need to do. If you need to improve on writing essays, then reading different essays will help you with finding your style, and even expanding your vocabulary. If you are trying to improve on writing press releases, then reading other press releases may help improve on how you get your thoughts on paper. I actually agree with all of her ideas if you are trying to improve your overall writing abilities. I would use all 12 of her tips to help me improve my writing. I would use number nine the lease though, because it has just always been hard for me to give feedback on someone else's paper because I usually do not know the topic very well, and I feel it is not my place to give my input on anything except grammar. The only suggestion I would add to the list is stay positive, because if your attitude is anything less than positive there is not much you can accomplish.

Paige J.