Writing Strategies
"Here are some lessons that might apply to your on-the-job writing. The first six I reported to you in my 100th column. The last three have occurred to me since then.Writing helps clarify your thinking;You don't really know what you think until you write it
Writing on a regular basis makes you a better writer;Like anything else, the more you practice, the better you get
Deadlines can be helpful;They can give you the energy and concentration you need to write
Length limits are good for your style;Eliminating wordiness improves your emphasis and impact
Good writing is edited writing;You never outgrow your need for a good editor
Letting your first draft "rest," will help you edit it more effectively;Certain problems become obvious if you allow time to pass between drafting and editing
Some stages of writing are inefficient and sloppy;Accepting the imperfection of the first draft is a wonderful freedom
Making it fun keeps it fresh;As with most things, a column on business writing doesn't need to be dry and boring
Writing counts;Writing is a reflection of your personality and style, a statement of your professional standards. It counts as much as anything else you do