Cultivate the Qualities of Good Writing
By amy wilson
editor and writing teacher.
Mastering the qualities of good writing is a crucial skill for anyone looking to make an impact in the world with their written word. Whether you’re composing a blog post, an email, a novel, or even just a shopping list, writing is essential for conveying ideas and communicating effectively. But what are the qualities of good writing? We’re going to break down the qualities of good writing and provide some examples so that you can start crafting your own great content.
Qualities of Good Writing: Clarity
Clarity is one of the most important qualities of good writing. It’s no use having a beautiful sentence if nobody can understand what it means. To ensure clarity in your writing, avoid using overly complex words when simpler ones will do—even if they sound more sophisticated on paper.
Also, be sure to structure your sentences logically and clearly link ideas together with phrases like “for example” or “therefore” so that readers know exactly how each point relates to the next. (These are more at home in nonfiction writing, where examples are appreciated.) Finally, don't forget to check your work for typos or other errors which could lead to confusion. This might mean doing some revision or even working with a proofreader before you put your writing out into the world. Clarity is one of the most essential qualities of good writing.
Qualities of Good Writing: Brevity
It goes without saying that long-winded writing is rarely enjoyable —so keep it short and sweet. To achieve brevity in your writing, focus on keeping things concise and precise and avoiding unnecessary words or phrases (e.g., replace “in spite of the fact that” with just “although” or simply omit this phrasing altogether). Additionally, try breaking up longer paragraphs into shorter ones, as this can make it easier for readers to follow along with your story or argument.
When you consider directing reader attention, keep in mind that how much word count you spend on a topic will be interpreted as that topic’s level of importance. Spend more time on important things, and less time on unimportant things. (This is not only good writing advice, but good life advice!)
Qualities of Good Writing: Engagement
Of course, simply being clear isn't enough. Your reader needs to stay engaged, too! To make sure they keep reading until the end of your piece, try using qualities of good writing like rhetorical questions or thought-provoking statements to draw them in. If you’re writing fiction, make sure you provide vivid descriptions and scene-setting. If you’re writing a memoir, think of incorporating personal anecdotes that bring your point home in a more intimate and relatable way.
Finally, vary the length of sentences (as this helps create voice and rhythm, which is one of the qualities of good writing). You should also pay careful attention to pacing—make sure you don't rush through some points while dragging out others.
One of the main ways to determine whether you’ve done enough to cultivate the qualities of good writing is to give your piece to someone else to read (try beta readers or a critique group). If your reader is enthusiastic, you are on the right track. Remember that strong writers are constantly learning new techniques and refining their skills until their work reaches perfection—so never stop striving for excellence! With practice comes progress—so get out there and write something amazing today.
unlock your writing potential
As an agented writer and highly experienced editor, Amy Wilson can quickly identify strengths and opportunities for growth in your plot and prose, help you build a compelling submission package, and provide the encouragement you need to reach your writing goals. Take your writing to the next level with Amy’s professional eye.
