Archived Educated person looking for better writing skills. Where do I go? <---- (More in message section) (AskVoat)
submitted ago by hypercat
Posted by: hypercat
Posting time: 5.3 years ago on
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Archived on: 2/12/2017 1:51:00 AM
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10 upvotes, 7 downvotes (59% upvoted it)
Archived Educated person looking for better writing skills. Where do I go? <---- (More in message section) (AskVoat)
submitted ago by hypercat
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[–] Chalupacabra 0 points 3 points 3 points (+3|-0) ago
The elements of style by white and strunk is a good place to start. You could always take a class on writing at a community college or something too.
When it comes to editing your writing, attention to detail is key. Get stuff done early then let it sit before editing it, or ask a colleague to proof for you. There are various strategies for editing, if it has to be perfect I usually edit as follows: start from the beginning and proofread until I find an error, fix it, and then start from the beginning again. Once you get through the whole thing with no errors, then start from the end and proofread it backwards one sentence at a time. This helps overcome the brain's tendency to overlook mistakes when you know what should come next.
If you still have time let it sit for a day or two and repeat the process.
[–] hypercat [S] ago
I think I own that book. I was looking at the local college, unfortunately I think I have taken most of them. I went there for a few years before transferring to university, so it's not like I have never written before. I have certainly written a 27 page paper on the history and folklore on surfing and its effect on modern culture, I just think my boss who is telling me my writing style is crap is old fashioned. She is almost 70.
[–] bacon_tastes_good ago
Good advice. I would add to try reading out out loud when you proofread. If it doesn't sound right to you, change the wording.
[–] Chalupacabra 0 points 1 point 1 point (+1|-0) ago
That's a good one too. I usually skip that one for some reason and I frequently end up regretting it.