A friend likes to preface many of the things he says with:“Without a word of a lie.” For some reason I don’t find such a statement all that convincing. It makes me wonder if he is not accustomed to telling the truth. I guess that’s why Jesus instructed us: “But let your communication be, Yea, … Continue reading The truth can stand by itself
adjectives
Writing and witnessing
There are two kinds of writers. First is the novice who has a burning desire to tell a story or to announce some truth. Feeling insecure in his ability, he adopts a formal tone, uses the most impressive words he can find, adds adjectives - lots of bold, beautiful, glorious, exuberant adjectives. He leaves nothing … Continue reading Writing and witnessing
Writng tips #2: 10 tips for writing more simply
[I have borrowed, translated and adapted these tips from a French website. That explains the references to French authors, in case you were wondering. These tips are intended for use in writing for the web, but would be useful in many other types of writing as well.] 1. Thou shalt write short sentences. You are … Continue reading Writng tips #2: 10 tips for writing more simply
Less is more (and more is less)
Too many new writers have the idea that they have to use interesting words to entice others to read their prose. They load up on colourful adjectives and adverbs, the more syllables the better, and replace simple nouns and verbs with ones that are larger and weightier. Readers get weary trying to wade through that … Continue reading Less is more (and more is less)