Writing Tools

Draft a mission statement for your work

Get ideas down fast—then make each sentence better.

Turn procrastination into rehearsal

“Thinking about writing is part of writing.”

Do your homework well in advance

“Good writing starts long before the first sentence.”

Read for both form and content

If it sounds wrong, it is wrong.

Save strings

Distance makes your writing clearer.”

Break long projects into parts

Big writing gets done in small pieces.”

Take an interest in all craft that support your work

“Great writing depends on more than just words.”

Recruit your own support group

Write for someone, not everyone.”

Limit self-criticism in early drafts

Judge your writing the way a reader would.”

Learn from your critics

Study what works, then try it yourself.”

Own the tools of your craft

Care about what you write—so others will too.