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Writer's pictureNirja Sharma

Write to Express, not to Impress!



Write to express not to impress, it’s key to longevity as a writer. — Jeff Crume


Who doesn't want to want to impress literary agents, our editors and readers?


When writers write to impress, their focus is on the reader, not on themselves, or their story. Their main focus is to create an impression that they may not require putting their heart and soul into what they are writing.


However, the point is to write from the heart. When writers write to express, they look inward, deep inside themselves, the story, the characters, the setting, the world they want the readers to picture.


Only then can writers make connections with their readers.


Readers do not want to be dazzled by clever sentences and fancy words.


They want to make a genuine connection with what the writer has to say.


You write because if you need to - you have to. If you don't you feel miserable. Writing is therapy. If you are able to impact someone else, its an added benefit.


Author George Orwell was deeply concerned with the effect of words, especially those that cause confusion. In his essay “Politics and the English Language,” Orwell set down the following writing rules that will probably serve you well, regardless of which language you are using.


1.Never use a metaphor, simile, or other figure of speech you are used to seeing in print.

2.Never use a long word where a short one will do.

3.If it is possible to cut a word out, always cut it out.

4.Never use a passive phrase where you can use the active.

5.Never use a foreign phrase, a scientific word, or a jargon word if you can think of an everyday English equivalent.

6.Break any of these rules sooner than say anything outright barbarous.



"Take the readers on a journey to your heart.


Say what you want to say and you will stay true to your voice."

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