Writing Tips

By Erma Yulihastin

Writing Tips
1. Master (kuasai) the basics of good writing style.
2. Make sure your writing is clear, simple and effective.
3. Boost (tingkatkan) your writing motivation and confidence.
4. Write with rapport (menghubungkan) and engage (mengajak) your readers.
5. Develop your authentic writing style and find your own voice.

Paragraph
1. Paragraph is simply a sequence of sentences with a common theme that runs through the whole passage.
2. When deciding where to stop and start your paragraphs, the rule is simple: just start a new paragraph for each new point.
3. Make sure your paragraphs are always wider than they are deep.
4. If you're writing on-line, your paragraphs will need be shorter.

How Do I Structure My Writing?
1. Get clear on your point before you start.
2. Work out what state you want your readers to be in at the end.
3. Think about how to get your readers from where they are to where you want them to be.
4. Ask yourself hard questions at the end:
5. did you make your point?
6. what state did you convey?
7. Listen to conference workshop tapes.
8. Put in some mood music.
9. Let aromatherapy take you away: Aromatherapy scents like citrus can stimulate the mind.
10. Critique someone else’s work: Sometimes working on someone else’s work can motivate you to work on your own.
11. Change the scenery: go someplace else, even if it’s a different chair in the same room.
12. Change format: switch to pen and paper rather than your computer.
13. Stretch and exercise: toss a ball with someone or play a little one-on-one.
14. Read a really good book or a really bad book.
15. Clean your house or work area.
16. Read the newspaper or blogs for story ideas.

Connect with Reader
1. DO use headlines that demand your reader's attention.
2. DON'T make basic grammar mistakes.
3. DO use plain (terang/jelas) everyday words.
4. DON'T witter on: stick to the point.
5. DO get into the mood (reader).
6. DON'T be afraid to experiment.
7. DON'T dress up (melucuti) your writing.
8. DO use short sentences.
9. DON'T stick rigidly to the rules.
10. DO include something of yourself (story, value, persona).


Writing with Authenticity

Authenticity means,

"The quality or condition of being authentic, trustworthy (terpercaya), or genuine."

Writing with Authenticy
1. Use plain language.
2. Be credible.
3. Write in your own words.
4. Be yourself.
5. Write with intention.

Thank You
Source: Joanna Young, The Confident Writing Coach