Mastering Effective Writing: L.A. Hill’s Principles
L.A. Hill’s Principles of Effective Writing
The principles of good writing, according to L.A. Hill, are:
- Clarity: Your writing should be easy to understand.
- Conciseness: Use only the necessary words to convey your point.
- Precision: Be as specific as possible in your writing.
- Correctness: Your writing should be free of errors.
Cultivating Clear & Logical Thinking for Writers
To write well, a writer must cultivate clear and logical thinking. This involves training oneself to follow problems step-by-step, without omitting details or avoiding difficulties. Regular practice is essential to improve one’s ability to think clearly and logically.
Boosting Vocabulary & Expression: L.A. Hill’s Tips
L.A. Hill suggests several methods for increasing vocabulary and improving powers of expression:
- Reading widely and carefully.
- Keeping a notebook to record striking words and expressions.
- Using a good dictionary to understand the exact meanings and uses of words.
The Discipline of Writing: Hard Work Over Inspiration
L.A. Hill famously states that writing is “99 percent hard work and 1 percent inspiration.” He emphasizes that regular and frequent practice is crucial for learning to write well. One learns to write by writing; waiting for inspiration is unproductive, as even the most famous writers rarely experience it. Therefore, the sooner one disciplines oneself to write consistently, the better.
The Writer’s Notebook: Capturing Ideas & Language
L.A. Hill highlights the importance of a writer’s notebook. It serves two primary purposes:
- To jot down words and expressions that particularly resonate with the writer.
- To record observations and ideas that come to mind, whether during walks, while reading, or at any other time (e.g., in the bath or upon waking). Hill stresses that unless these ideas are written down immediately, they are often forgotten.
Achieving Writing Success: Know Your Audience
To be a successful writer, one must write interestingly. Recognizing that different people have diverse interests, it’s unlikely to appeal to everyone. Therefore, it is crucial to know precisely what type of reader you are writing for and what subjects interest them most.
Writing for the Present: Topicality & Reader Interest
Most readers are primarily interested in the present time. Even when reading about the past or future, their interest often stems from its connection or relevance to contemporary issues. Thus, writers should choose subjects of topical interest, such as current fashions, modern problems, or seasonal events like Christmas preparations or summer holidays when they are approaching.
The Power of Personal Experience in Writing
Hill advises writers to choose subjects based on personal experience whenever possible. This allows them to write more convincingly and with greater authority than on topics where they only possess second-hand information.
Effective Presentation: Captivating Your Readers
Presentation is paramount in good writing. The opening paragraph should:
- Immediately capture the reader’s attention.
- Clearly indicate the subject matter and purpose of the writing.
If providing information, state the topic upfront. If arguing a point of view, declare it. There’s no harm in presenting a new or seemingly paradoxical viewpoint in the first paragraph, provided you offer convincing arguments to support it throughout the rest of your writing.
Writing with Passion: Engaging Your Audience
To write interestingly, you must be intensely interested in your subject and convey this eagerness to your readers. You must also genuinely believe in what you are writing and convince your readers of your honesty. Without your own interest and strong conviction, you cannot arouse the interest and sympathy of your audience.
L.A. Hill’s Two Key Writing Avoidances
L.A. Hill suggests two crucial “don’ts” for writers:
- Do not force personal problems on the reader: Avoid sharing private complaints or protests that few others share. Readers are generally not interested in such personal grievances.
- Do not strive to create an impression: Forget about yourself and focus solely on the reader. Write naturally, avoiding self-consciousness.
Developing Your Authentic Writing Style
L.A. Hill advises against deliberately trying to copy a style that isn’t your own. Such an attempt quickly becomes obvious to the reader, leading them to perceive insincerity and potentially stop reading. As a writer reads more works in various styles, their own style will naturally evolve. This organic process results in a unique style that genuinely belongs to the writer, emerging from their unconscious, unlike a consciously imitated style.
L.A. Hill’s Best Writing Approach: Simplicity
L.A. Hill advocates for writing simply and in a conversational tone. He notes that clean and plain English is currently in vogue, while elaborate, decorated styles are outdated. Hill specifically advises writers to avoid:
- Jargon
- Officialese
- Hackneyed expressions
- Rhetorical flourishes
- Empty verbiage
- Circumlocutions
Post-Writing Process: Revision & Editing Tips
After writing, it is essential to revise and edit your work for improvement. This involves:
- Checking for errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
- Ensuring the overall message is clear and concise.
- Verifying that the tone and style are appropriate for the intended audience and purpose.