Here are a few ideas that might help:

1) I believe you should always set aside twice as much time for editing as you do for writing. Organize what you wish to write, and go ahead and put everything down. After you complete your piece, than go back and edit. Writing and editing simultaneously can be very arduous and lacks the perspective you will need to truly pare and tighten your copy.

2) Strive to write in active voice, which is very hard to do, since many of us speak in passive voice. It may be difficult to eliminate the use of the verb “to be”, but try to minimize its use, and you will find it easier to write in an active way.

3) Try to keep sentences short and concise whenever possible. If you find yourself stringing together multiple complex sentences, step back and see how you can divide some of these sentences into simple ones. A mixture of simple and complex sentences can truly create an excellent rhythm for the reader.

4) If you use a complex sentence, make sure your thoughts flow from beginning to end. For example, we often put the end of the sentence in the beginning as a dependent clause:

Because the fire swept through the house, he jumped.

versus

He jumped, because the fire swept through the house.

When you put the dependent clause first, it can throw off the reader, because he or she must refer backwards to completely understand the thought.

5) Have a game plan before you start. I’m not a big believer in outlines, but some people need that degree of organization to ensure they have a beginning, middle and end to the thoughts or ideas they wish to convey.

6) Make sure to write regularly. You can only get better at something if you practice religiously. Make sure to find time to write several times a week.

Just a few thoughts. Good luck.

Expand your vocabulary daily and learn new words, meanings, grammar tips and writing styles and tips. Read books and magazines or informative articles and the styles they are put in, and keep on practicing. Maybe put in a daily journal or blog, there are plenty free online and good: I use blogger.com.

Keep practicing and work at it =)

Good luck on your writing, sweetie.

You might also like “Bird by Bird” by Anne Lamott.