As a writer, you’ve probably heard the phrase “less is more” more times than you can count. While it may sound like a cliché, there’s a lot of truth to it. Crafting powerful prose is all about saying more with fewer words. Writing with economy is a skill that can take your writing to the next level, making it more powerful, engaging, and memorable. In this post, we have some awesome tips to share to help you on your journey to economical writing.
So, let’s get down to business. The key to mastering the art of writing with economy is to choose your words wisely. You want every word to pack a punch and add value to your writing. It’s like Marie Kondo-ing your writing: if it doesn’t spark joy, get rid of it! And, just like organizing your closet, it can be a daunting task, but trust me, it’s worth it.
Are you ready?
- Cut the fluff: You know when you’re trying to tell a story, and suddenly you’re lost in a sea of unnecessary words and phrases? Well, it’s time to cut the fluff. Look at your writing and see if any words, phrases, or sentences just don’t add anything to your story. If they’re not necessary, cut them out. For example, instead of saying “at this point in time,” just say “now.”
- Use strong verbs: Verbs are the backbone of any sentence. You can convey more meaning with fewer words by choosing strong, active verbs. For example, instead of saying, “he walked slowly,” say, “he sauntered.”
- Get to the point: Don’t beat around the bush. Writing with economy helps to get straight to the point and make your message clear. Instead of saying, “In this day and age, it’s important to think about how climate change affects our planet,” say, “Climate change is a pressing concern.” See how more direct and clear that is? Don’t waste your time on unnecessary words.
- Show, don’t tell: Instead of telling your readers what’s happening, show them with powerful prose. Use language that’s so descriptive and vivid that it’ll make them feel like they’re right there with you. For instance, instead of saying, “The sky was beautiful,” try, “The sky was so pretty, it looked like it was painted with a watercolor brush in shades of pink and orange.” See the difference? Your readers will too!
- Use metaphors and similes: Metaphors and similes help you convey complex ideas in a way that resonates with readers. For example, instead of saying, “She was sad,” say, “Her heart was heavy like a stone.” Your audience can instantly resonate with the weight of the stone and how it would feel in their chest.
An additional benefit of powerful prose is that it can save you time. You can get your message across faster when you say it with fewer words. This is especially important in today’s fast-paced world, where readers have shorter attention spans.
By applying these economical writing tips, your writing will become more concise, powerful, and effective. But don’t be afraid to break the rules and use longer, more complex sentences when necessary. Economical writing is about finding the right balance between brevity and clarity. So, the next time you’re ready to write, remember: less is often more.
