Several months ago I was in Barnes & Noble when this this little hardback book caught my eye. The Little Red Writing Book: 20 powerful principles of structure, style and readability. I keep it in my office near my desk and whenever I have a little free time I’ll crack it open and read another chapter. Here are a few tips and quotes from the book that you can apply to your writing - both on and off your blog.

In the introduction author, Brandon Royal, tells us that his book is based on a simple but powerful observation: “Students and young professionals who develop outstanding writing skills do so primarily by mastering a limited number of the most important related writing principles, which they use over and over.”

I have only implemented a handful of the 20 principles given in the book, yet have noticed an increase in the quality of content on my site. I also feel more confident of my posts knowing that they don’t sound like random journal rants any longer.

Write with a Top-Down Approach

An airline pilot never leaves the runway without having a destination and flight pattern.

This should be done in your first paragraph. Your readers should read those first few sentences and know what the rest of the post is about. A principle that Paul integrates superbly on his blog.

When your purpose is to explain or inform, don’t play “I’ve got a secret.” Your first paragraph should be like a movie trailer. Give them the plot and the story-line, but make them want watch until the credits roll.

Sentence Variety

“Most sentences should follow the subject-verb-object sequence because it produces the most power. However, if all sentences follow this order, it creates choppiness and monotony in your writing. Particularly noticeable are series of sentences all begining the same way, especially with “I” or “we.”

Here are a few suggestions of how to start a sentance:

1. With a Subject: I, we, he, they, it…
2. With a Phrase: A phrase is a group of words that does not contain a verb.
3. With a Verb: a verb is a word that expresses an action or a state of being
4. With Adjectives: An adjective is a word used to modify or describe a noun or pronoun.

A few more quotes from the book:

“Writing is similar to selling in that it is part science and part art. The words and approach vary with each situation.”

“Writing has four pillars - structure, style, readability, and grammar - and each pillar is like the single leg of a sturdy chair.”

What are some rules or tips you try following when writing?