When you decided to become a freelance writer, you may not have realized how challenging it can be to develop a specific writing style for each individual client. When you have a number of items on your plate, this can be challenging. Knowing how to tap into what you need when writing can get you out of a rut while introducing new concepts and tactics to change your mindset and flow. As a writer, it’s important to go back to the basics because you never forget the formula. Let’s take a walk back down memory lane and look at the five features of effective writing:
- Stay Focused
Once you establish the topic and subject, a great introduction will get the audience interested. Keeping the subject matter tight and consistent is key. You must keep your audience engaged throughout the piece to make an impact.
- Organize It
Organizing your thoughts into a well-written piece can run into issues when you’ve been writing on a number of different topics. Even if you start writing and it’s all over the place, as a professional writer, you’ll be able to read what you’ve written, extract the fluff and nonsense and still have a winning piece.
- Support and Elaboration
Clearly developing your topic with supporting details will move your writing along, even if you feel as if you don’t have much to say. Details make your writing come alive while filling in the gaps of the outline you have started.
- Style and Flow
Every topic and subject has a writing style of its own. Knowing how to relate each topic and add your own flair gives the piece individuality. The words you choose, the way to structure your sentences and the way you engage the audience all contribute to the style and flow of the piece. If you read and stumble, it’s not flowing well – but, if you can read it out loud and still remain interested, you’ve got a winner!
- The Little Things Count Too!
One of the most important things when writing is going back to correct your grammar and punctuation. There are many magazines and nationally published books that have incorrect sentence structure, grammatical and punctuation errors. Although mistakes are made, limiting those mistakes to a few, if any is key. This not only enhances your writing, but helps your credibility as a professional.
While each writer has their own strategies when writing, it’s always good to review the basics – even if just for a moment. You will have a renewed sense of confidence and can sit back, smile and realize just how far you’ve come!
Writer Bio: Allaire W is a professional writer with a love for the written word and a sweet tooth that turned a hobby into a business. You can find her “cooking” up assignments while covered in cake batter.
